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On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports
A dramatic profile of Caitlin Clark and her record-breaking year in women’s basketball, the unprecedented media attention this national phenom has received, and the seismic effect she has had not just on WNBA attendance and TV ratings but on the way Americans view female athletes—by award-winning television commentator and USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan.
A revolution has been ignited in women’s sports. Much like Tiger Woods’s arrival on the golf scene, what Clark has brought to women’s basketball is without precedent. Prior to entering the WNBA, she was the highest-scoring college basketball player—male or female—in NCAA Division I history, and her last college game with Iowa was the first women’s national championship final to outdraw that of the men. In her rookie season as the WNBA’s No. 1 pick, league sales are up nearly 100% and Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, has emerged as the WNBA’s top-trending team with ticket sales more than ten times higher than last year, sold-out arenas coast to coast, and historic TV ratings.
Now, in On Her Game, we get an all-access pass to one of the most exciting and important young athletes our nation has produced. Drawing on extensive interviews and exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting, national sports columnist Christine Brennan recounts the highlights of Clark’s magnificent rookie year as the Fever star sets social media ablaze with her stunning must-see feats. A supremely confident performer, Clark has stayed serene amid the whirlwind of attention, simultaneously handling rival players eager to challenge her as well as nonstop questions from reporters about the many issues that have swirled around her and the WNBA.
If there was any doubt before, there is none the Clark phenomenon is proving that female athletes can garner as much media attention as their male counterparts—and lucrative endorsement deals. Clark arrived as a sports and cultural icon fifty years after Title IX opened the floodgates for girls and women to play sports in America. Now, the historic interest she has received from journalists and fans of all ages is paving the way for female athletes across all sports for the next fifty years.
A revolution has been ignited in women’s sports. Much like Tiger Woods’s arrival on the golf scene, what Clark has brought to women’s basketball is without precedent. Prior to entering the WNBA, she was the highest-scoring college basketball player—male or female—in NCAA Division I history, and her last college game with Iowa was the first women’s national championship final to outdraw that of the men. In her rookie season as the WNBA’s No. 1 pick, league sales are up nearly 100% and Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, has emerged as the WNBA’s top-trending team with ticket sales more than ten times higher than last year, sold-out arenas coast to coast, and historic TV ratings.
Now, in On Her Game, we get an all-access pass to one of the most exciting and important young athletes our nation has produced. Drawing on extensive interviews and exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting, national sports columnist Christine Brennan recounts the highlights of Clark’s magnificent rookie year as the Fever star sets social media ablaze with her stunning must-see feats. A supremely confident performer, Clark has stayed serene amid the whirlwind of attention, simultaneously handling rival players eager to challenge her as well as nonstop questions from reporters about the many issues that have swirled around her and the WNBA.
If there was any doubt before, there is none the Clark phenomenon is proving that female athletes can garner as much media attention as their male counterparts—and lucrative endorsement deals. Clark arrived as a sports and cultural icon fifty years after Title IX opened the floodgates for girls and women to play sports in America. Now, the historic interest she has received from journalists and fans of all ages is paving the way for female athletes across all sports for the next fifty years.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2025
299 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
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June 29, 2025
For whatever reason my new Barnes and Noble had this for sale super early (actual publishing date is July 8th) so I bought it and pretty much read it in one day.
It was really fun to relive the 2024 WNBA season. It’s pretty telling that anyone who possibly could look bad during that season declined to be interviewed for the book. Defend yourself! Clear stuff up! That’s all legendary journalist Christine Brennan wants to do.
For all the haters out there who say Brennan’s “sources are the voices in her head… 70% of this book is direct quotes from other (public) sources.
While this book is certainly a celebration of a fantastic figure, it is also a condemnation of a professional sports league wholly unprepared for a revolution. So I can see some people getting hurt feelings about all this… and certainly there will be people who will cherry pick things to fit their agenda… but this is a solid journalistic pursuit, not a hit piece or sensational account of anything.
