Caitlin Clark has been officially named the Associated Press (AP) 2023 Female Athlete of the Year. This is a remarkable achievement, making Clark the fourth female basketball player in the 93-year history of the award to win the prestigious title.
She beat out formidable opponents such as gymnastics legend Simone Biles and Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Clark received 35 of 74 votes, while Biles received 25, and Khelif – a controversial name – received 4.
What is remarkable about Clark’s victory is that her impact extends beyond basketball. In her first season in the WNBA, she won the AP’s **Rookie of the Year** award, and was also named to the **WNBA All-Star Team** and **Rookie All-Star Team**. She also finished fourth in the race for the **MVP** award – a remarkable achievement for a rookie.
According to many experts and former players such as Rebecca Lobo, Caitlin Clark has not only promoted the development of women’s basketball but also helped elevate the sport to an unprecedented level. Last season, Clark broke more than 60 WNBA records, including both individual rookie records and league records.
Clark’s popularity and influence have attracted the attention of the WNBA, which is planning to use her appeal to expand its global reach. According to a report from **Sports Business Journal**, the league plans to host international matches with the Indiana Fever – Clark’s team – as part of a strategy to build the team’s image as “America’s Team” in women’s basketball.
The project is expected to capitalize on Clark’s massive fan base, which has created a buzz when she has attended sporting events, including the Pro-Am golf tournament, where she has drawn crowds of fans seeking autographs and taking photos with her.
In addition to raising her profile, the WNBA’s global expansion plans are being bolstered by new media rights deals that promise to bring in profits for the first time in the league’s history. The WNBA is expected to start turning a profit within the next two years, according to sources.
However, to sustain and grow in the long term, experts say the league needs Clark and the Indiana Fever to achieve major titles – such as championships – to build a stronger image among fans.
Caitlin Clark’s victory over male boxer Imane Khelif and other renowned athletes to win the Female Athlete of the Year title was a controversial story, but also the clearest testament to her growing influence on sports in general and women’s basketball in particular.
