The arrival of Caitlin Clark to the WNBA was a breath of fresh air and a boost that perhaps no one saw coming. Very quickly, the Indiana Fever player became a fan favorite, regardless of whether supporters followed her team or not.
Then, in 2025, another surge arrived to place the league at the center of attention. Paige Bueckers left UConn and, through the draft, joined the professional ranks with the Dallas Wings.
The league exploded with two major, highly marketable talents, drawing in people who previously had little knowledge of women’s basketball and turning them into fans of both players and their performances. Media outlets soon began crafting a narrative of competition and even hostility between them.
However, the Wings player herself has stepped forward to deny that situation, which does nothing positive for those involved, especially as they continue, in the 21st century, to battle preconceptions simply for being women.
Everyone wants to see Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers face off
Fans also want Clark and Bueckers to constantly go head to head. Still, Paige made it clear that the supposed rivalry between them has been misunderstood.
In a conversation with Jason Kelce’s wife, Kylie, on her successful podcast, Not Gonna Lie, Bueckers explained that both players have known each other since their youth and are even friends.
Everybody’s pinned Caitlin and me against each other for the longest time, but we’re cool. We’re friends, and we understand how media works.”…” We are going to be very proud as the USA to be able to be like ‘Yeah we do have the best of the best, right?’
The Dallas player stated.
She also expressed that being part of the national basketball team is a source of pride and that fans will find it special to see them playing together while representing their country.
Team USA has already secured its spot for Berlin, which is why the coaching staff is now focused on shaping the roster, seeking the best on-court chemistry and optimal functionality among the players.
That is why, during the qualifying tournament, where there is no real danger of elimination, different combinations will be tested to determine the best team that will compete in the event on the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico.
It is worth remembering that Caitlin endured an injury-plagued 2025 season, which even forced her to end her participation early. She was unable to join her teammates in the postseason and instead had to support them from the bench.
The Fever advanced to the semifinals, where they faced the Las Vegas Aces and fell to the eventual WNBA champions.
For Paige Bueckers, things were not as pleasant in team terms. Her squad finished with many losses, although on a personal level everything went perfectly. She was crowned Rookie of the Year.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, she could reunite with a former teammate, Azzi Fudd, as the Wings hold the first overall pick in the draft. While her former UConn teammate has the credentials to once again become her right-hand partner, Spanish standout Awa Fam also emerges as a talented option.
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