Beyond the Headlines: Dan Patrick Pins the WNBA’s Next Big Rivalry on Clark vs. Bueckers

INDIANAPOLIS — There’s a phrase reporters use when a sports moment suddenly crystallizes: Now, this is something. For the women’s game, that moment might be landing not in the battle between Clark and Reese but in the emerging tension between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.

It wasn’t taboo whispers or TV ratings that lit the spark; it was former ESPN anchor and current radio host Dan Patrick, speaking on his podcast: “This was supposed to be the rivalry… Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. And hopefully it will be.”
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The Rivalry That Was Clark vs. Reese

Clark and Angel Reese have long been the WNBA or sports media’s binary. Their college clashes generated moments: Reese’s iconic postgame celebration in 2023, Clark’s comeback in the 2024 Final Four, and that record-setting Elite Eight game watched by over 12 million.
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On one side, you have Clark, a cerebral, record-breaking machine. On the other hand, Reese is a tenacious, gritty force whose body language often speaks louder than words.

But did it become the rivalry of the WNBA era? For casual viewers, sure. But for “hoop heads”? Patrick thinks otherwise.

The Rivalry That Could Be: Clark vs. Bueckers

While Clark’s sophomore season was derailed by injuries, groin, ankle bruise, you name it, Paige Bueckers emerged into the WNBA spotlight. The Dallas Wings rookie erupted for 44 points on 81% shooting, breaking rookie scoring records that Clark’s 35-point peak hadn’t touched.
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Patrick framed the matchup this way: Bueckers captures the strategic fans, the WNBA purists; Clark has the casual fans, the fans of stories. Together, they could craft a rivalry built on respect, narrative, and moments.
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The Making of a Rivalry

Caitlin Clark

• The NCAA’s all-time scoring leader; first player ever to lead Division I in both points and assists in the same season; two-time National Player of the Year.
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• As a WNBA rookie, she brought attendance and viewership angles back to the Fever; their games sold out and broke records.
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Paige Bueckers

• Kansas City’s one-time consensus No. 1 recruit. First freshman to win Naismith Player of the Year.

• Her college career was interrupted by injuries, ACL, meniscus, and ankle surgeries, but she returned to lead UConn to a national championship.
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Their paths diverged. Clark soared uninterrupted; Bueckers persisted through losses. That balance of stability and adversity makes the rivalry narratively rich.

When They Met: On and Off the Court

They faced off just three times before WNBA two NCAA games (2021 Sweet 16 and 2024 Final Four), split 1–1. In their WNBA meeting this July, Clark posted a stat-stuffed double-double with 14 points, 13 assists, and 5 steals; Bueckers added 21 points.
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In media moments, Clark has called Bueckers “always been a fan of hers,” a connection rooted in mutual appreciation, not manufactured storylines.
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Why This Rivalry Resonates Differently

Rivalries aren’t just competitive; they’re complementary.

• Clark is narrative. Her “Caitlin Clark effect” has stretched WNBA economic value by hundreds of millions, igniting mainstream attention.
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• Bueckers is craft. Her offensive mastery and footwork resonate with die-hard fans, reminding them of basketball’s fundamentals.

Together, they carry equal parts star power and purity.

Table: Rookie First-Season Comparison

(Sources from WNBA archives and media reports summarized in [turn0search2], [turn0search11])

Implications for the WNBA

A Clark Bueckers rivalry plays directly into two growth engines:

1. Popularity Crossover
   Clark brings fans through narrative; Bueckers keeps them in through skill and drama.
   Dan Patrick’s breakdown frames this beautifully: “Paige will appeal to WNBA fans… Caitlin appeals to the casual fan.”
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2. Structural Storytelling
   It elevates both conference play and national broadcast interest, creating must-see moments and embedded cultural memories.

3. Diversity of Appeal
   Clark offers athletic achievements with mainstream charisma; Bueckers offers resilience and elite fundamentals. Together, they span what basketball lovers value.

Final Thought: The Rivalry That Could Define the League

Right now, it’s just talk and terrific talk at that. But next year could make it real: health returning to Clark, Bueckers growing under wings, and WNBA schedules lining them up again.