Caitlin Clark praised for what she did after winning Rookie of the Year

TL;DR

Caitlin Clark won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award but declined league celebrations. This decision highlights her humility compared to the fanfare given to Paige Bueckers for the same award.

Key points

Caitlin Clark won WNBA Rookie of the Year after the 2024 season
Clark declined league celebrations offered by the WNBA
Christine Brennan's book discusses Clark's humility
WNBA's celebration of Bueckers was more prominent
Clark's decision drew criticism from fans

Mentioned in this story

WNBAChristine Brennan

Caitlin ClarkPaige BueckersIndiana Fever

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

When Caitlin Clark won the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award following the 2024 season, there was not a lot of fanfare or celebration from the league. While this drew quite a lot of criticism from fans, especially considering the celebration when Paige Bueckers won the same award in 2025, it turns out that the reason for this came down to Clark’s humbleness, not an oversight from the league.

In her New York Times bestseller “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports,” prominent WNBA reporter Christine Brennan reveals that the WNBA actually offered to honor and celebrate Clark in several ways after her Rookie of the Year win, but Clark shut them down.

There was a noticeable difference in the way the WNBA celebrated Bueckers’ Rookie of the Year award compared to Clark’s. When Clark won the award, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called into a Fever practice during the 2024 playoffs and congratulated Clark on head coach Christie Sides’ cell speakerphone. When Bueckers won this most recent season, however, Engelbert showed up at The Jennifer Hudson Show to present the award to Bueckers in person.

Needless to say, this difference led to a lot of criticism from fans. However, WNBA spokesman Ron Howard told Brennan that there was more going on behind the scenes.

“We offered to come to Indy after the team season had finished and do a press conference and/or have [NBA Entertainment] do a sit down with CC,” Howard wrote in a text message to Brennan on Sept. 16, 2025, via USA Today.

“But both the team and her agent declined the offer … It was difficult to do it while the team was in Connecticut, but we offered to do something in Indianapolis afterwards and we were turned down. Adding to that the fact that we had a chance to do a sit down with her for GMA as well but the opportunities were declined,” Howard continued.

Q&A

Why did Caitlin Clark decline the WNBA's celebration after winning Rookie of the Year?

Caitlin Clark declined the WNBA's celebration offers due to her humble nature, as revealed by reporter Christine Brennan.

How did the WNBA celebrate Paige Bueckers compared to Caitlin Clark?

The WNBA celebrated Paige Bueckers with an in-person award presentation by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, while Clark's recognition was more subdued.

What did Christine Brennan reveal about Caitlin Clark's Rookie of the Year win?

Christine Brennan's book details that the WNBA offered various celebrations for Clark, which she chose to decline.

What is the significance of Caitlin Clark's attitude towards her Rookie of the Year award?

Clark's humility in declining celebrations contrasts with the more public recognition of her peers, highlighting a different approach to success in women's sports.