Former Iowa Hawkeyes star and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark recently sparked debate on how she fares in the American women’s sports landscape. As highlighted by a post on @justwomenssports on Instagram, Forbes published a list of the 25 most powerful women in American sports on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Clark was placed fourth, just behind the likes of Amy Montagne, Amy Howe, and Gayle Benson. Thus, Clark is the highest-ranked active basketball player on the list, ahead of her peers A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, and coach Dawn Staley. Clark also beat Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
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Fans online are unhappy with the fact that Clark is ranked above other female athletes whom they feel have had a stronger impact.
“This list is diabolical. Caitlin over Simone!?! 🤣 who did this list?,” one fan said with a laughing emoji, mentioning Olympic gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles.
“How is Caitlin Clark one of the most powerful? I don’t think so,” another shared.
“Imagine never winning or using your platform to push for change and getting ranked over trailblazer, Olympians, MVP, entrepreneur,” another user commented.
“Caitlin over Collier & Stewart? They have multiple college & WNBA championships & started a pro league,” a user claimed, mentioning WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
Other users in the comments section defended Clark and shared their thoughts as to why she is ranked high on the list.
“I think ya’ll missing the point on Caitlin Clark. It’s not about her talent, it’s about the revenue made off her name in some of the biggest companies (Nike, Wilson, Gatorade, etc.). Her name attached to anything brings more revenue than any other athlete listed. You can’t deny the numbers because it paints the truth on her brand worth,” one fan explained.
“CC made the WNBA a mainstream sport. The haters need to touch some grass,” another user wrote.
“Power is about influence, not accomplishment,” a user posted.
Clark is coming off her sophomore season in the WNBA with coach Stephanie White’s Indiana Fever in the 2025 campaign. Clark could manage only 14 appearances, as she dealt with a re-aggravated groin injury throughout the year and was eventually forced to sit out the season, including the playoffs. Despite this, the Fever made it all the way to the second round of postseason play.
Read More: Comparing Caitlin Clark to Stephen Curry & Patrick Mahomes, Analyst Explains How A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers & More Benefited from Fever Star’s Injury
A’ja Wilson And Dawn Staley Are Ranked 15th And 20th, Respectively, On Forbes’ List
Several fans and spectators are going back and forth with how high Caitlin Clark is listed on Forbes’ most powerful women in American sports list.
While she is the highest-ranked active player, Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson and South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley follow closely behind. The former women’s college basketball tandem sees Wilson at No. 15. Staley is not too far behind at No. 20.
Also Read: “Don’t Hit Nobody This Time”: Fans React As Caitlin Clark’s Return to Action on Grass Gets Announced
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