Caitlin Clark joins Lionel Messi and 5x Super Bowl winners as only US sports athletes with merchandise in all Dick

Caitlin Clark, the rising star of Iowa hoops, continues to make history, leaving her mark both on and off the court.

In a recent announcement, it was revealed that the Indiana Fever rookie will become the first female athlete to have her team apparel stocked at all Dick’s stores across the United States. This merchandise includes T-shirts and jerseys, showcasing Clark’s growing influence and popularity.

Joining esteemed athletes such as soccer legend Lionel Messi, three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, and two-time Super Bowl winner Coach Prime Deion Sanders, Clark stands out as one of only four athletes whose apparel is featured in all 724 Dick’s stores nationwide.

ESPN WNBA reporter Nick DePaula shared the development on X (formerly Twitter):

Caitlin Clark’s remarkable journey as the first overall pick by the Fever in this year’s WNBA draft is a testament to her stellar collegiate career at the University of Iowa. With averages of 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, she left an indelible mark on the Hawkeyes’ program.

In her final year at Iowa, Clark shattered the long-standing record held by NBA legend ‘Pistol Pete’ Maravich for the most points scored by a Division I basketball player. Her career total of 3,951 points surpassed Maravich’s 3,667, cementing her legacy in NCAA history.

Moreover, the games in which Clark participated last season set unprecedented benchmarks for NCAA attendance, TV viewership, and ticket demand. With her transition to the WNBA, pundits and observers anticipate similar benefits for the league, as Clark’s electrifying presence promises to captivate audiences and elevate the sport to new heights.

A’ja Wilson welcomes advent of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA

Aces Star A'ja Wilson Says the WNBA and Caitlin Clark Are 'Popping Off' (Exclusive)

A’ja Wilson, a prominent player for the Las Vegas Aces, expressed her excitement in welcoming Caitlin Clark to the WNBA. Wilson sees Clark’s considerable popularity as a positive development for women’s professional basketball, believing that her presence will elevate the entire league.

“We’re popping! It’s huge,” Wilson remarked, emphasizing the significance of Clark’s arrival. “It really is. It’s a big, big deal.”

“It’s a huge moment for us. It’s popping, but I hope it continues. I hope the investment is there to stay and it’s not just a trend that’s going to fizz out. So, hopefully this summer we have a lot of eyes, a lot of great people that want to see us continue and shine bright. I’m excited to be in it.”

Wilson hopes that the attention surrounding Clark’s debut will translate into sustained interest and investment in the WNBA, rather than being merely a passing trend. She looks forward to a summer filled with heightened visibility and continued growth for the league.

The Caitlin Clark Effect is set to kick off on May 3rd when the Indiana Fever faces the Dallas Wings in a road game.

In the midst of this anticipation, Wilson anticipates facing off against Clark on the hardwood on May 25th in Las Vegas, marking an exciting matchup between two talented athletes.