Sue Bird Weighs In on Caitlin Clark’s TIME Athlete of the Year Win: A Moment of Celebration and Controversy

WNBA legend Sue Bird has never been one to hold back, and her take on Caitlin Clark’s selection as TIME’s Athlete of the Year is no exception. Clark, the electrifying University of Iowa star, has captured the sports world’s attention, but her accolade has sparked more than celebration—it’s ignited a fierce debate about recognition in women’s basketball.

A Spotlight on Clark and Beyond

Bird, who spent nearly two decades elevating the WNBA, acknowledges Clark’s achievement with enthusiasm. “The fire was there, but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing,” Bird said, vividly describing Clark’s role in amplifying the spotlight on women’s basketball.

Clark’s dynamic play—her long-range threes, undeniable leadership, and magnetic energy—has drawn new fans to the sport. Yet, Bird sees this as part of a larger story, one where the WNBA has been quietly building momentum for years.

A Call for Collective Recognition?

Not everyone agrees with TIME’s decision to single out Clark. Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, suggested an alternative approach: honoring the entire WNBA as “League of the Year.” Johnson argues that the league’s achievements—rising viewership, growing fan bases, and record-breaking merchandise sales—merit a collective tribute.

Bird doesn’t dismiss this idea but offers a nuanced perspective. “Look, there’s no Caitlin Clark without the WNBA,” she said, emphasizing the importance of the league’s trailblazers who laid the foundation for today’s stars.

Igniting a Movement

While Clark’s individual brilliance is undeniable, Bird believes her rise is part of a larger cultural shift in women’s sports. “The league has been steadily burning, but Clark didn’t just stoke the flames—she set it ablaze,” Bird remarked. Clark’s impact isn’t just about her; it’s about how her stardom amplifies the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole.

The Bigger Picture

This moment isn’t just about one player or one award. It’s about the recognition of a movement that’s been building for years. Bird celebrates Clark’s triumph while reminding the world that it’s part of a larger narrative: the growth of women’s sports and the power of athletes who continue to push boundaries.

As debates continue over whether Clark’s selection was the right one, one thing is clear: women’s basketball is no longer quietly simmering—it’s blazing, and Caitlin Clark is a key reason why. But as Bird wisely notes, the fire started long before, and it’s the collective fuel of players past and present that keeps it roaring.