Sue Bird, a towering figure in the WNBA, isn’t one to shy away from speaking her mind. So when Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa’s sensational star, was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, it sparked more than just excitement—it stirred controversy. Bird, who spent nearly two decades in the league, is crystal clear about her stance: Clark is deserving, but it’s bigger than that. “The fire was there, but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing,” she said, drawing a vivid picture of how Clark has ignited the spotlight on women’s basketball.
For some, this selection feels like a breakthrough, a recognition that might finally put the WNBA in the global conversation. Yet, not everyone agrees. Sheila Johnson, the co-owner of the Washington Mystics, suggested a more collective tribute—placing all 132 WNBA players on the cover, perhaps even crowning the entire league as “League of the Year.” The argument isn’t without merit, as the league’s growth has been undeniable: viewership numbers have skyrocketed, fan bases are expanding, and merchandise is flying off shelves. But Bird, who’s seen it all during her illustrious career, has her own take.
“Look, there’s no Caitlin Clark without the WNBA,” Bird asserts. She’s not dismissing the athletes who paved the way—far from it. But she draws a line in the sand: Clark’s meteoric rise has something uniquely powerful about it. The league has long been steadily burning, but Clark didn’t just stoke the flames—she set it ablaze, drawing attention from all corners of the sports world. The iconic long-range threes, her leadership, the way she played with an energy that demanded respect—it all added fuel to a fire that had been quietly simmering.
And yet, this is more than just about one player. It’s about the culture shift that’s slowly—and powerfully—transforming women’s sports. Bird doesn’t just applaud Clark’s triumph; she understands the bigger picture. The stage was set, but now it’s Clark’s turn to step into the spotlight, and with her, the entire WNBA follows. While some argue about who should’ve won the award, Bird knows: when you pour gasoline on something that’s already burning, you don’t just light a fire—you spark a movement.
