Paige Bueckers won, snagged that one title, and carried the season on her back. Yet, when you scroll through social media, you have Bueckers photoshopped as Thanos snapping Clark’s legacy away, or Clark’s logo three captioned, “Still more iconic than a ring.” The internet is rampant with comparisons, and Clark seems to be one-upping her! Especially now when the WNBA draft is looming and Bueckers is at the center of it as the projected No.1 pick. Dallas Wings is waiting with open arms. However, before she can run, she’s gotta dodge Clark’s long shadow—and a 10 million viewership dip.
Both athletes have been compared to each other for years since their high school days. And it is not like they could have escaped it. Both were highly touted Midwestern queens, lighting up the same AAU circuit and landing in ESPN’s top five prospects. Their vision, buttery shots, and game-shifting skills had scouts drooling. They split co-freshman of the year honors and nabbed two Team USA gold medals. Now, Paige’s college title gives her the edge, while Clark’s got the scoring crown, including the NCAA’s all-time record.
But the recent point of comparison is something that Bueckers cannot erase by her remarkable ability to read defenses. And the difference seems to be staggering! Last year, the Final Four games had almost 21 million views – 14.2 million for Iowa-UConn and 7.2 million for NC State-South Carolina. The first game had a Clark vs Bueckers matchup, while the second one had undefeated South Carolina. This year? Less than 8 million. 4.1 million viewers for UConn-UCLA and 3.6 million viewers for South Carolina-Texas. The more noticeable drop was the national championship, which saw just 8.5 million viewers. This number, though the third-most watched ever, still looked tiny in front of the Iowa-South Carolina final’s 18.9 million viewers.
However, ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo brushed off the numbers like crumbs, betting big on Paige Bueckers. “Much like last year when we thought Caitlin Clark’s game would translate, I think Paige’s game will translate. I expect a similar efficiency from her at the pro level. She’s a special talent,” she said, per Moreau Sports Media Prod Co.
Rebecca Lobo on Paige Bueckers
“Much like last year when we thought Caitlin Clark’s game would translate, I think Paige’s game will translate…I expect a similar efficient from her at the pro level…she’s a special talent.”
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) April 10, 2025
Pinpointing the difference between the two stars, and probably dismissing all conversations of comparison, she added, “Caitlin and Paige are very different players. The range on her shot, the way they play, are very different, but their impact is significant.”
Lobo’s stance is strong. As it comes at a time when the spotlight had barely turned to Bueckers before comparisons took center stage. Take Barstool’s Dave Portnoy, for example. He went off on X, saying, “I’m going to need all the race baiters who explain Caitlin Clarks popularity simply because shes white to explain why 10 million more people watched her last year than Paige Bueckers(also white) this year. I’ll hang up and listen”.
While not a direct comparison, it is something that has the potential to make one hide in a corner and think- and even more so, if you are UConn’s most celebrated star. X users, too, did not hold back. “No offense to Paige but Caitlyn is better. This coming from guy in state Paige played in HS,” said one, with others bringing in the entertainment factor. “Sport is entertainment Caitlin is very entertaining as she delivered big numbers It’s that simple“.
There are some interesting reasons for the potential decline, though, which have nothing to do with who’s better. This year, there was no massive storyline of rivalry like that of Clark-Reese. People were initially excited about a potential Bueckers vs Watkins match. But Juju Watkins’ ACL injury sidelined her, and thus, the hype. And the fact that UConn looked unbeatable the entire season did not help. The team did not have that “underdog” touch to its victory, leaving little room for drama. The Huskies torched opponents by 197 points on their way to the national championship- the highest since the 2015-16 UConn team that outscored opponents by 239 points.
To be honest, no one can deny the presence of a ‘Clark effect,’ but ignoring other factors places an unfair burden on Bueckers — a player many, including Clark herself, believe will usher in a new wave of greatness in the WNBA.
What does Caitlin Clark have to say about Paige Bueckers?
There is already a lot of buzz around possible ‘high profile’ and ‘high octane’ games when Clark and Bueckers will face each other on the big stage. But the reigning Rookie of the Year has nothing but praise for her opponent. Despite the constant comparisons between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the maestro guard did not shy away from speaking highly about Paige.
Clark recently joined WNBA icons Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on ESPN’s broadcast of the NCAA title game between UConn and South Carolina. When asked about her views on Paige Bueckers, Clark seemingly expected that question and was quick to praise the UConn star.
“I think she’ll honestly fit right in,” Clark said. “[College Park Center] is fun to play in, too. It’s a small place, it’s loud. You know honestly, they should move every game to American Airlines because I think Paige has that type of draw. She’ll be able to bring those types of fans in.”
Talking further about what qualities she believes will help Bueckers the most as she transitions to W, Clark said, “I think her poise. That’s something you need coming into the W,” Clark said. “It all hits you so fast. You’re moving to a new city, you’re trying to understand your teammates, while you’re trying to live up to all these expectations. And I think that’s one of the greatest things about her game is just her poise and her maturity, and nothing ever seems to faze her. And she’s just always the same constant leader.”
Clark has also said before that what really stands out about Paige Bueckers is how tough she is. She’s been through a lot, but you’d never know it by the way she handles herself—on the court and off. Clark mentioned that ever since they were in middle school, Paige has always been the same: hardworking, fiery, and a natural leader. None of that’s changed.
And the respect is mutual. Bueckers has been a ‘Clark’ supporter off the court and speaks highly of her USA teammate. They acknowledge each other’s skills and competitive spirit, recognizing that they both have a massive desire to win. And for the WNBA, it’s a win-win situation. Both superstars will take the league to the next level.
Well, all will be clearer when the pick is made. Interestingly, the schedule has Clark’s Fever playing the Wings four times in the 2025 season. Dallas already moved one of its two home games against Indiana to American Airlines Center to accommodate more fans (20,000 compared to 7,000 at College Park Center).
The post ESPN Analyst Ignores 10 Million Dip in Viewership as She Takes a Strong Stance on Paige Bueckers & Caitlin Clark Effect appeared first on EssentiallySports.
