Caitlin Clark announced on February 29 that she would be declaring for the WNBA Draft following the 2023-2024 college season. “I think I’ve known for a little while, honestly,” she said during a press conference at the time, per the Indy Star. Clark had played four years as an Iowa Hawkeye, but had an extra season of eligibility due to a truncated season during the COVID-19 outbreak. “I’ve had quite a few conversations with our coaching staff, and they were always very supportive in trying to help me understand both sides and see both sides,” the high scoring guard added, while saying she wanted to announce the decision before Iowa’s senior night.
A week later, Clark spoke about how “difficult” it was to decide to leave Iowa for the pros. “I’m just kind of ready for the next chapter and a new challenge in my life,” she said appearing on “Good Morning America” on March 7. “But I think the reason I decided to announce it when I did was just to have that closure,” she added.
Several WNBA pros had weighed-in on whether Clark should make the leap before she had made her choice. Former WNBA All-Star, Sue Bird, thought Clark would benefit at the next level. “If I am Caitlin Clark, I am coming out of college,” Bird said on the “Sports Media Podcast” in February. Even though Clark had a disappointing starting WNBA salary, she was still able to line up a big payday.
