Sue Bird’s Bold Statement: Caitlin Clark’s Rise Is More Than Just Her Individual Achievement

Sue Bird, one of the most celebrated figures in WNBA history, isn’t one to hold back when it comes to speaking her mind. So, when Caitlin Clark, the standout star from the University of Iowa, was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, it ignited more than just praise—it sparked heated conversations across the basketball community. Bird, who spent nearly two decades in the WNBA, is clear about her thoughts on the matter: while Clark undeniably deserves the recognition, the moment represents something much larger for women’s basketball.

Bird, in a recent interview, shared her thoughts on Clark’s meteoric rise, stating, “The fire was there, but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing.” With that, Bird vividly illustrated how Clark has propelled women’s basketball into the spotlight, drawing attention not just from basketball enthusiasts but from the wider sports world.

For many, Clark’s selection as Athlete of the Year is seen as a major breakthrough, a sign that women’s basketball is finally gaining the recognition it deserves on a global scale. Yet, not everyone in the sports world shares this sentiment. Sheila Johnson, the co-owner of the Washington Mystics, believes the honor should go beyond one individual and suggested a more collective tribute. She proposed placing all 132 WNBA players on the cover of TIME, even crowning the entire league as “League of the Year.”

This perspective isn’t without its merit. The WNBA has made undeniable strides in recent years—viewership has surged, fan bases have expanded, and merchandise sales are at an all-time high. The league has made immense progress, but Bird, who witnessed much of the league’s evolution firsthand, believes the spotlight on Clark is warranted but should not overshadow the league’s collective accomplishments.

“Look, there’s no Caitlin Clark without the WNBA,” Bird firmly asserts. She’s quick to acknowledge that Clark’s extraordinary talent deserves the spotlight, but she also emphasizes the role the WNBA plays in giving athletes like Clark the platform they need to showcase their skills. Bird is not diminishing the hard work of players in the past, nor is she downplaying the league’s growth; rather, she’s drawing a line that sets Clark’s success apart from others.

Caitlin Clark’s rise has been a unique and transformative force in the world of basketball. Bird recognizes that while the WNBA has always been growing, Clark has taken the flame and ignited it into something far larger. Clark’s electrifying long-range three-pointers, her leadership on and off the court, and her undeniable presence on the court have elevated women’s basketball to a new level of respect and attention. She’s not just a rising star—she is the face of a movement that’s making waves in the sports world, and Bird is quick to acknowledge that.

This, however, is about more than just one player. Bird recognizes the cultural shift that’s slowly but powerfully reshaping the landscape of women’s sports. This is no longer about just one player’s success—it’s about the collective impact of women’s basketball on society as a whole. The WNBA, long regarded as a professional league for women basketball players, is now being thrust into the global conversation thanks to players like Clark, who are not only changing the game on the court but changing how people view women’s sports in general.

Bird isn’t just applauding Clark’s rise; she understands the broader context of it all. The stage was set, but now, as Bird puts it, it’s Clark’s time to shine. It’s about the shift in culture—one that’s being driven by not just Clark’s brilliance but by the collective effort of every athlete who’s worked to elevate women’s basketball to where it is today. The influence Clark has had is undeniable, but it’s not just about the records she’s breaking or the games she’s winning; it’s about how she’s inspiring future generations of women in sports to reach for new heights.

Bird’s message is clear: While Caitlin Clark’s accomplishments are extraordinary, they also represent the broader cultural shift in women’s sports. It’s not just about the individual achievements, but the collective progress of the league and the players who have worked tirelessly to push the game forward.

Looking ahead, the future of women’s basketball looks incredibly bright, and players like Caitlin Clark are at the forefront of this revolution. As Bird aptly pointed out, “The fire was there, but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing.” This shift is more than just about one player—it’s about the cultural impact of women’s sports, and it’s just getting started.