Caitlin Clark: TIME Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year

In December 2024, TIME Magazine named Caitlin Clark its Athlete of the Year, recognizing a season that reshaped women’s basketball on the court, in the stands, and across popular culture. From her Iowa roots to a record-setting WNBA rookie season, Clark’s impact extended far beyond statistics.

History of TIME’s Athlete of the Year

TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year is a relatively new honor, first awarded in 2019. The distinction highlights athletes whose influence extends beyond competition and into culture, business, and public conversation.

Past TIME Athlete of the Year Winners

• 2019 – United States Women’s National Soccer Team
• 2020 – LeBron James
• 2021 – Simone Biles
• 2022 – Aaron Judge
• 2023 – Lionel Messi

Caitlin Clark’s 2024 selection placed her among some of the most influential athletes of the modern era.

Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Background

Raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin Clark developed her game in local gyms before starring at Dowling Catholic High School. She stayed close to home for college, choosing the University of Iowa, where she became one of the most dominant scorers in NCAA history.

At Iowa, Clark broke the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record, men’s or women’s, and led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship games. Her deep shooting range and high-tempo style helped drive unprecedented television ratings for women’s college basketball.

Her Historic First WNBA Season

Selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark entered the league under intense scrutiny. She responded with one of the most impactful rookie seasons in league history.

• WNBA Rookie of the Year (2024)
• Set a WNBA single-game record with 19 assists
• First rookie to record 30 points and 10 assists in a game
• Named to the All-WNBA First Team (first rookie since 2008)
• Led Indiana to its first playoff appearance since 2016

Clark’s playmaking and scoring helped elevate attendance and viewership across the league, with sold-out arenas following the Fever on the road.

Caitlin Clark’s Impact on Women’s Basketball

Beyond wins and records, Clark changed the geometry of the game. Defenses were forced to extend well beyond the three-point line, and casual sports fans began tuning into regular-season WNBA games in record numbers.

Her presence helped accelerate long-term growth for the league, increasing media coverage, sponsorship interest, and mainstream visibility for women’s basketball as a whole.

2024 Timeline Highlights

• April 2024 – Drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever
• July 17, 2024 – Sets WNBA single-game assist record (19)
• August 30, 2024 – First rookie with 30 points and 10 assists in a game
• October 2024 – Named WNBA Rookie of the Year
• December 2024 – Named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year

The Popularity of Her 2024 Panini Instant WNBA Rookie Cards

Clark’s popularity extended into the collectibles market, where her 2024 Panini Instant WNBA rookie cards became some of the most sought-after women’s basketball cards ever produced.

Panini Instant’s print-to-order model allowed collectors to purchase cards tied directly to Clark’s biggest moments. Limited autograph versions and one-of-one cards sold out quickly, with some premium Clark cards selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

Notable Card Market Highlights

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s selection as TIME Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year symbolized a turning point. Her rookie season bridged elite performance, mass popularity, and cultural relevance in a way rarely seen in women’s professional sports.

As her career continues, Clark’s influence will be measured not only by championships, but by the doors she helped open for the next generation of women’s basketball stars.