Who is the best WNBA rookie of 2025? Caitlin Clark is leading the race. See how she compares to other first-year stars this season.
The buzz around the best WNBA rookie of 2025 has taken over sports media, and it’s not hard to see why. With Caitlin Clark setting records and filling arenas, fans and analysts alike are wondering if the Rookie of the Year award is already locked up. But she’s not the only first-year standout making waves in women’s basketball 2025.
Let’s break down the top rookies this season, the numbers behind the hype, and whether the race is truly over—or just heating up.
Why the 2025 WNBA Rookie Class is Special
This isn’t your average draft class. The 2025 rookies entered the league at a time when the WNBA is seeing:
- Historic viewership growth
- Explosive social media presence
- Surging endorsement deals
With rookies like Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso making headlines, the class is deep, competitive, and already shaping the league’s future.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact on and off the Court
It’s hard to start this conversation without talking about the biggest name in the game right now: Caitlin Clark.
Stats (as of July 31, 2025):
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| PPG (Points Per Game) | 24.3 |
| APG (Assists Per Game) | 7.8 |
| 3PT % | 39.5% |
| PER (Player Efficiency Rating) | 25.6 |
She’s leading all rookies in scoring, assists, and fan votes for the All-Star Game. Clark’s style—limitless range, quick vision, and playmaking—has changed how defenses approach the Indiana Fever.
Off the court:
- She’s the face of major campaigns for Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm
- ESPN reports that WNBA jersey sales have tripled, with Clark’s jersey ranking #1
- Social media highlights featuring Clark average over 2 million views per clip
Other WNBA Rookie Standouts Worth Watching
Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
Nicknamed “Bayou Barbie,” Reese is bringing grit, rebounding, and swagger to the Windy City.
Key Stats:
- 14.6 PPG
- 11.2 RPG (Top 5 in the league)
- Double-doubles in 14 straight games
Reese’s rivalry with Clark has created must-see matchups and viral moments. When they play, ratings spike—2.1 million tuned in for their last head-to-head game.
Kamilla Cardoso – Chicago Sky
After a late start due to injury, Cardoso has quietly emerged as a force in the paint.
- 10.8 PPG
- 9.1 RPG
- 2.0 BPG
Her size and timing give the Sky an intimidating frontcourt duo with Reese.
Rickea Jackson – Los Angeles Sparks
Don’t sleep on Jackson. The Sparks’ forward is providing instant offense and highlight plays, averaging 13.2 PPG while shooting nearly 45% from the field.
Comparing the Top Rookies: 2025 Stat Breakdown
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 24.3 | 4.0 | 7.8 | 43% | 39.5% | 25.6 |
| Angel Reese | 14.6 | 11.2 | 2.1 | 47% | 21% | 20.4 |
| Kamilla Cardoso | 10.8 | 9.1 | 1.4 | 52% | N/A | 19.1 |
| Rickea Jackson | 13.2 | 5.2 | 1.8 | 45% | 35% | 18.8 |
Rookie Endorsements: Who’s Winning Off the Court?
Clark has undeniably won the marketing game, but others are cashing in too:
- Angel Reese landed deals with Reebok, Amazon Prime, and McDonald’s
- Kamilla Cardoso partnered with FIBA and South American brands
- Rickea Jackson just signed with Beats by Dre
These endorsements matter. They bring the WNBA into mainstream visibility and give players more platform to grow.
What Coaches Are Saying
“Clark has the highest basketball IQ I’ve seen from a rookie in 10 years.” — Christie Sides, Indiana Fever Head Coach
“Reese plays with a chip on her shoulder—and that’s exactly what we need.” — Teresa Weatherspoon, Sky Head Coach
It’s not just the fans noticing. Coaches are building systems around these rookies.
How Fan Reactions and TV Ratings Influence Awards
Let’s talk media and fan pull. WNBA award voting is influenced by:
- Media members
- Player votes
- Fan perception
Key Fan Impact Moments:
- Caitlin Clark’s 35-point night trended #1 on X
- Angel Reese’s postgame stare-down generated 5M+ views
- Clark-Reese games average 3x more viewers than league average
This stuff matters. A fan-fueled narrative can tip award scales.
Social Media and the Rookie Hype Machine
Social media has become the unofficial scoreboard for popularity. Just look at the following counts:
| Player | Instagram Followers |
|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 2.1 million |
| Angel Reese | 2.8 million |
| Kamilla Cardoso | 780,000 |
| Rickea Jackson | 510,000 |
Trending hashtags like #ClarkEffect, #ReeseWave, and #WNBA2025 have dominated the summer.
So… Is Caitlin Clark the WNBA Rookie of the Year?
At this point in the season, yes—but there’s still time left.
- If Clark’s shooting dips or Indiana slumps, Reese or Cardoso could steal the spotlight.
- If Reese breaks the rookie rebound record or leads Chicago deep into the playoffs, voters may favor her impact.
- And let’s not rule out Rickea Jackson if the Sparks go on a run.
Conclusion: The Rookie Race is Alive and Thrilling
The 2025 WNBA rookie class might go down as one of the greatest in league history. Caitlin Clark may be leading now, but Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Rickea Jackson are all in the mix and making things interesting.
Whether you’re watching for the stats, the stories, or the social media fireworks—this rookie race is must-see TV.
So, who’s your pick for Rookie of the Year? Drop a comment, share this with your WNBA crew, and subscribe for more updates on the hottest season in women’s basketball history!
FAQs
1. Who is leading the WNBA Rookie of the Year race in 2025?
Caitlin Clark is currently the frontrunner, thanks to her dominant stats and national spotlight.
2. How is Angel Reese performing as a rookie?
Reese is averaging a double-double and leads all rookies in rebounds.
3. What makes Caitlin Clark stand out?
Her scoring, court vision, and shooting range set her apart—plus her massive fan base and endorsement deals.
4. When is the Rookie of the Year announced?
Typically at the end of the regular season, shortly before the playoffs.
5. Can a rookie win MVP and Rookie of the Year?
It’s rare, but with Clark’s impact, it’s not out of the question.
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External Link: WNBA Official Site
