Just hours after helping lead the Indiana Fever to a dramatic 78-76 win over the Washington Mystics on Monday night, Caitlin Clark found herself making headlines for a very different reason.
The Fever star, who delivered 19 points in the win and knocked down the game-winning shot in the closing seconds, received major recognition for the impact she continues to have on the sport of basketball. Since bursting onto the national scene at Iowa and carrying that momentum into the WNBA, Clark has become one of the most influential athletes in America.
Her games consistently draw massive television audiences, opposing teams continue to move contests to larger arenas when Indiana comes to town, and her presence has helped introduce countless new fans to women's basketball. Now, another prestigious honor has arrived as recognition for that impact.
Clark was named to TIME's 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports, placing her alongside some of the biggest names across the athletic world.
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TIME Recognizes Clark's Lasting Impact
In its profile of Clark, TIME highlighted the unprecedented attention she has brought to women's basketball dating back to her record-breaking career at Iowa.
The publication noted how Clark's pursuit of the NCAA Division I all-time scoring record turned her into a national phenomenon. Her games routinely generated record television audiences, sold-out arenas and levels of fan interest rarely seen in the sport.
That momentum carried directly into the WNBA.
During her rookie season with the Indiana Fever in 2024, Clark appeared in the most-watched WNBA broadcasts ever aired on multiple major networks. Demand for tickets became so overwhelming that several Fever road games were moved to larger NBA and NHL venues to accommodate crowds.
Her second season was marred by injuries, but she still saw her fair share of attention. This season, Clark and the Fever have eyes on them every game.
Clark Continues Building Her Legacy
TIME also pointed to Clark's historic accomplishments on the court.
After battling injuries during much of the 2025 season, Clark opened 2026 by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 1,000 points, 250 rebounds and 250 assists. She reached the milestone in just 54 career games, surpassing the previous mark held by WNBA legend Diana Taurasi.
The latest recognition arrives at a fitting moment. Fresh off another Fever victory and already one of the faces of professional basketball, Clark continues to add milestones to a résumé that already includes WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, All-WNBA First Team recognition and countless collegiate records.
Now, with a spot on TIME's prestigious list, Clark's influence extends well beyond the basketball court as her impact on the sport continues to grow.
