In the realm of sports, there are athletes so extraordinary that their impact is measured by the era they define—before and after their time. Babe Ruth transformed baseball, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus revolutionized golf, and Tiger Woods took it to new heights. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird redefined basketball, and now, Caitlyn Clark is poised to leave an indelible mark on women’s basketball, ensuring that it will never be the same after her college career.

Clark’s journey came to a close on Sunday with an 87-75 loss to South Carolina in the national championship game. However, her legacy is not defined by this defeat but by the way she has changed the game and elevated the perception of women’s sports, much for the better.

Her dynamic play, characterized by logo threes and unapologetic trash talk, has captivated audiences, drawing an average of 5.5 million viewers for Iowa’s victory over South Carolina in the 2023 Final Four and nearly 13 million for the title game.

The tsunami of interest Clark has generated has led to sold-out arenas for almost every game, home and away, and has set new ratings records, culminating in 12.3 million people tuning in to watch Iowa and LSU’s rematch for a trip to the Final Four.

Even NBA superstar LeBron James has been a vocal supporter, calling out her detractors and praising her NBA-style game, impressive passing, and playmaking, as well as her three-point range and ability to make shots from anywhere.

Despite her transformative impact, some current and former players, such as Lynette Woodard and Diana Taurasi, have been less supportive. Taurasi, once in Clark’s position as a star coming out of college, has warned that the reality of the WNBA will be different from dominating against college players.

Woodard, speaking at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association convention, also downplayed Clark’s milestones, arguing that because they played under different rules, Clark’s achievements are not comparable to her own.

Cheryl Swoopes has also expressed doubts about Clark’s immediate impact in the pro game, noting the difficulty rookies face in dominating as they did in college. However, Clark’s legendary status is undeniable, and her transition to the WNBA is highly anticipated.

In the midst of this, Ice Cube has faced criticism from WNBA star Lexi Brown for offering Clark a $5 million contract to join his Big Three basketball league. Brown questioned the timing and intent behind the offer, arguing that it undermines the existing women’s league.

Despite the controversies and differing opinions, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. She has not only set records but has also brought unprecedented attention to the sport, inspiring conversations about the value and visibility of women’s athletics. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Caitlyn Clark has forever changed the landscape of women’s basketball, and her legacy will be felt for generations to come.