Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has once again addressed the conversation surrounding “privilege,” doubling down on her earlier remarks in a candid discussion on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.
The 2024 TIME Athlete of the Year, who has taken the WNBA by storm in her rookie season.
According to The Indianapolis Star, Clark has been responsible for a staggering 26.5 percent of all WNBA-related activity this season.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has once again addressed the conversation surrounding “privilege,” doubling down on her earlier remarks in a candid discussion on Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction hosted by David Letterman.
The 2024 TIME Athlete of the Year, who has taken the WNBA by storm in her rookie season, acknowledged her racial privilege but emphasized her deep respect and admiration for the women—particularly Black athletes—who helped build the league into what it is today.
Caitlin Clark in the frame
“I Definitely Have Privilege,” Says Clark
Speaking openly with Letterman, Clark said, “I definitely have privilege. I’m obviously white, but I think I’m somebody who grew up a huge fan of this league.”
“I grew up watching this league, going to games, supporting this league,” she continued. “So I know where this league comes from: A lot of Black women that grew up making this league what it is. And that’s kind of the shoulders that we stand on.”
Clark emphasized her gratitude and awareness, adding, “That was something I’m very aware of, and something I’m very thankful for.”
A Lifelong Fan Paying Tribute to Her Heroes
Clark has consistently made it a point to credit former WNBA greats as foundational to her love of the sport. Her admiration is not just verbal—she’s lived it.
In her debut season, she shattered the WNBA rookie scoring record, surpassing a player she idolized growing up—Seimone Augustus. It was Augustus, she recalls, who was the first professional player she ever met.
“I got my picture with her on my dad’s little phone – it was maybe like a BlackBerry back in the day,” Clark said. “I vividly remember it. I was always a fan of her game and the way she could shoot the ball.”
She also spoke fondly of Maya Moore, the four-time WNBA champion and former Minnesota Lynx superstar. Clark recalled how meeting Moore at a Lynx game in 2014 left a lasting impression on her.
“Ten seconds can go a long way in somebody’s life,” she said, reflecting on that moment. “That’s a good lesson whether you play sports or don’t play sports, how you treat somebody matters.”
Today, Clark tries to pay it forward. “I try to spend as much time as I can for those young girls,” she said, echoing the way Moore and Augustus inspired her.
Revisiting Her TIME Magazine Remarks
Clark first stirred controversy when she discussed race and visibility in women’s basketball during her TIME Magazine profile.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” she said. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.”
A Game-Changer for the League
According to The Indianapolis Star, Clark has been responsible for a staggering 26.5 percent of all WNBA-related activity this season. That includes ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and television ratings
If there’s any privilege at play, some argue, it’s the league’s good fortune in having a generational talent like her.
