Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is a popular player outside of the WNBA.

Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation, Caitlin Clark, appears to have garnered considerable popularity among NBA players. According to The Athletic, in a survey where 133 anonymous players were asked about their favorite athlete outside the NBA, Clark emerged as the second-highest vote-getter.

Winsidr’s WNBA reporter Myles Ehrlich shared the poll results on X (formerly Twitter):

“Some women’s basketball representation on The Athletic’s anonymous NBA player poll! “women’s basketball players—Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, A’ja Wilson [& Caitlin] Clark—were named on 12.2 percent of all NBA players’ ballots.”

In The Athletic’s anonymous poll, Caitlin Clark ranked second, just behind top vote-getter Lamar Jackson. Of the NBA players surveyed, 13.0% voted for the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, while the 2024 WNBA No. 1 draft pick received 6.1% of the votes. Novak Djokovic, a 24-time tennis Grand Slam champion, secured the third spot with 4.3% of the votes from NBA players.

Alongside Clark, WNBA players Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and NCAA standout JuJu Watkins were also featured in The Athletic’s poll question.

These results highlight Clark’s significant impact not only within the WNBA but also in the realm of the NBA.

Anonymous NBA player on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark: “She’s unreal”

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Even before stepping onto the WNBA court, the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout has left an indelible mark on the basketball world. Caitlin Clark’s influence has seamlessly transitioned into the professional ranks, with her popularity extending to the NBA.

According to The Athletic, an anonymous NBA player praised the Indiana Fever guard, attesting to the widespread recognition of the “Caitlin Clark effect.”

“She’s unreal,” the NBA player said. “I’m excited to see how her journey pans out and what she does for the women’s game.”

Following her stellar performance leading the Hawkeyes to the championship game in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Caitlin Clark’s popularity has soared to unprecedented heights. Her exceptional play throughout the season played a pivotal role in her being chosen first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Now officially a professional in the WNBA, Clark faces heightened expectations, with her success in the league shaping her legacy for years to come. With her widespread popularity, Clark has the potential to attract more basketball enthusiasts, encouraging them to witness her talents firsthand in WNBA arenas and on television.

Fans eagerly anticipate Clark’s debut alongside the Indiana Fever, who are set to face the Connecticut Sun on the WNBA’s opening night, scheduled for May 14 at 8 p.m. ET at Mohegan Sun Arena.