In a notable moment this week, Sports Illustrated crowned its “Sportsperson of the Year”—Simone Biles. While this decision was certainly warranted, given Biles’ extraordinary achievements, including four additional medals in Paris and solidifying her status as the most decorated gymnast in history, there is another athlete whose influence in 2024 cannot be overstated. Caitlin Clark undeniably defined the year in sports, outshining all others with her unprecedented impact on the WNBA and beyond.
Clark’s influence stretched far beyond the court, driving the WNBA to its most successful season to date. Increases in attendance by 48% and a 170% surge in ESPN viewership were directly tied to her dominance. While the league’s success was a collective effort, featuring stars like A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and Sabrina Ionescu, Clark was undoubtedly the driving force behind this meteoric rise. Of the 31 most-watched WNBA games in 2024, 22 featured Clark, cementing her status as the face of the league’s renaissance.
Her effect wasn’t limited to the WNBA, however. Clark also made waves in the collegiate scene, leading the University of Iowa to a second consecutive NCAA Women’s Final Four. This game attracted more viewers than any televised NBA or MLB game in 2024. Even South Carolina’s legendary coach, Dawn Staley, publicly thanked Clark for elevating women’s sports to new heights. Clark’s influence was further exemplified by her role as an investor in a bid for a Cincinnati NWSL franchise, contributing to the rapid growth of another women’s sports league that flourished in 2024.
As Time magazine recognized Clark as its “Athlete of the Year,” her accomplishments were undeniable. Some might argue that Sports Illustrated missed the opportunity to honor Clark, but magazine decisions are often made months in advance, leaving little room for last-minute shifts. The public’s response to both SI and Time honorees reflected a mixture of praise and criticism. While SI faced backlash for its omission of Clark, Time’s choice was largely uncontested, though Clark’s candid remarks sparked some debate.
Looking at these editorial selections within a broader context, one can’t ignore the overarching theme of women’s sports in 2024. From the WNBA’s landmark season to the NWSL’s explosive growth and even the NFL’s cultural shift, propelled by Taylor Swift’s influence on the Kansas City Chiefs, the year belonged to female athletes. The true takeaway from these editorial decisions is clear: the rise of women’s sports defined 2024, and Caitlin Clark’s impact on the sporting world was, without question, monumental.
