Caitlin Clark is no stranger to victory on the basketball court. During her four-year tenure with the Iowa Hawkeyes, she secured a remarkable 78.4 percent winning rate, suffering only 30 defeats. Her transition to the WNBA was equally impactful, as she elevated the Indiana Fever’s performance by seven games in her rookie season. Clark’s leadership propelled the franchise to its first non-losing season since 2016 and a long-awaited playoff appearance. Beyond basketball, her competitive spirit extends to other sports, where she consistently outperforms her teammates in golf, baseball, and bowling. Given her track record, losing a shooting contest to a retired NFL player was likely not on her radar.
In an unexpected turn of events, Clark found herself on the losing end against 44-year-old Eli Manning in a Pop-A-Shot basketball duel. The showdown occurred during an episode of The Eli Manning Show, which premiered Thursday on the New York Giants’ YouTube channel. As they engaged in lighthearted competition across golf and basketball, Manning tested Clark with pointed questions, blending entertainment with their friendly rivalry. To Clark’s surprise, Manning emerged victorious with a 76-51 triumph, marking his first-ever win against a guest on the show.
Although Clark had admitted beforehand that arcade basketball was not her forte, she could not hide her disappointment at becoming Manning’s first defeated opponent. “I’m honored to be the first,” she remarked through gritted teeth, displaying her ever-present competitive edge. Even during the WNBA offseason, Clark remains deeply immersed in the game. On Wednesday night, she navigated a packed schedule, attending two basketball games in Indiana. She first appeared at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, where her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, serves as a coach, before heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament.
Clark’s opportunity to reclaim victory on the court is fast approaching. The Indiana Fever’s preseason opener is set for May 3, where they will face the Washington Mystics. The following day, Clark will have a unique homecoming moment, as the Fever take on her alma mater, Iowa, in a special exhibition match at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This highly anticipated game will undoubtedly be an emotional return for Clark, as she steps onto the court where she cemented her legacy.
Despite the lighthearted loss to Manning, Clark’s focus remains on the upcoming WNBA season, where she aims to continue her ascent as one of the league’s brightest stars. Her relentless drive and unwavering commitment to excellence suggest that any setback—whether in an arcade game or on the hardwood—is merely fuel for future triumphs. As she prepares for her sophomore season, the basketball world eagerly watches, knowing that Clark’s best is yet to come.
