Every single one of them not named LeBron James or Stephen Curry. Caitlin Clark is the third-most popular basketball player in the world, and in short time, the Indiana Fever superstar is not going to rank No. 3.
Clark isn't just a superstar, she transcends the sport into popular culture. Every sports league has examples of players accomplishing the same feat; LeBron and Steph did it for the NBA, Shohei Ohtani is doing it for the MLB, Tom Brady did it for the NFL and of course, the Godfather of it all is Michael Jordan and the 90s Chicago Bulls.
Clark is bringing attention to the WNBA that isn't just rivaling the NBA, it's outright beating the NBA. The Indiana Fever's season-opener drew 2.7 million viewers on ESPN, a record for an opening game in the WNBA. NBA games averaged 1.53 million viewers during the 2024-25 season.
LeBron and Curry are nearing the end of their careers and once they eventually do hang it up, they will pass the torch to Clark as the face of basketball. Clark hasn't even reached her prime yet and it will coincide perfectly with when the two NBA icons decide to hang it up.
Who is the next-most popular player in the NBA? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, does not have the same widespread appeal Clark has. Neither does Nikola Jokic. Basketball diehards love these guys, but my dad who is as casual of a sports fan as possible doesn't know who either of them are. He knows who Caitlin Clark is.
Anthony Edwards has the chance to become the face of the league but hasn't yet reached that superstardom. Jayson Tatum has been the nucleus of the incredibly popular Boston Celtics, but does not have the same widespread appeal.
Luka Doncic has a chance after his controversial trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, especially considering the added buzz that comes with playing in LA. But even then, Clark doesn't need to play for the LA Sparks to be in the conversation. She's doing it in the Midwest, which is a testament to her popularity.
Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg are two candidates as they are two of the best NBA prospects since LeBron. But then again, there have been so many "best prospects since LeBron" that have not come close to his star power (looking at you, Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson).
Caitlin Clark isn't just the face of the Indiana Fever. She isn't just the face of the WNBA. She one of the faces of basketball and in just a few years, she will stand alone the mountaintop as the most famous basketball player in the world.