WNBA GMs Reveal THE TRUTH About Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Paige Bueckers has been officially selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings, fresh off a triumphant NCAA championship run with UConn. The league couldn’t have scripted a more compelling storyline: another college superstar entering the pros to help sustain the momentum generated by Caitlin Clark’s sensational rookie year. But as the media dives headfirst into the narrative, they’re bending themselves into knots, desperately trying to convince fans that Paige Bueckers is about to become the next Caitlin Clark—or at least deserves to be mentioned in the same breath.
The hype isn’t new. Ever since Bueckers’ dazzling 40-point Sweet 16 performance in March Madness, comparisons to Clark have been relentless. But behind the scenes, WNBA general managers are offering a much more grounded perspective—one that the public rarely hears. According to candid conversations with league insiders, while Bueckers is respected for her talent and leadership, no one inside the league expects her to replicate Clark’s transformative impact. “What Caitlin did last year was so special and unique. Paige is a special player, I think she’ll be good this year, but I’m not expecting a Caitlin-like impact, and it’s an unfair bar to set,” one GM admitted.
There’s a reason for this realism. The numbers don’t lie. Clark’s arrival in the WNBA changed everything: attendance records shattered, TV ratings soared, and the Indiana Fever sold out arenas across the country. In her rookie season, Clark’s games were featured on national TV a record 41 times—far more than any other team, including established powerhouses like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. When the Fever played a preseason exhibition against the Brazilian national team, they sold out a 15,000-seat arena and earned a rare national TV broadcast for a preseason game. Other franchises scrambled to move their Fever matchups to NBA arenas just to accommodate the overwhelming demand for tickets.
By contrast, Bueckers, for all her collegiate accolades—including Naismith Player of the Year honors and a reputation for clutch performances—hasn’t generated the same level of mainstream excitement. After Clark left college, the NCAA women’s tournament viewership dropped by more than 10 million. The 2024 title game, without Clark, drew only 8.5 million viewers compared to 18.9 million the previous year with Clark on the court. Even Bueckers’ endorsement deals, like her three-year contract with Unrivaled, haven’t moved the needle in the same way; Unrivaled’s entire inaugural season attracted just 11.9 million total viewers, while a single teaser clip from Clark’s collaboration with Dude Perfect surpassed 12 million views alone.
It’s not a knock on Bueckers’ game. She is an outstanding basketball player: a mid-range assassin, a polished playmaker, and an efficient, intelligent leader on the court. Paige’s style is about finesse, fundamentals, and consistent execution. She’s the definition of refined excellence. But Clark is something else entirely—she’s must-see TV. Every time she crosses half-court, fans hold their breath, knowing she might launch a three from the logo or thread a no-look pass through a crowd. Clark’s game is about flair, swagger, and a level of visible passion that electrifies crowds and draws in viewers who might never have watched women’s basketball before.
This is the difference that WNBA GMs see so clearly. The league is in the business of entertainment, and Clark delivers spectacle on a scale rarely seen in sports. She’s the kind of player who, like Michael Jordan or Steph Curry, makes you stop what you’re doing just to watch her play. That’s why networks and sponsors are all-in on Clark, and why her impact is so hard to replicate.
The media’s attempts to elevate Bueckers to Clark’s level often backfire, sometimes even taking subtle shots at Clark or her fan base. But the reality is, both players can be celebrated for what they bring to the game. Bueckers will absolutely help the league grow, converting college fans to WNBA viewers and adding another layer of star power. The league should lean into all its young stars, including Bueckers, Angel Reese, and others, to keep building momentum.
Yet, until another player emerges with Clark’s combination of talent, charisma, and highlight-reel explosiveness, the gap in popularity and impact will remain. WNBA GMs know this, league insiders know this, and most honest fans know it too. Paige Bueckers will be great for the league, but Caitlin Clark is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon who has redefined what’s possible for women’s basketball. The best thing the league—and the media—can do is let Clark’s spotlight shine, using her momentum to lift everyone, while celebrating the unique strengths that each new star brings to the game.
In the end, women’s basketball is better for having both of them, but make no mistake: there is only one Caitlin Clark, and right now, she’s the face of the WNBA.
