{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"How Caitlin Clark’s Career Became About More Than Just Basketball + Game 1 Reactions","description":"

She’s a full-fledged celebrity. A cultural phenomenon. And a mirror to society through sports. Everyone– from journalists to fans to political pundits– have an opinion on who Caitlin Clark is and what is expected of her.

But, has anyone actually asked Clark herself?

In this episode, Chantel welcomes senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Can the WNBA’s biggest star just play basketball? Let’s ask Caitlin Clark.” The pair unpacks Clark’s role in advocacy, outside pressure placed on her, and what her day-to-day life actually looks like.

But first: Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down all the action from Sunday’s four playoff matchups. From A’Ja Wilson’s historic performance to veterans stepping up for several squads, the crew provides their analysis on each opening contest and what to expect in the final games of round one.


REFERENCES:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7626435/2026/09/25/caitlin-clark-profile-wnba-basketball-gardening/


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633515/2026/09/27/aja-wilson-vegas-aces-wnba-playoffs/


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7632770/2026/09/27/wnba-playoffs-results-takeaways-scores-first-round/

","author_name":"The Athletic"}