Caitlin Clark has been named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024, celebrating her extraordinary achievements in basketball. Over the past year, she has become one of the most influential athletes, setting numerous records and reaching significant milestones that have changed the perception of women’s basketball. Her rise has sparked widespread excitement, positioning her as one of the most talked-about sports figures of 2024.
Clark made an immediate impact in the WNBA during her rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. She set several records, including the most assists in a single season and the most three-pointers by a rookie. These accomplishments showcased her incredible skill and quickly established her as a leading force in professional basketball.
Before joining the WNBA, Clark had already made history at the college level. In February, she broke the NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball scoring record, surpassing the previous mark held by Hall of Famer Pete Maravich. Her performance during the NCAA championship game between Iowa and South Carolina attracted 18.9 million viewers, making it the second most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. television history.
Clark’s influence extended beyond basketball with a groundbreaking $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, the largest ever for a female basketball player. She also helped drive the WNBA’s highest-ever television viewership, contributing to a 54 million strong audience during the regular season. Her rookie-year success earned her the title of Rookie of the Year, further cementing her role as a trailblazer in women’s sports.
Reflecting on her achievements, Clark described her year as “historic.” She noted how she was able to draw in new fans to women’s basketball, converting people who had never watched the sport into enthusiastic supporters. Through her remarkable accomplishments and cultural impact, Caitlin Clark has earned her place as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024.
