Caitlin Clark Iowa Jersey Retired, That’s right, the No. 22 jersey is now retired by the University of Iowa. This honor, which will take place on February 2, 2025, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marks a fitting tribute to a player whose impact on the sport transcends records and championships.
As the face of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball and a catalyst for the explosion of interest in the sport, the announcement that Caitlin Clark’s Iowa jersey will be retired cements her place among the greatest athletes to ever compete at the collegiate level. But Clark’s story is far bigger than a single moment or honor. Let’s take a closer look at her legendary career, what this jersey retirement signifies, and how her journey has reshaped the future of women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark: Now Becoming an Iowa Legend
Clark’s career was already legendary. She arrived at Iowa as a highly-touted recruit from West Des Moines and quickly proved she was something special. Clark’s ability to shoot from deep, distribute the ball, and lead her team turned the Iowa Hawkeyes into a national powerhouse.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves:
- NCAA Division I Scoring Leader: Clark surpassed both men’s and women’s all-time scoring records, finishing with an incredible 3,951 points.
- Back-to-Back National Championship Appearances: Clark led Iowa to consecutive title games in 2023 and 2024, solidifying her reputation as one of the best clutch performers in the sport.
- National Player of the Year: She earned multiple Player of the Year honors, including the prestigious Naismith Award and Wooden Award in consecutive seasons.
- Record-Breaking Viewership: Her games consistently shattered television viewership records, including the 2023 National Championship game, which drew over 12 million viewers.
By the time Clark played her final game in an Iowa jersey, she had not only rewritten the record books but also ignited a passion for women’s basketball nationwide.
What Led Caitlin to This Point of Iowa Glory?
When the announcement broke that the Caitlin Clark Iowa jersey would be retired, it wasn’t just a celebration of her success—it was a testament to her larger impact on the sport, the university, and the fans.
1. Elevating the Iowa Women’s Basketball Program
Before Clark’s arrival, Iowa women’s basketball was competitive but lacked consistent national recognition. Under Clark’s leadership, the Hawkeyes became appointment television, regularly filling Carver-Hawkeye Arena and drawing record-breaking crowds both home and away.
- In the 2023-2024 season, Iowa’s women’s basketball team averaged 15,000 fans per game, rivaling attendance for top men’s programs.
- Merchandise sales for Clark’s No. 22 jersey skyrocketed, helping Iowa become one of the top-revenue programs in women’s college basketball.
Her jersey retirement ensures that Clark’s impact will live on, not just as a memory but as a symbol of how far the program has come.
2. Her Influence on Women’s Basketball
The phrase “Caitlin Clark Iowa jersey retired” doesn’t just honor her legacy at Iowa; it reflects her role as a driving force behind the growth of women’s basketball. Clark’s deep three-pointers, electric play style, and competitive fire turned casual viewers into dedicated fans.
Her performances brought attention to women’s sports in a way that few athletes ever have:
- Attendance records were broken at nearly every arena where Iowa played.
- Clark became a household name, drawing comparisons to NBA sharpshooters like Stephen Curry.
She proved that women’s basketball could be just as exciting, dynamic, and profitable as men’s sports.
The Ceremony: What to Expect
On February 2, 2025, Carver-Hawkeye Arena will host the official ceremony where the Caitlin Clark Iowa jersey will be retired. The game against Southern California is expected to be a sold-out event, as fans gather to witness the historic moment.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Retirement of No. 22: Clark’s jersey will join those of Iowa legends like Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards, two other icons of the program.
- Honoring Her Career: The ceremony will include highlights from her unforgettable moments, tributes from teammates and coaches, and likely an emotional speech from Clark herself.
- A Celebration of Fans: Clark has always credited Iowa fans for their unwavering support. The ceremony will be as much a celebration of those fans as it will be of Clark’s career.
For fans of women’s basketball, the event will be a powerful reminder of the impact one player can have—not just on the court but also on a community.
Caitlin Clark’s Future Beyond Iowa
While the Caitlin Clark Iowa jersey retired ceremony honors her collegiate career, Clark’s story is far from over. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, Clark has already started making waves in the professional ranks.
In her rookie season, Clark:
- Became one of the league’s most marketable stars, securing endorsement deals with brands like Nike and State Farm.
- Helped boost WNBA viewership and attendance as fans continued to follow her career.
- Played a key role in helping the Indiana Fever return to playoff contention, further solidifying her legacy as a transformative player.
Her success proves that her influence isn’t limited to college basketball—it’s helping to elevate the professional game as well.
