Do WNBA players think Caitlin Clark will be the league's face in five years?

New York Times

15-07-2025

There is not one defining feature that makes up the face of a sport. A player's success on the floor is important, but so is her social omnipresence, her brand prominence and her desire to be a voice on topics that not only involve her but her peers. The WNBA's face of the league does not have to be its best player, or even its most decorated. The WNBA currently has stars from various generations competing. A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier highlight a group that entered the league in the mid- to late-2010s, while Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are among a recent crop of stars.
Advertisement
So who do WNBA players think will be the face of the league in five years? And what do they think about a host of issues facing the league, including expansion, salaries and collective bargaining negotiations? On Monday, players weighed in on who is the league's best player and the best trash-talker.
To answer those questions, The Athletic's anonymous player poll is back. Every day this week, we'll share how players dished on topics.
Our reporters spoke to nearly 40 players from the start of the 2025 season — a total that represents nearly a third of non-rookie players in the league. We interviewed players from all 13 teams but excluded the 30 rookies in an effort to gather veterans' perspectives.
Players were granted anonymity to speak freely. They were also permitted to skip individual questions; as a result, each question shows the total number of responses for full transparency. Some players named more than one player, so we divided those vote totals. Players were not allowed to vote for their team or teammates.
At a time of explosive growth in the league, as multiple players are prominent across mediums, and brands continue to strike high-profile deals with rising WNBA stars, it was difficult for players to focus their responses on one player. More than 10 players responded with two potential options, with the indecision reflecting the star power that many in the sport have.
Clark, the Fever star, was the overwhelming choice, however. The two-time All-Star has proven to be the league's most popular player since she entered the WNBA last spring. Indiana's games routinely set, or come close to setting, record viewership numbers, and it's become common for the Fever's road opponents to move games to larger venues to accommodate the added interest Clark and her teammates draw.
That so many players chose Watkins is also notable as the USC guard might not enter the WNBA for another two seasons. But her future arrival, coupled with her ACL tear in last season's NCAA Tournament, has done little to dispel how highly players think about Watkins' pro potential. WNBA players already recognize her presence, and so many already viewing her as a future face of the league reflects their respect for her.
Advertisement
Although there is a difference between who might be the WNBA's best player in five years and who will be the league's face in five years, it is notable that in 2023, when The Athletic last conducted an anonymous player survey, Clark's Fever teammate Aliyah Boston received the second most votes. Two years later, A'ja Wilson was the lone player drafted before 2024 who received votes in this category.
On Caitlin Clark:
'She's clearly already a draw, and she still has room to improve (as a player).'
'I mean she is currently the face of the league.'
On JuJu Watkins:
'Just look at the presence she already has in college.'
On Paige Bueckers:
'She's very likable right now, and she's doing very well as a rookie, and her name is making a buzz.'
— The Athletic's Chantel Jennings contributed to this report.
Wednesday
Which city is ideal for expansion?
What should be a CBA priority?
Thursday
What's the best-run franchise?
What's the worst-run franchise?
Friday
What's the best rivalry?
Who's going to win the WNBA championship?
(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos of Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins: Luiza Moraes / Getty Images, Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)