Caitlin Clark, the breakout star of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, continues to shine both on and off the court. Not only is she captivating fans with her extraordinary performances, but she is also making significant waves in the world of sports memorabilia. The 2023 Naismith Women’s Player of the Year, known for her impressive scoring average of 31.7 points per game and a record-breaking 40-point game count, is now gaining attention for her skyrocketing trading card values.
Expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, Clark has become a national sensation, drawing comparisons to NBA star Steph Curry for her remarkable long-range shooting skills. Her impact led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship game last year, earning her the fitting nickname “Sister Splash.”
Off the court, Clark’s trading cards are generating just as much buzz. Her 2022 Bowman University Superfractor 1/1 Rookie Auto card, graded PSA 10, took center stage at the PWCC Marketplace’s January Premier Auction. Initial bidding for this highly sought-after card started at an impressive $21,600, but its value soared to a remarkable $38,000 on the final day. This figure triples the previous record for a women’s basketball card, highlighting the immense demand for Clark’s memorabilia.
Notably, this record-breaking bid surpasses the highest-selling women’s basketball card to date, which was a 2004 Ultra Platinum Medallion Diana Taurasi card sold for $11,500. Furthermore, Clark’s card outperforms the sale of Sabrina Ionescu’s 2020 Panini Prizm WNBA Black Gold rookie card and overshadows the two highest private sales of WNBA cards.
With Clark’s continued success on the court and her exclusive trading card and collectibles contract with Fanatics and Topps, her cards are poised to become even more valuable. As she leads the No. 5 ranked Hawkeyes, the demand for her memorabilia is expected to attract even greater attention and value. This significant moment for women’s sports collectibles showcases the growing excitement and recognition for the achievements of female athletes.