WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Credits Iowa's Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers for League's Boom

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says the WNBA should thank a new generation of stars, including Iowa native Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, for bringing millions of new fans to the league. In a February 2026 appearance on the Like a Farmer podcast, Cunningham praised the rookie class for using social media to attract college basketball fans to the professional game.

“Like Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, like they're just in that generation that social media was a huge thing,” Cunningham told host Pat Spinosa. “And they brought the collegiate fans into the W. It's a great time to be a part of it. Instead of being jealous, I think people should just be thankful and go make your money now.”

What did Sophie Cunningham say about Caitlin Clark?

Cunningham, who plays alongside Clark in Indiana, called her teammate a “generational player” and a “big ole dork,” noting that Clark's relatability and enthusiasm for the game are key to her massive popularity. Clark spent two record-breaking seasons at the University of Iowa before entering the WNBA, becoming arguably the biggest star to join the league in years.

The 2024 rookie class, which also includes Reese (LSU) and Brink (Stanford), helped fuel a surge in WNBA interest. Cunningham encouraged veteran players to embrace the moment rather than resent the newcomers.

“Go use it. Go take advantage of it. They're young; they're like 23-24 years old. They're young cats,” Cunningham said.

How much has the WNBA grown since 2024?

The numbers back up Cunningham's praise. The WNBA saw a 48 percent increase in overall attendance in 2024, drawing 2.3 million spectators. Opening-week viewership jumped 226 percent compared to the previous season, setting records.

A Los Angeles Times analysis found that Clark alone accounted for 26.5 percent of the WNBA's total earnings in 2024, underscoring the financial impact of the rookie class.

Who else helped grow the WNBA?

Reese, who played the role of villain in the 2023 NCAA championship game against Clark, has pushed back against the idea that any single player made the league popular. She has emphasized that the WNBA's rise was a team effort, listing other stars like A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Sabrina Ionescu as key contributors.

Wilson has also noted that she has been “growing the game” for years, offering an implied challenge to the narrative that only the 2024 rookies drove the league's ascent.

Why does this matter for Iowa fans?

For Iowa sports fans, Clark's impact is personal. Her time at Iowa City turned the Hawkeyes into a national phenomenon, and her success in the WNBA continues to shine a spotlight on the state's basketball culture. Cunningham's comments reinforce what many Iowans already know: Clark's influence extends far beyond the court.

As the WNBA continues to expand, players like Clark, Bueckers, Reese, and Brink are proving that the league's future is bright, and Cunningham believes veterans should be grateful for the ride.

“It's a great time to be a part of it,” she said.