As the WNBA season nears, basketball veteran Brittney Griner has shared a bold message for rising star Caitlin Clark, who’s set to make her professional debut with the Indiana Fever. In an exclusive interview with People, Griner emphasized that Clark is stepping into a league filled with experienced and determined athletes.
“You’re going up against grown women,” Griner warned. “This is how they feed their families. This isn’t just about love for the game—it’s their livelihood.”
Griner, who entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2013, opened up about her own challenging transition from college to the pros. She described her rookie season as an “eye-opener,” noting how her performance dipped initially. “I had to get stronger and lock in more,” she said. “There will be growing pains for Caitlin, but she’ll be fine.”
Although Griner respects Clark’s talent, she admitted she wasn’t a fan of Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes—especially when they advanced to the NCAA finals against South Carolina, a team coached by Griner’s longtime friend, Dawn Staley.
Griner’s comments came during the promotion of her memoir, Coming Home, which details her high-profile incarceration in Russia in 2022. She was arrested for accidentally carrying cannabis oil and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Despite any rivalry, Griner acknowledged that Clark’s arrival—along with other top 2024 draft picks—will be a major turning point for the WNBA. “The hype is amazing for the league,” she admitted.
Caitlin Clark’s WNBA journey begins soon as the Indiana Fever face the Connecticut Sun. After a historic college career breaking NCAA records, fans are eager to see if Clark can dominate on the professional stage.
