Caitlin Clark‘s meteoric rise in the WNBA reached another major milestone this week, as the Indiana Fever rookie was officially named a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, whilst stealing the show in Indianapolis too.
The 23-year-old won the most fan votes across the league and will now head Team Caitlin against Team Napheesa, led by the Minnesota Lynx‘s Napheesa Collier, in one of the most anticipated All-Star matchups in recent history.
But it’s not just her All-Star nod that’s commanding attention. At the heart of her city, a massive new Nike campaign featuring Clark has taken over the side of the JW Marriott, one of Indianapolis’ tallest and most iconic buildings.
The billboard, described as the largest sports graphic ever installed on the building, shows the rookie launching one of her signature long-range three-point shots, with the All-Star Game logo positioned prominently beside her image.
“From downtown in my town,” a bold message read above the mural, showcasing an unambiguous statement, asserting the guard’s rising stature both on and off the court in her first WNBA season as fans weighed in.
One user wrote on X.com, formerly Twitter, “This is crazyy.”
A second said, “Literal CHILLS every time I walk past.”
And a third commented, “Biggest billboard in the history of the WNBA.”
The timing of the billboard could not be more fitting with the WNBA All-Star Game is just two weeks away: Indianapolis has effectively been transformed into Clark‘s personal arena-figuratively and literally.
The Fever sensation will head to Phoenix, Arizona for her second All-Star appearance but the visual statement in Indy is clear: the league’s newest face is taking over.
ESPN analyst faces flak for Caitlin Clark comments
Clark‘s All-Star selection also coincides with a strong showing by her Indiana Fever teammates as Aliyah Boston will be making her third All-Star appearance, whilst Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull still in contention as the roster spots fill out.
The Fever‘s resurgence this season, highlighted by their victory in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup over the Minnesota Lynx, has been closely tied to Clark’s impact as a playmaker and perimeter threat.
And although Indiana is currently 9-8 heading into Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, their upward momentum has been undeniable. However, ESPN’s Carolyn Peck sparked controversy by suggesting the team may be more effective without Clark on the court.
“Look, I think that Indiana is even more dangerous when Caitlin Clark doesn’t play,” Peck said. “Because she’s a ball-dominant guard – the ball is in her hands a lot – so you know what you need to try to take away.
“But when you look at Indiana now, they have so many weapons… when you’ve got a point guard like Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald making plays on the perimeter, and a post like Aliyah Boston, I’m going to tell you: Indiana – they are a threat.”
Whilst a potentially fair comment regarding how Stephanie White needs to find new targets when Clark is out, fans were far from impressed at the apparent snub in their eyes.
One fan said, “Crazy levels of hate for the person who brought WNBA to relevancy.”
A second noted, “Peck loves this narrative, she’s been waiting to have a reason to discredit CC once again…”
And a third concluded, “Such a Carolyn thing to say.”
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