Addicting to read and it brings back good memories. But also happy it’s a real report, not an expose.
It was really fun to relive the 2024 WNBA season. It’s pretty telling that anyone who possibly could look bad during that season declined to be interviewed for the book. Defend yourself! Clear stuff up! That’s all legendary journalist Christine Brennan wants to do.
For all the haters out there who say Brennan’s “sources are the voices in her head… 70% of this book is direct quotes from other (public) sources.
While this book is certainly a celebration of a fantastic figure, it is also a condemnation of a professional sports league wholly unprepared for a revolution. So I can see some people getting hurt feelings about all this… and certainly there will be people who will cherry pick things to fit their agenda… but this is a solid journalistic pursuit, not a hit piece or sensational account of anything.
Addicting to read and it brings back good memories. But also happy it’s a real report, not an expose.
June 28, 2025
Based on this, it is apparent Christine Brennan is positioning to serve as the Boswell for Caitlin Clark, a role similar to that played by Brian Windhorst for LeBron James.
That perception certainly colors one's impression of this book... Brennan is a big fan, and there isn't much wiggle room here.
What Brennan does well is set up this situation: a league struggling for attention that gets it through a singular talent, and the difficulty that comes in combining the new with the old.
There is a lot rumbling under the surface here, particularly when it comes to examining the feelings that many players and executives have toward Clark. There would be a great book on that subject alone.
It is interesting to compare this book with Howard Megdal's Becoming Caitlin Clark, which just came out. It is safe to say Megdal offers a lot more nuanced approach in the way other players view Clark, and it isn't very cut and dried. For example, each book's look at the reaction to Clark's incident with Chennedy Carter is different, and Megdal's writing makes more sense.
By contrast, Brennan's account of her conflict with DiJonai Carrington has more levels than Carrington accidentally poking Clark in the eye, and her writing offers a deeper portrayal that you might think.
So what we have here are the first salvos in covering one of the most compelling athletes of our times. Brennan's narrow vision in favor of Clark keeps it from being a complete look.
To date, the best coverage of Caitlin Clark remains the Wright Thompson story for ESPN.
That perception certainly colors one's impression of this book... Brennan is a big fan, and there isn't much wiggle room here.
What Brennan does well is set up this situation: a league struggling for attention that gets it through a singular talent, and the difficulty that comes in combining the new with the old.
There is a lot rumbling under the surface here, particularly when it comes to examining the feelings that many players and executives have toward Clark. There would be a great book on that subject alone.
It is interesting to compare this book with Howard Megdal's Becoming Caitlin Clark, which just came out. It is safe to say Megdal offers a lot more nuanced approach in the way other players view Clark, and it isn't very cut and dried. For example, each book's look at the reaction to Clark's incident with Chennedy Carter is different, and Megdal's writing makes more sense.
By contrast, Brennan's account of her conflict with DiJonai Carrington has more levels than Carrington accidentally poking Clark in the eye, and her writing offers a deeper portrayal that you might think.
So what we have here are the first salvos in covering one of the most compelling athletes of our times. Brennan's narrow vision in favor of Clark keeps it from being a complete look.
To date, the best coverage of Caitlin Clark remains the Wright Thompson story for ESPN.
July 5, 2025
As an Iowan, sports fan, and believer in girls and women, I’m in awe of this time, the movement, and Caitlin Clark. Brennan writes the book similar to a USA Today article. It’s very readable for middle grade to adults. She covers the last year of Caitlin’s career, mostly the WNBA portion. She talks about the movement, Caitlin’s impact, how the WNBA and the country responded, and asks some tough questions. Most importantly for me, she captures an important time in women’s history so girls can continue to learn about Title IX, this current movement and the shoulders of the people they stand on.
October 29, 2025
Journalist Christine Brennan accounts Caitlin Clark as the WNBA’s most watched star in her record breaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever, and how the passage of Title IX in 1972 set the stage for what is happening in women’s sports today.
