Tennis Icon Defends Caitlin Clark's WNBA Impact

Tennis icon Chris Evert has reiterated her strong support for Caitlin Clark, emphasizing that the WNBA should celebrate the athlete's significant contributions. Evert recently took to X to express her view, stating that Clark is "the best thing that ever happened to women's basketball." This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about Clark's role and impact on the league.

Clark's presence has demonstrably boosted the WNBA's popularity. Her rookie season saw national networks attract over 54 million unique viewers, and overall attendance increased by 48%. The Indiana Fever, her team, set a new home attendance record. This surge in interest has continued into the 2026 season, with Clark being part of the most-watched games across multiple networks.

Clark's influence extends beyond the court, as recognized by Forbes. She was ranked fourth on the "America's Most Powerful Women In Sports 2025" list, making her the highest-ranked active athlete. Her earlier accolades include being named TIME's Athlete of the Year in December 2024, a recognition for which Evert also publicly supported Clark.

Evert's defense of Clark is not new; she has previously spoken out against harsh play directed at the young star and criticized suggestions that the WNBA should have been featured over Clark for TIME's honor. Evert's consistent backing highlights her belief in Clark's positive impact on women's sports.