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Caitlin Clark Joins Lionel Messi, Travis Kelce and Coach Prime in Special List as Fans Enjoy the WNBA Wave

Published 04/28/2024, 12:15 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Caitlin Clark is a name resonating with perfection. Her reputation as a versatile athlete of sorts proceeds with every forthcoming move. She is probably the only athlete whose prowess and distinguished skills have been praised by legendary athletes including Tom Brady, Jean King, and Serena Williams, to name a few. Blazing in the NCAA, she is already grinding to make an impactful WNBA debut.

But that too is due next month. However, the Clark effect still runs strong among fans, as they are feasting on every nugget of information that has Clark’s name on it. Capitalizing on the same, America’s largest sporting goods retailer has added one other milestone under her name.

Caitlin Clark’s another historical endeavor

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Set to make her WNBA debut next month, Caitlin Clark has associated herself with yet another monumental achievement. Basketball’s biggest thing at the moment is pushing the limits by placing her name beside distinguished players like Lionel Messi, Travis Kelce, and Deion Sanders, aka ‘Coach Prime’.

Reportedly, Clark is going to be the first female athlete whose team apparel will be available at ALL 724 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in the US, as her Indiana Fever t-shirts and jerseys are set to be released in the coming week.

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Moreover, Clark will be the 4th athlete to have her merchandise available in all Dick’s stores in the US, with Lionel Messi, Travis Kelce, and Deion Sanders being the top 3 athletes. Last season, Dick’s Sporting Goods could sell WNBA gear in 160 locations. This year too, the company has a similar sales target, with Clark’s jersey becoming the only exception.

It is fascinating how the all-time leading scorer is playing a pivotal role in reshaping commercial growth in women’s basketball. Needless to say, her record-breaking season as Iowa’s senior caught people’s undivided attention worldwide. She is the only athlete who has set historical benchmarks in attendance, TV viewership, and ticket sales and demand. Similarly, the night she went pro was watched by more people than any other in the league’s history. She is making everyone and everything better around her.

Within 48 hours after Clark’s draft selection, her Indiana Fever jerseys were already sold out. Since then, WNBA’s official shop has simply put out the update on the product as ‘coming soon’ as they will be shipping the jerseys in August, adhering to Nike’s manufacturing timetable.

USA Today via Reuters

This can be seen as the Caitlin Clark effect, as her achievement has elevated her to a high-profile status, attracting record-breaking ratings and a heightened following on social media (above 1.9 million). “We planned for a significant number of jerseys to be available for the draft moment, and they sold out due to extraordinary demand. More Caitlin Clark jerseys will be available at the start of the WNBA season at the Fever Team Shop, Nike.com, Nike retail locations, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and throughout the season at other select retailers, including the WNBA Store,” said Nike in a press statement.

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With all this going on, Clark, however, does take time to celebrate the good times with her special someone.

Clark celebrating her first anniversary

It’s been a year? Yes, it has been a year since Caitlin Clark and Conner McCaffery started dating. Expressing her joy, three days ago Clark shared a heart-touching post on Instagram with the caption, “One year of the best mems w my fav person. you make every day better and I can’t wait for many more adventures together… love you.” 

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Meanwhile, McCaffery posted a lovely picture with Clark in it and wrote the caption, “One year w the best, doing life w u has been easy, and you never cease to amaze me.. can’t wait to watch u live out ur dreams in person. love you,” reciprocating his love for her.

Ever since the two started dating, they have been sharing, from time to time, each other’s pictures and videos as a way to express their fondness for each other.

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Written by:

Dimple Gupta

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Dimple Gupta is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Dimple is adept at in-depth coverage and brings insightful coverage with her captive chronicles. Her articles often discuss trade details, NIL deals, and other monetary aspects.
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Edited by:

Riya Singhal