Caitlin Clark May Be the Face of the WNBA, But Paige Bueckers Is Hot on Her (Pony) Tail
The WNBA has seen its fair share of transcendent talents over the years, but few have captured the imagination of basketball fans quite like Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever guard took the league by storm in her rookie season, shattering records, drawing unprecedented viewership, and elevating the WNBA to new heights. Her deep-range shooting, flashy playmaking, and undeniable charisma made her an instant superstar, and many believed her impact would be unrivaled for years to come.
But then came Paige Bueckers.
The Dallas Wings rookie, who many thought would simply be another standout in a stacked 2025 draft class, has done more than just make her presence known—she’s threatening to rewrite the narrative entirely. While Clark remains the face of the league, Bueckers is proving that she isn’t just a supporting character in this story. She’s a co-lead, pushing Clark in a way no other young player has, and in doing so, she’s turning what could have been a solo act into the WNBA’s next great rivalry.
### **Breaking Records Before the Ink Dries**
One of the most startling aspects of Bueckers’ rise is how quickly she’s overtaken some of Clark’s most impressive rookie milestones. Last season, Clark became the fastest player to score 250 career points since Seimone Augustus accomplished the feat in 2006, doing so in her 16th game. At the time, it felt like a record that would stand for a while—until Bueckers blazed past it in just 13 games.
To put that into perspective, Augustus—one of the greatest scorers in WNBA history—needed only 11 games to hit 250 points, a mark that stood untouched for nearly two decades. Clark came close, but Bueckers got even closer, proving that her offensive game is every bit as polished as advertised. And while Augustus’ record remains intact, the fact that Bueckers surpassed Clark’s mark so swiftly speaks volumes about her immediate impact.
But scoring isn’t the only area where Bueckers is making noise. She’s also proving to be a more efficient shooter early in her career, boasting a higher field goal percentage and three-point percentage than Clark did as a rookie. That efficiency has translated into wins, with the Dallas Wings—a team that struggled out of the gate—starting to find their rhythm behind Bueckers’ leadership.
### **The Battle for Popularity**
If there was one thing that seemed unshakable about Caitlin Clark’s rookie season, it was her overwhelming popularity. The Iowa phenom wasn’t just a basketball player; she was a cultural phenomenon, drawing record-breaking viewership, selling out arenas, and becoming a household name in a way few WNBA players ever have. Her jersey sales shattered league records, and her social media following exploded. It was a level of stardom that felt untouchable—until Bueckers arrived.
In June, Bueckers was named WNBA Rookie of the Month, edging out a competitive field that included other standout first-year players. But the real statement came when the All-Star fan votes were tallied. Bueckers didn’t just receive more votes than any other rookie—she surpassed Clark’s 2024 record by over 100,000 votes, finishing with an astounding 805,471 fan selections.
That number isn’t just a testament to Bueckers’ skill; it’s evidence of her growing cultural footprint. Like Clark, she has a magnetic personality, a flair for the dramatic, and a game that captivates audiences. And while Clark still holds the edge in overall recognition, Bueckers is closing the gap faster than anyone anticipated.
### **A Rivalry in the Making**
Every great league needs rivalries, and the WNBA is no exception. For years, the debate between Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird dominated conversations. Then it was Breanna Stewart vs. A’ja Wilson. Now, it seems the next defining duel will be Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers.
What makes this potential rivalry so compelling is how perfectly their strengths contrast. Clark is the flamethrower—a volume scorer with unlimited range, capable of dropping 30 on any given night. Bueckers, meanwhile, is the surgical playmaker—a more controlled, efficient scorer who can also dominate as a facilitator. Their games are different enough to create fascinating stylistic clashes, yet similar enough to invite constant comparisons.
And the league is already capitalizing on it. When the Fever and Wings meet, it’s must-watch basketball. The games are high-scoring, competitive, and packed with highlight-reel moments from both stars. Fans are tuning in not just to see one of them succeed, but to see how they respond to each other’s brilliance.
### **The Bigger Picture**
Beyond individual accolades and head-to-head battles, the emergence of Bueckers as a legitimate challenger to Clark’s throne is the best thing that could have happened to the WNBA. The league’s growth has been exponential over the past few years, and much of that can be attributed to Clark’s arrival. But sustained growth requires more than one superstar—it needs narratives, competition, and fresh storylines.
Bueckers provides all of that. Her rapid ascent ensures that Clark isn’t just coasting on her early success; she now has a peer pushing her to greater heights. And for fans, that means more drama, more unforgettable moments, and ultimately, a better product on the floor.
### **What’s Next?**
The 2025 season is still young, and both Clark and Bueckers have plenty of basketball left to play. Clark, now in her sophomore year, is adjusting to increased defensive attention and the weight of expectations. Bueckers, meanwhile, is navigating the challenges of being a rookie sensation while trying to lift her team into playoff contention.
But one thing is certain: this is only the beginning. Records will continue to fall, fanbases will keep debating, and the WNBA will reap the benefits of having two generational talents entering their primes at the same time.
Caitlin Clark may still be the face of the league, but Paige Bueckers isn’t just chasing her—she’s right beside her, ready to take the crown. And basketball fans are the real winners.
