Lisa Leslie Praises Caitlin Clark’s “Amazing” Impact on WNBA as Fever Hype Continues to Surge

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has become the latest high-profile voice to throw her support behind Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, calling her impact on the league nothing short of “amazing.” As the anticipation for the Fever’s 2024 season intensifies, Clark’s influence continues to reshape women’s basketball, drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest icons.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the former Los Angeles Sparks star didn’t hold back in praising Clark. “Caitlin Clark has had an amazing impact on the WNBA,” Leslie said. “Her ability to come out and play—especially after her college season—and then come into the WNBA and really just have the effect that she did, it was really outstanding. I was so proud of Caitlin.”

Clark’s influence is already being felt in hard numbers. Her preseason debut drew 1.3 million viewers, outperforming any WNBA preseason game on record and even surpassing all but two NBA preseason games since 2010 — both of which featured LeBron James. That level of viewership for a preseason match has been unheard of in the women’s game until now.

But the excitement isn’t just limited to TV screens. Clark’s popularity is directly affecting WNBA infrastructure — teams are relocating to larger arenas when the Fever come to town, and tickets are selling out nationwide. The “Caitlin Clark effect” is more than a media phenomenon; it’s a financial and cultural game-changer for the league.

Lisa Leslie, a two-time WNBA champion and Hall of Famer, highlighted that Clark is not only growing the game — she’s changing the standard. “Everything’s already sold out,” Leslie noted, pointing out how unusual and impressive that is for the WNBA. She also praised Indiana’s offseason moves, calling their roster “amazing on paper,” thanks to additions like Natasha Howard, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, and Dana Bonner, along with the return of head coach Stephanie White.

Still, Leslie was quick to acknowledge the added pressure that comes with rising expectations. “It’s not easy to win when you bring in a new coach, new teammates, and try to build chemistry,” she cautioned. “I don’t want to put too much pressure [on Clark], but the Fever have everything laid out for a successful run.”

With the WNBA All-Star Game being hosted in Indiana this year and Clark having had a full offseason to rest and prepare, Leslie believes this could be a breakout year for the young star. “She’s more seasoned, she’s had time to rest — that’s key,” she emphasized. Some analysts even believe Clark is a top contender for the MVP award in just her sophomore season.

The conversation also briefly touched on Clark’s controversial omission from the U.S. Olympic roster, a decision that has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about how the league and Team USA are handling her rapid rise.

Leslie’s support for Clark wasn’t the only standout moment. The WNBA legend also made headlines earlier this year when she appeared on Angel Reese’s podcast and bluntly told the rising LSU alum to work on finishing her layups. Leslie’s no-nonsense honesty continues to resonate, as she consistently supports players while challenging them to elevate their games.

Clark’s presence has become a measuring stick in the WNBA, and Lisa Leslie — one of the league’s foundational stars — recognizes it. “She is the needle,” as many have put it, not just moving it.

As the Indiana Fever prepare for what could be a transformative season, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark. Whether or not she leads the team to a championship this year, her influence is already rewriting the rules — and raising the bar — for what’s possible in women’s professional basketball.