Caitlin Clark Reveals WNBA Team She Didn’t Want to Play For

Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, has been making waves since she was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Known for her electrifying performance at the University of Iowa and her stellar rookie season in the WNBA, Clark’s journey to professional basketball has captured the attention of fans across the country. However, during a recent interview, Clark revealed something unexpected about her draft experience—there was one WNBA team she didn’t want to play for.

In a candid conversation with Sue Bird on the Bird’s Eye View podcast, Clark opened up about her feelings towards the 2024 draft and the teams that were in the running for her. Despite her excitement about entering the professional league, Clark admitted that there was one team she hoped wouldn’t land the No. 1 pick—and that team was the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Draft and Caitlin Clark’s Thoughts

Caitlin Clark’s journey to the WNBA was filled with anticipation after her incredible career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, where she became a household name in college basketball. Clark was selected by the Indiana Fever, who won the 2024 draft lottery and secured the No. 1 pick, making her the centerpiece of their rebuilding efforts.

However, in her conversation with Sue Bird, Clark revealed a surprising fact. “I didn’t want to go to LA, but I wanted Indiana to get the first pick,” she said. Clark explained that her decision wasn’t rooted in any personal animosity toward Los Angeles, but rather her belief that Indiana Fever was the best fit for her at the time.

While many would have expected Clark to embrace the idea of joining a major market like LA, Clark’s desire to join Indiana was based on several factors. She pointed to the Fever’s core players as a significant reason for her preference, mentioning teammates like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull. Clark, who has always had a deep connection to her roots as a “Midwest gal,” felt that joining the Fever would offer her the perfect environment to kick-start her professional career.

Why Caitlin Clark Wanted to Join the Indiana Fever

Clark explained that the Fever’s roster was an attractive factor in her decision-making process. With talented players already in place, she believed that the team could help her become successful. “I think Indiana was a good spot for me to start my professional career,” she added. Clark’s commitment to joining Indiana was something she had known for a while, even though she didn’t initially tell anyone about it.

The Fever’s roster was seen as an up-and-coming force in the league, with standout players like Aliyah Boston, a top draft pick, and Kelsey Mitchell, one of the most dynamic guards in the WNBA. Lexie Hull was also part of the team, adding to the strong core of players that could make the Fever competitive for years to come. Clark believed that this established group of players would give her the support she needed as she transitioned into the next phase of her career.

Los Angeles Sparks: A Changing Team

Clark did not go into detail about her reasons for not wanting to join the Los Angeles Sparks, but it’s clear that the Sparks’ situation in 2024 played a significant role in her hesitation. The Sparks had ended the 2023 season with a disappointing 17-23 record, and with Nneka Ogwumike, their lone All-Star, leaving the team for the Seattle Storm, the franchise found itself in a state of flux. The Sparks also had players like Dearica Hamby, Odyssey Sims, and Azura Stevens—talented players in their own right—but they were entering a rebuilding phase, with the roster not fully aligned with Clark’s goals at the time.

Clark’s preference for the Fever also reflected her desire to join a team that had a more solid foundation and a clear path forward. The Sparks, while rich in history and talent, were navigating significant changes. Even though players like Aari McDonald and Hamby were making impacts on the team, Clark felt that the Fever’s current roster offered more immediate opportunities for growth and success.

A Future with Indiana Fever

After the draft, Caitlin Clark wasted no time proving her worth on the court for the Indiana Fever. Her performance in her rookie season showed just why she was chosen with the No. 1 pick. With players like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell by her side, Clark quickly established herself as one of the most electrifying young talents in the league.

Her decision to play for the Fever has paid off, both for Clark and for the team. With a talented supporting cast and a coaching staff committed to her development, Clark has the chance to become one of the league’s top players and help the Fever rise back to prominence in the WNBA.

The Road Ahead for Caitlin Clark

As Clark settles into her role with the Fever, it’s clear that she is focused on helping her new team succeed. While the 2024 season has brought challenges, including missing several games due to injury, Clark’s impact on the Fever is already being felt. With a combination of leadership, skill, and determination, she is well on her way to becoming one of the most dominant players in the league.

Her story also speaks to a larger theme of choosing the right environment for growth. Clark’s decision to avoid Los Angeles and instead join the Fever shows that her priority is to develop her skills in the best possible situation, surrounded by teammates who can help her succeed.

As Caitlin Clark continues to make her mark in the WNBA, fans will be watching closely to see how her career unfolds. Whether it’s with the Indiana Fever or beyond, it’s clear that Clark’s passion for the game, her commitment to success, and her desire to make an impact on and off the court will continue to drive her career forward.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s revelation about the team she didn’t want to play for gives fans an interesting insight into her mindset as she navigated the 2024 WNBA Draft. While she didn’t want to join the Los Angeles Sparks, her choice to go to the Indiana Fever reflects her desire for stability and opportunity in a team that aligns with her goals. As Clark continues her journey in the WNBA, her decision will be remembered as a key moment in her early career—a moment where she chose the right fit for her future in basketball.