Caitlin Clark’s Journey: Iowa, the WNBA, and the Complexity of Olympic Considerations

By Alejandro Villamor Last updated Feb 20, 2024 Share with new partner:

Caitlin Clark made history last Thursday when Iowa defeated Michigan 106-89 to become the all-time leading women’s point scorer in NCAA history.

However, the celebration was accompanied by a plea from fans, chanting one more year, urging her to utilize an extra fifth year of eligibility granted due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caitlin Clark, who is currently 22 years old, finds herself standing at a pivotal juncture where she must weigh the choice between announcing her intention to join the WNBA Draft or opting to continue her collegiate journey at Iowa.

Despite her potential as the No.1 overall pick and an estimated yearly income of $818,000 through the NIL system, sports columnist and podcaster Jason Whitlock cautions against leaving college basketball, stating on his show ‘Fearless’ that joining the WNBA could kill her momentum.

Whitlock argues that the WNBA is not the ideal platform for Clark to continue building her legacy. Instead, he advocates for her to stay in college basketball, emphasizing its potential to drive interest in the women’s game.

Whitlock’s Case for Caitlin Clark’s Return

caitlin-clark's-journey-iowa-the-wnba-and-the-complexity-of-olympic-considerations — Caitlin Clark made history last Thursday when Iowa defeated Michigan 106-89 to become the all-time leading women’s point scorer in NCAA history.

Kelsey Plum, whose all-time scoring record Clark surpassed with a remarkable 49-point performance against Michigan, echoes this sentiment, urging Iowa to do everything in their power to retain the star player.

While Clark’s talent positions her as a top prospect, the debate centers on whether the WNBA can offer the same level of exposure and impact on women’s basketball as the college stage.

Whitlock contends that returning to Iowa is not only in Clark’s best interest but also beneficial for the broader landscape of women’s basketball.

As Clark navigates this critical juncture in her career, she acknowledges being in a win-win scenario, torn between entering the WNBA Draft or staying another year in college.

With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the spotlight on Clark’s decision intensifies, and her choice could significantly shape the trajectory of her career and the future of women’s basketball.