In a bold assessment that’s sparked heated discussion across the basketball world, sports analyst Nick Wright recently argued that Caitlin Clark has surpassed some of the NBA‘s biggest names in overall fame among players under 35.
Wright’s comments have drawn both support and sharp criticism, reigniting debates about visibility, marketability, and where elite athletes rank on the global stage.
“The single most famous basketball player under the age of 35 years old is Caitlin Clark,” he said.
His comments reflect not just admiration for Clark‘s on-court prowess, her scoring feats, and record TV audiences during her college career helped propel women’s basketball into mainstream conversation, but also a belief that star power in sports is not solely determined by traditional measures.
But critics were quick to push back, particularly fans of NBA stalwarts like Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic.
The global fame debate
While Clark has become one of the most recognizable faces in basketball, fueled by record-breaking college viewership, WNBA attention, and crossover media appeal, many fans pushed back on the idea that she surpasses the NBA‘s international headliners in global fame.
Players such as Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic have massive international followings, bolstered by MVP awards, deep playoff runs, and global endorsement deals.
Meanwhile, rising phenom Victor Wembanyama, whom Wright referenced as a potential long-term solution to the league’s visibility concerns, entered the NBA with unprecedented international hype.
Fan reactions were swift and pointed.
One fan on social media captured the prevailing sentiment among many skeptics: “Clark over Luka, worldwide? You sure about that?” while another wrote, “This is a lie. Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama are way more popular than Caitlin Clark.”
Clark’s popularity has transcended traditional basketball audiences, drawing casual viewers and setting television ratings records during her collegiate career.
Her transition to the WNBA has only intensified that spotlight.
At the same time, NBA stars operate in a deeply global ecosystem. Doncic carries a massive European fan base.
Antetokounmpo’s appeal spans Greece, Africa, and the United States. Jokic is revered across Serbia and beyond. Wembanyama entered the league as a global prospect before playing a single NBA game.
Wright’s larger point suggested the NBA is still searching for its next universally recognized face as LeBron James and Stephen Curry move toward the latter stages of their careers.
Whether that mantle ultimately belongs to Wembanyama, Edwards, Doncic, or someone else entirely remains to be seen.
What is clear is that Clark’s name now enters conversations once reserved exclusively for NBA superstars.
And if nothing else, Wright’s comments proved one thing: basketball fans remain fiercely protective of their favorites, and quick to defend them.
The debate over fame may not have a definitive answer. But the passion it sparked shows the sport’s next era is already commanding attention.”
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