Caitlin Clark/ WNBA Rookie of the Year/ Forbes 30 Under 30/ Indiana Fever/ NCAA records/ women’s basketball/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever guard and WNBA Rookie of the Year, has been named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list. The former Iowa Hawkeye standout gained recognition for her record-breaking rookie season, leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years. Clark’s impact extends beyond the court, contributing to WNBA’s rising viewership and attendance.
Caitlin Clark’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Honor: Quick Looks
- WNBA Stardom: Clark led the league in assists and All-Star votes as a rookie.
- Historic Achievements: First rookie to record a triple-double in WNBA history.
- Iowa Legacy: Set NCAA scoring records and earned two National Player of the Year titles.
- Forbes Recognition: Represents a new generation of game-changing athletes and influencers.
- Cultural Impact: Credited with boosting WNBA viewership and fan engagement.
- List Highlights: Clark shares the spotlight with figures like Jayson Tatum and Flau’jae Johnson.
Caitlin Clark Earns Spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 Elite
Deep Look
Caitlin Clark’s Record-Breaking Rise
Caitlin Clark, the dynamic Indiana Fever guard and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, has joined Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list for her achievements both on and off the court. The accolade comes after a stellar first season in the WNBA, during which she shattered records and reinvigorated her franchise.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, Clark led the Fever to their first playoff berth in eight years. She set the single-season assist record, was the league’s leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game, and became the first rookie to record a triple-double in WNBA history. Her influence extended to boosting WNBA attendance and viewership, underscoring her role in expanding the league’s reach.
From Iowa to WNBA Stardom
Clark’s rise to prominence began during her time at the University of Iowa, where she rewrote NCAA records. She became the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball, won back-to-back National Player of the Year awards, and guided the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship appearances. Her transition to the professional level has only solidified her reputation as one of basketball’s brightest stars.
Forbes Highlights Her Broader Impact
Forbes recognized Clark not only for her athletic prowess but also for her broader cultural impact. She has become a key figure in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, attracting lucrative endorsement deals and helping to bridge the gap between college and professional sports marketing.
In its profile, Forbes credited Clark with advancing the WNBA’s profile:
“The first overall pick in 2024’s WNBA draft, Caitlin Clark led the resurgent Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years while breaking the league’s single-season assists record and earning Rookie of the Year honors. She also led WNBA All-Star Game voting with over 700,000 ballots and has been credited with pushing up league viewership and attendance.”
Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025
Clark was one of several standout figures named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Sports category, which celebrates game-changing athletes, coaches, and innovators under the age of 30. Among other honorees were Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, WNBA prospect Flau’jae Johnson, and NCAA influencers Haley and Hanna Cavinder.
The list highlights the growing influence of Gen Z, with approximately 50% of the honorees coming from the generation known for reshaping industries and driving cultural trends. Forbes editor Alexandra York emphasized the significance of this year’s class:
“Gen Z is one of the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs and creators, reshaping the way the world conducts business. Our Under 30 class of 2025 proves that you can never begin your career journey too early.”
Clark’s Future in the Spotlight
As Caitlin Clark’s career continues to ascend, her place on Forbes’ list solidifies her status as a transformative figure in sports. With her talent, charisma, and off-court influence, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on basketball and inspire the next generation of athletes.
