Stop everything you’re doing because Caitlin Clark just set the tone for 2025 in the most epic way possible! The basketball superstar kicked off the year as the FIRST guest of the year on the New Heights Podcast. Yes, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce brought in the biggest star in sports today, and Caitlin did not hold back. What did the WNBA Indiana Fever star have to say?
Caitlin Clark, one of the most electrifying players in basketball today, kicked off the new year with a bang, as she became the first guest of 2025 on the highly popular New Heights Podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. And trust me, this interview did not disappoint! From jaw-dropping career revelations to candid takes on the future of basketball, Caitlin delivered an unforgettable conversation that left fans buzzing.
The episode opened with an energetic intro, highlighting Clark’s incredible achievements. With an NCAA all-time Division I scoring record, WNBA assist leader honors, and being a first-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, it’s clear that Clark’s resume is already legendary. The Kelse brothers didn’t hold back with their praise either, jokingly remarking that Caitlin’s resume made theirs seem downright “short.” This playful banter set the tone for what became a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that gave fans an intimate look at Caitlin’s life, mindset, and the future of the sport.
One of the most memorable moments of the interview was when Caitlin was asked about her favorite achievement. Her response? Academic All-American, a title that she revealed meant just as much to her mother as any on-court accomplishment. For Caitlin, these honors aren’t about the recognition, but about the process and the love she has for the game.
Yet, even as she brushed off much of the spotlight, Caitlin couldn’t help but express how proud she felt to be named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year. Being one of the few women to receive such an honor, Caitlin emphasized how this recognition is bigger than just herself—it’s a significant moment for women’s sports, shining a light on the growth of women’s basketball and the increasing attention it’s garnering from fans and the media alike.
Caitlin took a step back to reflect on how she fell in love with basketball, sharing stories of her early days competing against boys and making her mark in middle school. What truly took everyone by surprise was the revelation that she had received her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade—a shocking moment that shows just how early her talent was recognized. Despite this, Caitlin’s parents made sure she had a normal childhood, shielding her from the pressures of recruitment and allowing her to simply enjoy the game. This humble upbringing has clearly shaped her grounded mindset and approach to her career.
The conversation also touched on her early years in college basketball and her adjustment to playing with some of the biggest names in the game. Caitlin spoke about the delicate balance of fitting into her team while also standing out as one of the most dominant players on the court. But through it all, she credited her teammates for helping her navigate this transition, emphasizing that the strength of a team comes from mutual support and respect.
Caitlin Takes on the NBA with Unfiltered Thoughts
While Caitlin’s career is one for the record books, she didn’t shy away from offering her thoughts on the state of basketball beyond the women’s game. With a refreshing level of honesty, she took a hard look at the NBA’s current product, citing a lack of rivalries and the changing style of play as reasons why NBA ratings might be down. Caitlin argued that the skill of NBA players is so high that it sometimes makes the game look effortless, leading fans to believe they aren’t trying hard enough. She also questioned whether the NBA had become too soft compared to the physicality of the past, an opinion that stirred some interesting conversations with her hosts.
As the conversation continued, Caitlin brought up the possibility of a four-point line in the NBA, joking that she’d love to see the change, suggesting that it could bring a new level of excitement to the game. The trio also tossed around ideas for how to improve the All-Star Game, from a return to East vs. West matchups to more exciting and competitive formats.
Serena Williams launches ambitious bid after attending NFL meeting with Caitlin Clark
Serena Williams is looking to invest in the NFL’s latest project after advising the league together with WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark
Tennis legend Serena Williams has bid to invest in the NFL’s planned pro football league after attending a panel alongside WNBA icon Caitlin Clark.
Last weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, the NFL’s annual meetings tookk place. Some of the topics expected discussed at these league meetings were the potential for an 18-game regular season, removal of the automatic first down from defensive holding and illegal contact penalties, and the volume of international games, as well as changes such as the addition of automated chains.
However, one topic is particularly pressing for women’s involvement in football. The increased interest in flag football has led to the NFL planning a pro flag football league – and Williams is certainly intrigued.
On Sunday night, Williams – who won 23 Grand Slam titles across an illustrious 27-year career – joined Clark and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning on a panel, titled “The Changing Face of Sports and Its Impact on the NFL.” On Monday, Williams posted an Instagram of herself and the Indiana Fever guard along with the caption: “Yesterday was a blur and all about the future of women at the annual @nfl Annual Meeting @caitlinclark22 @alexisohanian @elimanning I love future of women don’t you?”
It seems Williams is certainly excited about the future of women’s sport. The 43-year-old, along with husband Alexis Ohanian, has submitted a bit to the NFL’s request for proposal seeking investors into the flag football leagues.
The question Williams posed at the end of her Instagram caption is intriguing. It seems Williams is looking to team together with Clark and Manning when it comes to investing in the flag football leagues given the topics of discussion on Sunday night.
Along with her sister Venus, Williams is a minority owner of the Miami Dolphins. In 2009, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross sold a small portion of the team’s shares to Williams, Venus, and a number of other celebrities.
The NFL is receiving plenty of interest and enthusiasm from various superstar investors looking to support the men’s and women’s flag football league. The NFL wants to invest in the leagues but have other partners operate them.
Once the leagues are fully operational, the NFL will sell media packages to current or new rights partners. It will be interesting to see which other high-profile names come to the fore.
Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Tuesday that players are interested in competing in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. He said: “I’ve heard directly from a lot of players who want to participate and represent their country, whether it’s United States or the country that they came from.”
