Caitlin Clark Just WON $10M FAME AWARD — Stephanie White Makes It OFFICIAL!

In a jaw-dropping announcement that has the sports world buzzing, Caitlin Clark has officially been named the recipient of the 2025 FAME Award, a groundbreaking honor that comes with a $10 million prize — the largest individual payout ever granted to a women’s basketball player. The news was made official earlier today by former WNBA Coach of the Year Stephanie White, who chaired this year’s FAME Award selection committee.

Standing before a roaring crowd at a press conference in New York City, White proudly declared, “Caitlin Clark has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete — she’s not just a basketball player; she’s a cultural phenomenon. This award recognizes her impact on the game, her influence beyond it, and the inspiration she brings to millions.”

The FAME Award, short for “Female Athlete of Maximum Excellence,” is presented annually by a coalition of major sports sponsors and media organizations to celebrate the athlete who has most significantly advanced women’s sports in visibility, influence, and commercial growth. This year’s ceremony, however, broke all previous records — both in monetary value and in public attention.

Clark’s win comes after a whirlwind two years in which she not only led the Indiana Fever to record-breaking ratings but also became the face of a new era in women’s athletics. Her rookie season drew unprecedented national attention, with sold-out arenas, millions of new WNBA viewers, and endorsement deals that transformed her into one of the most recognizable athletes in America.

Stephanie White, who coached the Fever during the early stages of Clark’s career, spoke with emotion about her former player’s growth: “When Caitlin first stepped onto the floor, she carried the weight of expectation unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. But instead of breaking under it, she built something bigger than the game itself. This award is proof of that.”

Fans erupted on social media immediately after the announcement, flooding platforms with the hashtag #Clark10Million, which began trending globally within minutes. “She earned every penny,” one fan wrote. “Caitlin Clark changed the trajectory of women’s sports forever.”

The $10 million prize, according to event organizers, is a combination of sponsor contributions from Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Meta, all of whom cited Clark’s role in bridging the gap between women’s and men’s professional sports in marketability and media reach.

Clark herself appeared visibly moved as she accepted the award. “This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about every little girl who picked up a basketball and dreamed big. Women’s sports are not the future — they’re the present.”

Her heartfelt words drew a standing ovation from attendees, including fellow WNBA stars A’Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart, who each congratulated Clark on social media shortly after the ceremony.

The FAME Award’s record-setting prize not only underscores Caitlin Clark’s individual influence but also highlights the ongoing transformation of women’s sports into a powerful cultural force. As Stephanie White put it best: “Caitlin didn’t just win the award — she raised the bar for every athlete who comes after her.”