'That’s Really What Separates You': Caitlin Clark Gets Teary-Eyed As Sue Bird Shares Heartwarming Fan Tale Amid Star’s Struggles

In a recent episode of “Bird’s Eye View ,” Sue Bird had Caitlin Clark as her guest, and she had the perfect way to describe what sets the former Rookie of the Year apart from the others.

In the closing minutes of the interview, Bird shared a story of an encounter she had with a fan on one flight, who was watching Caitlin Clark’s game. Despite Bird admitting that it was not the best shooting Clark had for a game, the fan still felt so hyped and energized watching her. And that, for the WNBA legend, is what separates Clark from other players in the league.

“But with everything, it’s like your relationship with the fans is so special in that way, you make people feel, and I think that’s really what separates you.” Bird said.

Caitlin Clark’s rapid transition from Iowa Hawkeyes star to rookie sensation in the WNBA has undoubtedly changed the visibility of women’s basketball and created something analysts have termed the “Caitlin Clark Effect”.

Throughout her final two seasons of college basketball, Caitlin Clark broke viewership records; including for the 2023 NCAA championship game which broke an all-time record with 9.9 million viewers and was the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history.

While Clark’s star power is real, more recently released data shows the WNBA’s entire growth story remains complicated. In 2025, league viewership was up 21% even with Clark missing almost the majority of the season due to injury. There were other rookies and rising stars that added to the momentum of the league, but Clark has and will continue to serve as the face of the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Miss Sky-Fever Rematch

The Indiana Fever secured a decisive 92–70 win over the Chicago Sky in Saturday’s rivalry game, completing a 4–0 season sweep despite both teams missing their brightest stars. Caitlin Clark sat out her tenth consecutive contest with a lingering groin injury, while Angel Reese remained sidelined for Chicago due to a back issue.

Following the win, Clark joined her teammates, but did not say any words. Rather, she was caught flashing a “W” hand sign as she walked off the court and later reposted the team’s victory on social media.

The Sky, meanwhile, dropped their ninth game in ten outings, continuing a late-season spiral that’s raised questions about depth and defensive toughness. With Reese still labeled “day-to-day,” fans were left disappointed at the absence of her much-anticipated rematch with Caitlin Clark.