Caitlin Clark accurately predicted Taylor Swift’s unexpected appearance on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast, a crossover event that took place on August 13 and quickly captured widespread attention. The WNBA Rookie of the Year’s anticipation of the episode’s viral impact proved correct as millions tuned in, highlighting Clark’s enthusiasm for Swift and her significant online influence.
Caitlin Clark Foresees the Impact of Taylor Swift’s Podcast Debut
Known for her longtime admiration of Taylor Swift, Caitlin Clark speculated that the singer’s debut on the New Heights podcast would spark considerable online excitement. The podcast is co-hosted by Travis Kelce, Swift’s boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs tight end, along with his brother Jason Kelce, who is also a former NFL player. Clark shared her prediction on X.com (formerly Twitter), writing,
“Swifties so powerful we broke the internet,”
just before the episode premiered on YouTube.
The episode surpassed all expectations by earning close to three million views within the first three hours of release. Taylor Swift’s participation on New Heights marks her first-ever podcast appearance, merging the worlds of pop culture and sports. As one of the most popular sports podcasts in the United States, New Heights saw a surge in downloads thanks to a wave of Swift fans, known as Swifties, eager to witness this unique media event. Swift further excited listeners by announcing her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, during the episode, fueling even more buzz among fans and hosts alike, including Clark.
Teammate Sophie Cunningham Responds to Caitlin Clark’s Social Media Comments
While Caitlin Clark celebrated Swift‘s podcast debut, another story unfolded within the Indiana Fever team involving her teammate Sophie Cunningham. The 28-year-old Cunningham responded critically to Clark’s remarks on a social media clip showing Fever players Lexie Hull and Cunningham in swimsuits by the pool. Clark had posted,
“Swimsuit brands plz comment ‘focus on basketball,’”
expressing her playful disapproval.
Cunningham took the opportunity to mock Clark’s swimsuit choices and made a comment about Clark’s complexion during her podcast, saying,
“I was like, ‘Dude, you don’t have to be a hater. I’ll get you like a one piece that only shows your eyes’. She did something and has this big bruise on her leg, and I was like, ‘You’re finally getting color.’”
Earlier, Cunningham made a joke in a now-deleted TikTok comment aimed at Clark’s pale skin tone:
“maybe a brand will make a full body wet suit for your pale a*s too… We all win!”
These humorous exchanges reflect their close relationship despite occasional teasing and illustrate the comfortable dynamic among teammates.
The Strong Bond Between Clark and Cunningham Endures Despite Injury
The friendly rivalry and support between Clark and Cunningham remain steadfast, even as Clark has been sidelined since July with muscular issues. Clark will miss the Indiana Fever’s upcoming game against the Washington Mystics on August 15 due to this injury. Cunningham, known for defending Clark during a notable June altercation with Connecticut Sun’s Jacy Sheldon, has gained popularity for her loyalty, which has helped maintain a solid bond amid challenging circumstances.
Caitlin Clark’s ability to connect pop culture moments, such as Taylor Swift’s podcast debut, with the sports world highlights her growing influence beyond basketball. Her precise prediction of Swift’s podcast surge emphasizes her engagement with contemporary trends, while the ongoing news around her and Cunningham’s interactions keeps the Indiana Fever’s storylines compelling as the season progresses.