Brennan demonstrates how the WNBA organization, Player’s Association, team owners, Olympic Committee, and the professional sports world was (and still is) ill prepared for Clark’s entrance onto the professional arena and the fans that would follow.
“December 2024, The Indianapolis Star reported that Clark was responsible for 26.5 percent of the WNBA’s league-wide activity during the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales, and television. One of every six tickets sold at a WNBA arena could be attributed to Clark, the Star said.
Clark’s economic impact on the city of Indianapolis was $36 million, Dr. Ryan Brewer, associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, told the Star’s Dana Hunsinger Benbow. Earlier in 2024, the NBA All-Star Game’s impact in Indy was $400 million, Brewer said, meaning Clark’s value was nearly 10 percent of the NBA All-Star Weekend.
“That’s for one year. We’re talking about one player,” Brewer said. “The numbers are so staggering. They don’t even seem real.”
On October 13, The Washington Post published a full-page story and graphic in its Sunday sports section: “By any measure, Clark’s impact was huge,” read the headline, with the subhead “Fever rookie’s stats, popularity and record TV ratings and attendance dramatically changed the WNBA.”
As the Post’s Ben Golliver wrote, “Never before has a WNBA star managed to be a household name in so many households.””
Brennan demonstrates how the WNBA organization, Player’s Association, team owners, Olympic Committee, and the professional sports world was (and still is) ill prepared for Clark’s entrance onto the professional arena and the fans that would follow.
“December 2024, The Indianapolis Star reported that Clark was responsible for 26.5 percent of the WNBA’s league-wide activity during the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales, and television. One of every six tickets sold at a WNBA arena could be attributed to Clark, the Star said.
Clark’s economic impact on the city of Indianapolis was $36 million, Dr. Ryan Brewer, associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, told the Star’s Dana Hunsinger Benbow. Earlier in 2024, the NBA All-Star Game’s impact in Indy was $400 million, Brewer said, meaning Clark’s value was nearly 10 percent of the NBA All-Star Weekend.
“That’s for one year. We’re talking about one player,” Brewer said. “The numbers are so staggering. They don’t even seem real.”
On October 13, The Washington Post published a full-page story and graphic in its Sunday sports section: “By any measure, Clark’s impact was huge,” read the headline, with the subhead “Fever rookie’s stats, popularity and record TV ratings and attendance dramatically changed the WNBA.”
As the Post’s Ben Golliver wrote, “Never before has a WNBA star managed to be a household name in so many households.””
July 29, 2025
this was just a regurgitation of cc's rookie season and her college career achievements. there is nothing new to learn from this book if you have already been following her in the past few years. down to the pre or post-game interviews that brennan quotes from cc, i've already heard it and you probably have if you remotely followed espn articles about the league last year.
brennan is so clearly not an unbiased journalist... you can tell from her writing's insinuations and the way she writes about certain controversies involving cc and other black wnba players such as dc. brennan also repeatedly takes jabs at dt's alluded undeserving spot in the 2024 olympics roster.
many players, as well as other wnba or wnbpa officials declined brennan's request to speak more on the specific situations brennan discusses in the book. cc herself did not authorize this biography, further adding onto the fact that there is nothing new being said in this book that wasn't already in the media. the reluctance to cooperate with her also raises red flags in my eyes. it makes me angry that brennan is profiting off of cc's success with this book that barely adds anything to the conversation, if anything it might send more backlash towards cc and the fever because of the unabashed cc 'glazing' and minimization of other players and other contrasting opinions.
brennan touches on race and sexuality within the league in this book but only to put cc's whiteness and heterosexuality relative to her peers and mentors, not elaborating and diving deep into the intersectionality present within the wnba. she also claims that the league's unpreparedness for cc's arrival is to blame in quite literally everything she sees wrong that happens, alluding that the issues that plague the league is solely because of marketing failure rather than a more complex mix of that in addition to cultural and societal issues.
