When Stephen A. Smith speaks, the sports world listens. Known for his fiery commentary and sharp critiques, Smith rarely dishes out unfiltered praise. But this week, his words about Caitlin Clark, the young phenomenon redefining the WNBA, struck like lightning.
“She turned everything she touched into gold,” Smith declared on First Take. “Caitlin Clark didn’t just arrive in the WNBA — she brought the world with her.” In an instant, a new chapter in women’s basketball had begun.Clark’s journey started in Des Moines, Iowa, a city better known for cornfields than basketball revolutions. From her earliest days on the court, she displayed a rare combination of talent and fearlessness. By high school, she was a scoring prodigy with unmatched range and basketball IQ that left coaches awestruck.
At the University of Iowa, Clark didn’t just break records — she rewrote history. She became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA basketball history, surpassing legends like Pete Maravich. Her step-back threes became must-watch moments, her confidence and competitiveness captivating fans nationwide.
“You couldn’t look away,” Smith said. “Every shot was theater. Every possession felt like magic.”Drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever, Clark immediately transformed the franchise. Ticket sales skyrocketed, jerseys sold out, and previously modest arenas filled to capacity. Television ratings surged, sponsorship deals multiplied, and rival teams even saw attendance jump when Clark played.
Despite the fame, Clark remained grounded. “Respect for the women’s game,” she said when asked about her priorities — not money, not trophies, but the sport itself.Smith, who built his career on calling out mediocrity, sees in Clark something transformative.
“She’s not just scoring points,” he said. “She’s scoring for history. Every shot she takes carries the weight of the women who came before her.” Smith compared her impact to NBA legends: “When Michael Jordan came into the NBA, he didn’t just win — he changed the world. Caitlin Clark is doing that for the WNBA.”Clark’s influence extends far beyond stats. Since her arrival:
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WNBA ticket prices in key markets have surged.
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National broadcasts are pulling record audiences.
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Young fans wear Fever jerseys to school, inspired by her game and persona.
“She made people care,” said former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes. “Not just about the WNBA — about women’s sports as a whole. That’s legacy work.”Clark has faced tough defenses, physical play, and media scrutiny, yet she remains composed. “Pressure’s a privilege,” she said after a tough loss. Her maturity and calm under fire — what Smith calls her “superpower” — separate her from peers.Clark is magnetic. She connects with fans, mentors teammates, and carries herself with authenticity. Smith calls her “a movement,” one just beginning to reshape women’s basketball.Clark’s rise coincides with a broader shift in the WNBA, alongside stars like Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart. Smith emphasizes that the league can no longer be ignored: “Caitlin Clark sold out Madison Square Garden. She broke viewership records. You can either keep doubting, or start believing.”Clark’s influence extends off the court as well. Through the Caitlin Clark Foundation, she supports youth programs, inspiring the next generation. Major sponsors, from Nike to Gatorade, align with her values of integrity, determination, and authenticity.“She’s a generational gift,” Smith said. “She didn’t just change the WNBA — she redefined it. Some players change stats. Some change teams. Caitlin Clark changed the game.”
As she continues to rise — fearless, smiling, unstoppable — one thing is certain: everything Caitlin Clark touches will keep turning to gold.
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