Caitlin Clark acknowledges having ‘privilege’ as White WNBA star, denies being racially targeted

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Caitlin Clark isn’t shying away from the conversation. She openly recognized the "privilege" she holds but made it clear that she deeply respects the Black women who laid the foundation for the WNBA, shaping the league into what it is today.

In a recent episode of 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction' with David Letterman, the Indiana Fever guard tackled the issue head-on. 

Clark first spoke her "White privilege" during a December interview with Time magazine, when she was named Athlete of the Year, reports Fox News.

Caitlin Clark opens up about 'privilege' of being a White player in WNBA

“I definitely have privilege,” Caitlin Clark shared during her appearance on Netflix’s 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.'

“I’m obviously White, but I think I’m somebody that grew up a huge fan of this league. I grew up watching this league, going to games, supporting this league. So, I know where this league comes from.”

She went on, “A lot of Black women that grew up making this league what it is. That’s kind of the shoulders that we stand on. So, I think that was something I’m very aware of and something I’m very thankful for. And they definitely deserve all the credit and the more we can give credit to them, the better. I’m very aware of that and I know that and I think there is responsibility in acknowledging that.”

When Letterman asked Clark if she felt targeted because of her race, she was quick to shut it down. “I don’t think I was being targeted,” Clark added.

The WNBA Rookie of the Year had previously acknowledged her privilege in a Time magazine interview last year, which came on the heels of ongoing conversations about how race might influence the spotlight she's received compared to some of her fellow players.

“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a White person, there is privilege,” Clark told Time. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.”

"The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important," she continued.

"I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing," Clark added, per TODAY.

Caitlin Clark reveals 'lost art' in WNBA during candid David Letterman interview

On David Letterman’s 'My Next Guest Needs No Introduction', Caitlin Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, didn’t mince words about a skill she believes is undervalued in women’s pro basketball.

Letterman was quick to dive into Clark's basketball skills, especially her uncanny ability to find the open player and make "miracle passes". In her standout rookie season with the Indiana Fever, Clark dominated, leading the WNBA with 8.4 assists per game.

“I would say it's just my IQ,” Clark told Letterman when asked where her passing ability comes from. “I feel like I can see things that are about to happen on the basketball court before they happen," she added.

“Let me ask you this, is this something everybody on your team could?” asked Letterman.

But Clark didn’t even let him finish. With a quick sip of her drink, she said, “No,” adding, “I feel like that’s kind of a lost art at times," Clark said.

"Obviously there’s a lot of great passers still… plenty in the NBA," she added.