The 2024 WNBA draft took place on Monday, April 15th, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Prior to the event, participating draftees arrived in New York City and received special gifts courtesy of State Farm. Videos were posted on WNBA social media handles, showcasing players such as Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink, Dyaisha Fair, Nika Muhl, Elizabeth Kitley, Rickea Jackson, Aaliyah Edwards, Charisma Osborne, and Jacy Sheldon picking up their gifts. However, one notable absence was potential No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark.

Fans took notice of Clark’s absence and commented like “No Caitlin?”, speculating that her prior commitments to the John R. Wooden Award show in Los Angeles and an appearance on SNL in NYC might have caused her to miss the gift pickup.

“She’s got a guest appearance on SNL tonight and she was doing rehearsal.”

“She had a late one in LA last night receiving the Wooden award,” another said

In a video, Angel Reese was seen dancing, then one fan commented:

“Angel seems to be enjoying her time”

There was also some predictions for South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso.

“Good luck to all of them and cheering for my fellow Brazilian Kamilla Cardoso! Think she’ll be #2 and go to the Los Angeles Sparks.”

“Can’t wait to see the Brazilian queen Kamilla on draft day,” One user said.

“Dyashia Fair walked in that mf ready for business lol,” Another fan commented

Meanwhile, a fan noticed Liz Kitley among the players picking up their gifts, despite her recent injury and predictions of being a potential deferral in the draft.

“Glad yall still included Liz Kitley in there.”

“Congrats to you all, It was a great year for women’s college basketball. Wish you the best in the WNBA,” this fan wrote

Caitlin Clark makes her debut on SNL before WNBA draft day

Caitlin Clark teamed up with Michael Che and Colin Jost for a comedy sketch on “Saturday Night Live.” The Iowa guard traded jokes with the comedians before offering a heartfelt tribute to the female basketball players who inspired her journey.

“I’m sure it will be a first big step for me. But it’s just one step for the WNBA,” Caitlin Clark said. “Thanks to all the great players like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Lesley, Cynthia Cooper, the great Dawn Staley and my basketball hero, Maya Moore.

“These are the women that kicked down the door so I could walk inside. So I want to thank them tonight for laying down the foundation.”

During the final credits, Caitlin Clark introduced Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin, and Jada Gyamfi as host Ryan Gosling wrapped up the show.

The 2024 WNBA draft is scheduled to be broadcast at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN and various streaming platforms such as DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.