Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have become two of the most prominent figures in the WNBA, each boasting passionate fan bases. Despite this, the Indiana Fever guard Clark currently holds a clear advantage in popularity over the Wings rookie Bueckers. This dynamic has drawn attention across the league, as their fan interactions grow increasingly intense.
Clark is in her second year and remains the central figure in every Indiana Fever game, drawing significant attention. Bueckers also commands a strong following but tends to be overshadowed when compared directly to Clark’s presence. The topic was recently examined by sportswriter Bomani Jones during a Wednesday episode of his podcast The Right Time, where he, alongside co-host Shannon Penn, discussed the fast-growing status of Bueckers.
Jones forecasted that the culture surrounding fervent fandom, known as stanning, will eventually provoke a sharp divide—a so-called civil war—between followers of Clark and Bueckers.
“When is stanning gonna create the Clark-Bueckers true civil war amongst their people?” Jones said (4:50). “I am going to be honest, I ain’t met a black Caitlin Clark fan, let alone stan yet. Well actually no, every black Caitlin Clark fan I know is a man. I am not here to explain. I am just here to tell you what’s going on.”
Jones also predicted that Bueckers’ career will soar higher, becoming the focal point for heated debates among their fan communities. Penn challenged the ‘stan‘ culture by urging Clark supporters to appreciate both players rather than engage in rivalry-driven divisions.
Bomani Jones likens Caitlin Clark’s emergence to Tiger Woods’ impact in golf
Bomani Jones has drawn parallels between Caitlin Clark’s swift rise to stardom and the legendary ascendancy of Tiger Woods in golf. On May 23, during an episode of his podcast featuring ESPN’s Elle Duncan, Jones explored Clark’s growing influence on the WNBA.
Jones called Clark’s effect on women’s basketball a rare and powerful phenomenon comparable to Woods’ transformative role in golf, which expanded the sport’s fan base significantly.
“We are actually dealing with a Tiger Woods-like phenomenon,” Jones said. “Golf had a world for the fans and then the rest of us showed up. Interestingly, the rest of us showed up and everybody was on the same team.”
The Fever guard has been instrumental in bringing the WNBA deeper into the mainstream sports conversation. According to Jones, fans have struggled to find a direct comparison that matches Clark’s caliber.
He referenced Clark’s frequent rival Angel Reese, acknowledging Reese’s talent but suggesting she does not reach Clark’s level in influence or standing within the league.
Fanning the flames of an evolving WNBA narrative
The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers extends beyond the court into the domain of fan loyalty, reflecting a broader cultural conversation about the future of women’s basketball. Bomani Jones’ prediction of a “civil war” among supporters signals a deepening divide that may shape the WNBA’s social and commercial landscape.
As both players continue to develop their careers, their growing followings will undoubtedly confront each other more frequently, making the interaction between their fans a significant storyline to watch. The way these stans engage could influence how the league markets its emerging stars and appeals to diverse audiences.
Ultimately, this tension highlights the increasing passion surrounding the WNBA and underscores how player rivalries can generate both excitement and complexity within the sport’s fan culture.