Caitlin Clark’s rise has followed a unique path since entering the WNBA as the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. After a record-setting rookie season that earned her Rookie of the Year honors, expectations were high for her sophomore campaign. However, injuries to her quadriceps, ankle, and groin limited her availability throughout 2025. She appeared in just 13 games, with her final outing coming on July 15.
Even with limited playing time, Clark remained productive on the court. She averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while adding 1.6 steals. Those numbers reflect her ability to impact games even when not at full health. More importantly, they helped maintain her relevance in league discussions during a season when she was often sidelined.
PSA rankings offered a broader measure of Clark’s impact during 2025. Professional Sports Authenticator, the leading authority in sports card grading and authentication, announced that Clark topped basketball card interest across the United States. This ranking placed her above NBA stars including LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as emerging talents like Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama. The result shows how strongly Clark resonates with collectors and fans nationwide.
Geographically, Clark’s influence was nearly unmatched. According to PSA data, she led basketball card interest in almost every US state. Her name did not appear at the top in only twelve states, highlighting how widespread her appeal has become. For a WNBA player to dominate a traditionally NBA-driven collectibles market reflects a shift in how fans engage with women’s basketball.
The Indiana Fever guard’s popularity also continued while she was away from the floor. Whether appearing on the bench, in recovery updates, or at national team training camps, Clark remained a central figure in basketball media coverage. Her participation in the US team’s December training camp signaled that her recovery was progressing and that she was preparing for a full return. This helped sustain momentum entering her third professional season.
Looking ahead, Clark’s PSA recognition carries implications beyond individual accolades. It highlights growing visibility for the WNBA and suggests increased crossover interest between men’s and women’s basketball audiences. For the Fever, it reinforces the importance of building around a player whose influence extends into ticket sales, merchandise, and fan engagement even during injury setbacks.
Comment Section Prompt
What do you think this recognition means for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever heading into next season?
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