INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark, arguably the top player in all of college basketball, has declared her intention to enter the WNBA draft.
In a social media post made on Feb. 29, Clark announced that while she has unfinished business with the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes, she has decided to set her sights on the future and declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Clark is the presumptive first overall pick in the WNBA draft. The Indiana Fever won the rights to the first overall pick via the WNBA Draft Lottery in December and will likely select Clark with that pick.
"It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa," the statement read, in part.
Thursday's announcement caught sports experts and some fans by surprise.
"I think she could make more in college, so I was a little bit surprised by that," fan John Seneczko said.
But Locked on Pacers host Tony East said that's not exactly true.
"Last year's first overall pick, Aliyah Boston, is with the Fever because she has, on the record in interviews, said it's a very big myth that players take a pay cut coming from the college game to the pros because Nike is not going to stop having you be a Nike athlete because you're no longer in college. That stays with you. I imagine Caitlin Clark will still be a State Farm staple," East said.
Clark has become one of the most popular athletes in the country, selling out arenas wherever she goes.
"It's impossible to understate how big this is for the Fever," East said. "She is the most popular college basketball star, certainly on the women's side, there's been ever, potentially."
"She's a superstar. She's incredible to watch, shooting half-court shots and draining them like it's nothing. It's awesome," another fan said. "She's going to do great for women's basketball. There's no doubt. When she comes to town, I will definitely be taking my kids to go see her. She's that exciting."
The announcement quickly made Clark the talk of the city and an even bigger conversation on social media. Fever fans are ready to welcome her to Indiana. Mayor Joe Hogsett posted a message on X that said, "Looking forward to welcoming you to Indy, Caitlin."
"I think, economically, there's going to be a benefit for the city, along with keeping Indiana on the map," Seneczko said.
"Her global popularity – and it's not a stretch to say global means everywhere – will benefit from her being in the league, and the Fever specifically will be putting a lot more butts in seats this year with Caitlin Clark in the fold," East said.
Less than an hour after the announcement, the Fever made a simple statement indicating they are planning on drafting Clark.
“Our staff is preparing for the upcoming WNBA Draft and we will select the best player available with the No.1 overall pick,” Fever general manager Lin Dunn said in a statement.