Clark the Savior: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Rookie Season

Ashley Gardner, Patrick Crowe, Cee Rivers, Department of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Temple University, Physical Education and Sport Studies, Winston-Salem University

Communication & Sport

Published online on February 20, 2026

Abstract

Communication & Sport, Ahead of Print.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was named the “fastest-growing brand in professional sports in 2024” by Forbes, with much attention centered on Indiana Fever’s number one draft pick, Caitlin Clark. Considering Clark is a white ...