The Legacy of No. 22
The announcement of Caitlin Clark’s Iowa jersey being retired solidifies her place as not just an Iowa legend but also one of the greatest athletes in college basketball history. Her contributions extend far beyond the numbers on a stat sheet:
- She inspired an entire generation of young girls to pick up a basketball.
- She showcased the beauty and skill of women’s basketball to millions of new fans.
- She turned the Iowa Hawkeyes into a national brand that will be remembered for decades to come.
When fans walk into Carver-Hawkeye Arena and see Clark’s No. 22 hanging from the rafters, they won’t just see a jersey—they’ll see a symbol of dedication, hard work, and the power of one player to change the game.
The phrase “Caitlin Clark Iowa jersey retired” is more than a headline—it’s the culmination of a story that has reshaped women’s basketball. Clark’s achievements at Iowa, her role in elevating the program, and her larger-than-life impact on the sport make this jersey retirement a truly historic moment.
As February 2, 2025, approaches, fans will celebrate not just Caitlin Clark the player but also Caitlin Clark the icon. She has given Iowa—and women’s basketball—a legacy that will stand the test of time.
For Iowa fans, seeing her jersey in the rafters will be a reminder that legends are made not just by their talent but by the way they inspire others. Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 will forever symbolize the golden era of Iowa women’s basketball, and its retirement is a well-deserved tribute to a player who redefined what is possible.
Caitlin Clark’s Salary, Endorsements, and Off-Season Activities
Caitlin Clark’s success isn’t confined to the basketball court—it’s also reflected in her growing financial portfolio and strategic career decisions. As a generational talent, Clark has already begun to carve out her legacy off the court, balancing professional responsibilities with personal and business endeavors.
Her WNBA Salary
As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark was selected by the Indiana Fever. Her rookie contract follows the WNBA’s structured pay scale, with a starting salary of $74,305 for the first year. While the WNBA’s base salaries are modest compared to their NBA counterparts, players like Clark can supplement their income significantly through endorsements.
Endorsements and NIL Deals
Even before turning pro, Caitlin Clark capitalized on her popularity through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during her college years. These endorsements carried over into her professional career, allowing her to secure partnerships with several high-profile brands, including:
- Nike: Clark is a key figure in Nike’s campaigns, with her image often featured in advertisements promoting women’s basketball and youth initiatives.
- State Farm: Following in the footsteps of other basketball icons like Chris Paul, Clark’s partnership with State Farm highlights her crossover appeal beyond just sports audiences.
- Hy-Vee: As a regional supermarket chain in the Midwest, Hy-Vee solidified its relationship with Clark early on, leveraging her local hero status.
Her total annual earnings from endorsements are estimated to exceed $1 million, making her one of the highest-paid women’s basketball players off the court.
Why She Avoided the Unrivaled League
Unlike some of her contemporaries, Clark opted not to join the newly launched Unrivaled League, a domestic league designed to offer WNBA players more opportunities outside the regular season. While the league has drawn attention from other top players, Clark has stated that her focus remains on building her career with the Indiana Fever and maintaining a sustainable workload.
Her decision reflects her long-term planning: avoiding overexertion to ensure her longevity in the WNBA while prioritizing personal growth and brand development.
What She Does in the Off-Season
Caitlin Clark’s off-seasons are a mix of preparation, philanthropy, and personal development. Here’s how she spends her time:
- Training and Skill Development
Clark takes a deliberate approach to her off-season training, focusing on refining her shooting mechanics, improving her physical conditioning, and working on court vision. She trains with elite coaches and participates in team-organized activities to maintain her edge for the upcoming season. - Basketball Camps and Youth Outreach
Clark’s commitment to growing the sport extends to hosting youth basketball camps in her home state of Iowa. These camps are wildly popular, often selling out within hours, and allow young players to learn from one of the best in the game. - Endorsement Commitments
Clark uses the off-season to fulfill obligations for her various brand partnerships. Whether it’s shooting commercials or making public appearances, she leverages this time to strengthen her brand and maximize her earnings. - Family and Personal Time
Despite her busy schedule, Clark makes it a priority to spend time with family and friends in her hometown of West Des Moines. This downtime allows her to recharge and stay connected to her roots.
Caitlin Clark’s approach to balancing her professional career, endorsements, and off-season activities demonstrates her dedication to both her craft and her long-term goals. By choosing her opportunities wisely, she has positioned herself as a role model for athletes looking to excel both on and off the court. Her journey serves as a blueprint for the modern athlete, blending athletic excellence with business savvy and community engagement.
