Caitlin Clark the Taylor Swift of women's sport: WNBA star backed to become 'cultural icon'

Caitlin Clark‘s popularity in the WNBA could eventually put her on the same level as global pop star Taylor Swift, according to a marketing expert.

In her college basketball days with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark dominated with a string of outstanding individual performances and broke the NCAA all-time points scoring record in her senior year.

Caitlin Clark loses close matchup in viral water challenge against Indiana Fever teammate

But away from the court, her exploits and mild-mannered personality has attracted a huge fanbase – and it has followed her from Iowa to Indiana Fever after being the No.1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

There is already a huge demand for Clark jerseys, and her game shirt for the Fever is already the biggest-selling shirt for a draft pick in the history of basketball.

Arianda Jacob, known for her work as a marketer and influencer, appeared on the ‘Fearless with Jason Whitlock’ podcast, says she “doesn’t mess” with Clark for the fear of a backlash from her supporters, who have been dubbed ‘Clarksies’.

“Caitlin Clark is the Taylor Swift of Women’s Sport. We do not mess with Taylor Swift,” Jacob said. “We do not mess with Caitlin Clark because the Swifties will come for you… the Clarksies, or whatever you want to call them, will come for you.”

Caitlin Clark’s view on fame

Swift, 34, seems to flourish in the limelight as the most adored singer in the world and her sold-out Eras Tour, even though the 14-time Grammy winner rarely gets private time away from her fans – also known as ‘Swifties’.

But Clark, who is still only 22, has found the transition from being a college star to global sports icon quite challenging, admitting her life has “changed so much” due to fame.

“I don’t think it [fame] is an inconvenience at all,” she added. “It’s something you would never take for granted because it’s so cool.

“The position I get to be in and the things I get to do, and the amount of joy that I’ve brought people…. I feel like I’m the same person I’ve been ever since I stepped on campus. But my life has changed so much.”