Tue Jul 15 22:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Athletic conducted an anonymous poll of nearly 40 WNBA players (excluding rookies) to gauge their opinions on various league issues, including who they believe will be the face of the WNBA in five years. The poll revealed a widespread belief that Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star, is the frontrunner, recognized for her popularity and drawing power. However, the players also acknowledged other potential candidates, including JuJu Watkins, a rising college player, highlighting the league’s abundance of star power. The survey also explored players’ views on league expansion, salaries, and collective bargaining negotiations.

**News Article:**

**WNBA Players Predict Caitlin Clark Will Be Face of the League in Five Years, Anonymous Poll Reveals**

**[City, State] –** A new anonymous player poll conducted by The Athletic has revealed that WNBA players overwhelmingly believe Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will be the face of the league in five years. The survey, which included nearly 40 non-rookie players across the league, delved into various topics, from expansion cities to the best trash-talkers, but the question of who will represent the WNBA in the future drew the most attention.

Clark, a two-time All-Star, has already made a significant impact on the league, driving record viewership and drawing large crowds at both home and away games. “She’s clearly already a draw, and she still has room to improve (as a player),” one anonymous player noted.

However, Clark isn’t the only name mentioned. Players also recognized the potential of JuJu Watkins, a standout college player currently at USC, emphasizing the league’s deep pool of talent. The poll highlighted the complexities of choosing one representative for the WNBA, given the prominence of numerous players across various media platforms and the growing number of lucrative brand deals with rising stars.

Beyond the question of the league’s face, the poll also explored players’ perspectives on key issues like league expansion, player salaries, and the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. The results of the poll are being released throughout the week, providing valuable insights into the views and concerns of WNBA players as the league experiences a period of explosive growth.

Read More