Retired U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe recently shared her thoughts on the growing visibility of the WNBA and the impact of rookie Caitlin Clark, acknowledging the foundation laid by the trailblazing women who came before her.
Speaking at the Business of Women’s Sports Summit in New York, Rapinoe expressed her excitement about the increased attention the WNBA is receiving, particularly with the emergence of Caitlin Clark. She credited the success to the influential women’s basketball stars who paved the way for future generations, stating:
“It felt like it was what the game deserved and what I think fans of women’s sports really deserved and I think in a huge part, it’s because Caitlin is standing on the shoulders of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore and the Dawn Staleys and Lisa Leslies — everybody.”
Rapinoe also highlighted a significant moment in women’s basketball history, recalling the 2002 NCAA women’s championship game where the University of Connecticut triumphed over Oklahoma. The event drew a crowd of nearly 30,000 at San Antonio’s Alamodome, with over five million viewers tuning in to witness future WNBA star Sue Bird claim the national title. Reflecting on this milestone, Rapinoe emphasized the impact of such moments in laying a strong foundation for women’s sports.
