UConn’s journey to a national championship was no Cinderella story, but it was a fairytale ending nonetheless! Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma have been through hell and back together, wading through the murky waters of injury and defeat. It hasn’t been easy, but nothing worth having is easy! The Huskies star and head coach duo were called upon to prove their mettle, and they did it on the highest level possible.

However, the event didn’t nearly draw as many eyeballs as it did the previous two years. During Caitlin Clark’s historic collegiate career, the women’s national championship game was viewed a lot more than the men’s, and it seemed like the tables had finally turned. But this year’s UConn versus South Carolina matchup wasn’t nearly as well-received.

On OutKick The Show with Clay Travis, the show host talked about how big of a gap there was in the two consecutive finals. “This year’s game, South Carolina [versus] UConn had 8.5 million viewers. That means 10.4  million viewers, in my opinion, basically tuned in to watch Caitlin Clark.” He said. “The ratings declined by about 56% percent or something like that from last year to this year… The only major difference? Caitlin Clark’s not playing.” It frankly makes a lot of sense.

There’s no doubt that Caitlin Clark has been a basketball sensation during both her collegiate and professional careers. The Iowa alum revolutionized the women’s game for the lack of a better word and was a major driving factor behind the meteoric rise of the sport. However, some critics tried to paint a racial picture instead, pointing at the rivalry dynamics between CC and Angel Reese.

Travis, however, had a piece of mind ready for those particular critics. “I think it is very hard to argue that race is the reason why Caitlin Clark is popular. Otherwise, Paige Bueckers would be just as popular as Caitlin Clark is.” He talked about how 10.4 million people showed up to watch CC, and didn’t return to see Paige Bueckers in the finals this year, even though the Huskies star is white as well.

After a long uproar regarding Caitlin Clark and her popularity being influenced by race, this year’s NCAA finals proved all the haters wrong. Paige Bueckers put on an amazing performance in the playoffs, but it wasn’t anything close to what CC could manage. It’s not like Bueckers and Clark aren’t in the same league of players. After all, following the UConn star’s exceptional rookie year, fans were waiting for a UConn-Iowa rivalry that never quite blossomed.

However, this year’s WNBA draft might usher in a reignited rivalry between the two lanky point guards. How will this competition develop? Let’s find out!

Caitlin Clark gains a new rival with the 2025 WNBA draft

After such a decorated collegiate career, it comes as a shock to no one that Paige Bueckers is the consensus #1 overall pick in this year’s draft class. The UConn star is all set to hear her name called out in New York next week, and it will most likely be for the Dallas Wings.

Is the Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark rivalry the most exciting thing in women’s basketball today?

However, her presence in the professional league might fuel some old rivalries! Think back to Bueckers’ rookie year, and her NPOY sweep, everyone thought she would be the next big thing. But injuries held her potential at bay while Caitlin Clark seized the opportunity in front of her.

via Imago

The Indiana Fever guard will definitely be on the lookout for her old college rival, as Indiana plays Dallas a total of four times this season. They will alternate locations, starting from June 27 in Dallas, and ending in mid August in Indiana.

With a natty in her cabinet, Caitlin Clark’s UConn counterpart has a leg up over the Fever star. There will be competition aplenty, and there’ll be a lot to prove for both parties. We can’t wait for all the action that’s about to come! Stay tuned for all the action.