Year 1 of the Clark & Reese Show has been unlike anything the WNBA has ever seen. Sure, this season’s final chapter is still unscripted with the playoffs set to start Sunday. But the rookie seasons and attention Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have had makes the league's outlook extremely bright beyond this postseason.

Allen's recognition of Clark and Reese's significant influence highlights the rookie class's role in enhancing the WNBA's prominence and audience involvement. The rookies have sparked conversations ranging from their gameplay to cultural impact, captivating fans similarly to the legendary NBA rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

Other athletes listed among Sports Illustrated’s 50 Most Influential athletes include LeBron James, Simone Biles, Patrick Mahomes, Lewis Hamilton, Victor Wembanyama, A’ja Wilson, Anthony Edwards, Travis Hunter, Flaujae Johnson, and Juju Watkins.