In a fiery and unfiltered conversation that has taken the sports world by storm, Caitlin Clark sat down with basketball legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi during the NCAA Finals to discuss everything from her meteoric rise to stardom to the ongoing challenges women athletes face in the spotlight. The interview, which aired during one of the biggest moments in college basketball, was filled with raw honesty, powerful insights, and, of course, Clark’s trademark confidence.

As expected, the Iowa star, who has already made a lasting impact on the sport, didn’t hold back in the presence of two of the greatest players in women’s basketball history. Bird and Taurasi, who have seen and experienced it all throughout their own legendary careers, were the perfect pair to bring out Clark’s unfiltered thoughts on the current state of women’s basketball and her personal journey.

From the outset, Clark wasn’t shy about addressing the uphill battles that women in sports continue to face. Speaking with Bird and Taurasi, she reflected on how far the women’s game has come, but also how much further there is to go.

“I’ve always known the importance of using my platform,” Clark said. “We’re at a point now where we’re finally getting the recognition, but it’s not enough. People still don’t realize that the level of competition in women’s basketball is just as intense, just as physical, and just as skillful as the men’s game. It’s frustrating sometimes to be overlooked or to have our achievements downplayed just because we’re women.”

Bird and Taurasi nodded in agreement, having faced similar challenges throughout their own careers. Bird, a WNBA legend, and Taurasi, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, both emphasized the significance of Clark’s role in continuing to elevate the women’s game.

“You’re doing something special for the game right now, Caitlin,” Sue Bird remarked. “You’ve put the spotlight on women’s basketball in a way that no one could have predicted. The way you play, the way you lead—it’s changing everything.”

Clark humbly acknowledged the impact of her success but made it clear that she’s focused on the future. “I’m grateful for the platform, but it’s not just about me. It’s about everyone who came before me and those who will come after me. We need to keep pushing the game forward.”

As one of the most outspoken and confident athletes in the NCAA, Caitlin Clark has often been a polarizing figure. Her brash playing style, including deep three-pointers and fiery expressions on the court, has earned her both praise and criticism. But in the interview with Bird and Taurasi, Clark was unapologetic about who she is, both as a player and as a person.

“Some people don’t like the way I play, and that’s fine,” Clark said, her voice calm but firm. “But I’m not going to change who I am just because someone doesn’t like it. If you can’t handle the confidence, that’s not my problem. I’ve worked way too hard to be where I am to let anyone make me feel bad for being proud of what I’ve accomplished.”

Taurasi, known for her fiery spirit and unwavering confidence, immediately responded, saying, “You’ve got to have that edge. If you don’t, the game will eat you up. The best players are the ones who embrace that side of themselves and don’t apologize for it. Caitlin has that confidence and is showing the world how powerful it can be.”

Another critical point raised during the interview was the role the media plays in the visibility and portrayal of women athletes. Clark, Bird, and Taurasi all agreed that while things have improved over time, the media still has a long way to go in providing women’s sports with the same coverage and respect given to their male counterparts.

“It’s 2025, and we’re still having to fight for respect,” Clark said, shaking her head. “We need more people in the media to push for women’s sports to be treated equally. We need more attention, more analysis, and more people talking about the talent that’s out there. It’s not just about one player—it’s about the collective movement that’s happening right now.”

Bird added, “It’s so important for us to use our platforms to elevate the conversation. Women’s sports deserve to be in the same conversation as men’s sports. It’s on all of us—athletes, coaches, and media—to keep pushing for that change.”

The interview concluded with a discussion about the future of women’s basketball, with Caitlin Clark looking ahead to the next chapter of her career and the game itself. Despite all her individual accolades and achievements, Clark remains focused on building something greater than herself.

“Right now, we’re seeing the fruits of the labor that players before me put in. Sue, Diana, you’ve both paved the way for players like me,” Clark said, nodding respectfully to Bird and Taurasi. “But we’re not done. We’re not where we need to be yet, and I’m committed to doing my part to ensure that we continue to grow and build this game into something that will last for generations.”

Bird and Taurasi shared a smile, proud of the young star before them, and optimistic about the future of the game.

“We’re all rooting for you,” Taurasi said. “You’re doing the hard work, and we’re here for it. Keep doing what you’re doing, Caitlin. You’re making history.”

Caitlin Clark’s interview with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi during the NCAA Finals was an eye-opening and empowering moment that left no doubt about her place in the history of women’s basketball. Her unfiltered thoughts on her confidence, her career, and the challenges facing women athletes today were a powerful reminder of the work still to be done in the fight for equality and recognition in sports.

Caitlin Clark has already changed the game, but based on her conversation with two of the greatest to ever play, it’s clear that she’s just getting started. With her passion, determination, and confidence, Clark is poised to continue blazing trails and inspiring the next generation of women athletes.