Sue Bird on Caitlin Clark: “She came to the WNBA and poured gasoline all over the place”

Sue Bird, a retired WNBA legend and passionate advocate for the league, recently shared her thoughts on Caitlin Clark, TIME’s Athlete of the Year, during her A Touch More podcast with partner Megan Rapinoe. Bird, who spent 19 years in the WNBA, praised Clark for her undeniable impact on the sport, likening her to a catalyst that has amplified the league’s momentum. “The fire was going. It was burning. And it was burning brighter… but Caitlin came, and she poured gasoline all over that thing and just took it to another level,” Bird said, reflecting on Clark’s influence.

Clark’s recognition has sparked debates across the basketball community, with some questioning whether the honor should have been shared among all WNBA players. Among those dissenting is Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, who suggested that TIME should have instead spotlighted the entire league as “League of the Year.”

Johnson’s argument stems from the WNBA’s significant growth this year, from increased viewership to booming merchandise sales. However, Bird remains steadfast in her belief that Clark deserved the accolade, while also acknowledging the contributions of the league’s other players. “There is no Caitlin Clark without the WNBA,” Bird emphasized, highlighting the foundation built by generations of athletes before Clark.

Bird’s perspective is rooted in her love for the game and her recognition of its evolution. While she acknowledges that the league was already gaining traction, she credits Clark for accelerating its rise in popularity. “In the height that it reached this year – of course the player, of course, the stardom, and of course the long threes. She put the ball in the basket. Of course, she’s deserving. Both things are true at one time,” Bird stated, balancing her admiration for Clark with respect for the league as a whole.

How Caitlin Clark is reshaping women’s basketball

Clark’s signature style of play-marked by her deep three-pointers and undeniable skill-has not only drawn attention to her but also cast a brighter spotlight on women’s basketball. Bird noted how Clark’s presence has helped dispel criticisms often leveled at women’s basketball, such as the lack of dunks, by showcasing a style of play that demands respect. “Suddenly there was this college girl with her signature logo threes. And the pure way she played the game demanded respect,” Bird said.

While debates continue about whether Clark’s recognition is an individual or collective achievement, one thing is clear: her arrival has ignited a new wave of interest in the WNBA, pushing both her and the league into a brighter spotlight.