Caitlin Clark is already the biggest name in the WNBA and she has yet to be drafted. The Phoenix Mercury are using her to sell tickets for a game at the end of June before Iowa’s superstar shooter is even on a team in an official capacity.
That’s special!
Now, to be clear, there are a lot of legends already in the league whose names carry a lot of weight. It is not to discredit the greatness of players like Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Maya Moore, Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, etc.
It is simply to say that there is no bigger name in women’s basketball right now than Caitlin Clark.
Barring the most shocking decision in the history of any professional sports draft ever, the two-time National Player of the Year is going to be a member of the Indiana Fever. She is headed to Indianapolis.
However, that is not yet officially official.
Even though there is a (less than 0.5%) chance that Clark will not play for the Fever, the Mercury are getting ahead of the highly-anticipated matchup. Phoenix will host Indiana on June 30.
Diana Taurasi is the biggest name on the team and recently issued a warning to Clark that “reality is coming.” Her comments sparked all kinds of chatter from both sides of the aisle over the weekend.
In an effort to capitalize on the newly-sparked beef, the Mercury is promoting the first meeting between the two players as “The GOAT vs. The ROOK.” They’re selling tickets for a game that involves a player who isn’t even in the league!
And they’re pushing it hard!
That is truly unprecedented. I cannot think of another time where this has happened.
The WNBA Draft will be held next week. Clark is still an amateur!