“No one can stop you unless you let them,” was the motto that Caitlin Clark said and believed while playing in the big league. From the moment she was drafted as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever, comparisons to WNBA greats like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and even Sue Bird herself have been relentless.
Yet for every highlight reel celebrating her record-breaking performances, a counterargument emerges questioning her legitimacy, creating a polarizing discourse that has now reached a boiling point after ESPN’s controversial segment on her collegiate legacy.
Caitlin Clark Snub Blocked by WNBA Legend
The latest criticism came during ESPN’s segment, “Is Caitlin Clark The Greatest Of All Time In College Basketball?” where analyst Ari Chambers definitively rejected Clark’s GOAT status, citing her lack of a national championship.
“In the open, we said ‘What makes a top-five player? Winning.’ The only thing, the only strike against Caitlin Clark, is that she has not won a National Championship. And that is the only thing that you can put against her, because the way that she has dominated the record books when she was at Iowa was something you could put duplicate,” said Chambers during the ESPN segment.
espn puts out a 10 min video ranking all time college players. they say caitlin can’t be ranked in the top 5. yet the title is “Is Caitlin Clark The Greatest Of All Time In College Basketball?” to farm engagement and hate lmfaooo pic.twitter.com/X26K6wm6pX
— correlation (@nosyone4) March 16, 2025
This assessment, however, struck a nerve with four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird, who took to the “A Touch More” podcast to defend Clark’s collegiate achievements despite the absence of a championship ring.
“Listen, I think the way that I’m looking at this: No, Caitlin didn’t win. It’s why she’s not No. 1. I think going to the national championship game two years in a row, basically playing big in every big game, hitting every big shot in every big moment, there’s something to that clearly,” said Bird during the podcast.
period sue pic.twitter.com/9B9Mzyhjbl
— correlation (@nosyone4) March 20, 2025
The college records on Clark’s résumé indicate her commanding performance. She holds the NCAA record for most career points scored at 3,951 and left an indelible mark on the NCAA history books. She completed her senior year of college by averaging 31.6 points combined with 8.2 assists and 7.1 rebounds which showcased a holistic set of abilities that are not commonly reached at any level.
Moreover, the 548 three-pointers Clark sunk during her career fundamentally changed offensive tactics by requiring opponents to defend her everywhere she stepped beyond the half-court mark.
Now coming to her rookie WNBA season, Clark continued her trajectory toward greatness despite the expected adjustment period. Her debut campaign has featured 122 three-pointers, with a 35-point performance against the Dallas Wings.
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While her efficiency has fluctuated against more physical professional defenses, she was able to elevate the entire WNBA viewership. After Clark joined the league, the last WNBA season was the most watched regular season in ESPN’s history, with a 170% increase in broadcasts compared to 2023. Also, The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game had the highest attendance ever drawing nearly 3.4 million viewers.
Moreover, Bird’s defense of Clark isn’t merely supporting a rising star; it’s an acknowledgment from basketball royalty. A four-time WNBA champion, five-time Olympic gold medalist, and all-time leader in WNBA assists, Bird knows what greatness looks like. Her backing of Clark as the greatest college player ever carries significant weight.
The debate over Caitlin Clark’s place in basketball history is far from over, but one thing is certain that is if a player like Sue Bird is vouching for her, the conversation is worth having. However, this isn’t the only time that Bird has spoken highly of Clark.
When Bird Stated Caitlin Clark Was the Reason Behind WNBA’s Success
Clark became a household name during her time at Iowa by captivating fans with her deep three-pointers, and record-breaking performances. She led Iowa to consecutive Final Fours, and the 2024 NCAA championship game featuring Clark and Iowa against South Carolina became the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history, drawing 18.7 M viewers on ABC. When Clark transitioned to the WNBA, she brought that fanbase with her, sparking an unprecedented surge in interest.
WNBA legend Sue Bird acknowledged Clark’s impact during an episode of ‘A Touch More‘ podcast with partner Megan Rapinoe, stating that Clark’s arrival significantly boosted the league’s visibility.
“The fire was going. It was burning. And it was burning brighter… but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing and just took it to another level,” explained Bird during the podcast.
Moreover, the financial impact of Clark’s success has been significant. She earned roughly $100,000 from WNBA salary bonuses but made a staggering $11.1 M from endorsements from brands like Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, Wilson, Hy-Vee, Xfinity, Gainbridge, Lilly and Panini (as per Sportico). With higher revenues, the WNBA’s growth became undeniable, proving Bird’s statement that Caitlin Clark was a key factor in its success.