brennan is so clearly not an unbiased journalist... you can tell from her writing's insinuations and the way she writes about certain controversies involving cc and other black wnba players such as dc. brennan also repeatedly takes jabs at dt's alluded undeserving spot in the 2024 olympics roster.
many players, as well as other wnba or wnbpa officials declined brennan's request to speak more on the specific situations brennan discusses in the book. cc herself did not authorize this biography, further adding onto the fact that there is nothing new being said in this book that wasn't already in the media. the reluctance to cooperate with her also raises red flags in my eyes. it makes me angry that brennan is profiting off of cc's success with this book that barely adds anything to the conversation, if anything it might send more backlash towards cc and the fever because of the unabashed cc 'glazing' and minimization of other players and other contrasting opinions.
brennan touches on race and sexuality within the league in this book but only to put cc's whiteness and heterosexuality relative to her peers and mentors, not elaborating and diving deep into the intersectionality present within the wnba. she also claims that the league's unpreparedness for cc's arrival is to blame in quite literally everything she sees wrong that happens, alluding that the issues that plague the league is solely because of marketing failure rather than a more complex mix of that in addition to cultural and societal issues.
July 10, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Excellent recap of Queen Caitlin's first season in the WNBA. Annoying to be reminded of just how inept or willingly incompenent the folks who run the W and the Olympic comittee seem to be. You get to recall just how small, short sighted, catty, and petty a lot of the players seem to be.
I wish I could donate some of my pettiness to CC so in 2028 when the Olympic Committee comes begging for her to join and make them relevant, she could reply "No thanks." Leaving them to wallow in obscurity forever. Self imposed.
I've never seen a business so allergic to success in my life. It's like a lesson on what to do if you don’t want to make money. Does the league not have accountants? No bean counter has figured out how to leverage this into even bigger success? Strike while the irons hot? No thanks, we like it cool. A rising tide raises all ships? Not if we scuttle it first. Golden Goose will continue to lay Golden eggs? Not if we strangle it first. Capture lighting in a bottle? Nah, we left the cap off.
Goes double for Nike. Still no shoe? Who's running that business? Her Kobe you released this past month sold out in 45 seconds. Think theres a market there? Even if I thought it was a good idea to get A'ja's shoe out first (I don't), you can't afford 2 teams of designers to come up with a shoe? Released one than the other a week later. Is there one fella designing? Makes zero sense. In a day in age when everyone seems to be mad at capitalism, kudos to Nike I guess by refusing to engage in it and make money. Thank you comrades.
Its a wonder they've never turned a profit in 30 years of existence (back to the W). I imagine they've been making terrible business decisions like this for years, only difference no one was watching to no one noticed.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Caitlin doesn't possess a level of petty I do. She handles it all with a grace I can't imagine obtaining. When they to low, I descend to Hades and go as low as possible.
Kudos Caitlin. You're it. You're the reason we're watching. Regardless of how much people wanna whine about it. It is what it is.
Great book. Great Journalist. Dijonai, stay mad.
Excellent recap of Queen Caitlin's first season in the WNBA. Annoying to be reminded of just how inept or willingly incompenent the folks who run the W and the Olympic comittee seem to be. You get to recall just how small, short sighted, catty, and petty a lot of the players seem to be.
I wish I could donate some of my pettiness to CC so in 2028 when the Olympic Committee comes begging for her to join and make them relevant, she could reply "No thanks." Leaving them to wallow in obscurity forever. Self imposed.
I've never seen a business so allergic to success in my life. It's like a lesson on what to do if you don’t want to make money. Does the league not have accountants? No bean counter has figured out how to leverage this into even bigger success? Strike while the irons hot? No thanks, we like it cool. A rising tide raises all ships? Not if we scuttle it first. Golden Goose will continue to lay Golden eggs? Not if we strangle it first. Capture lighting in a bottle? Nah, we left the cap off.
Goes double for Nike. Still no shoe? Who's running that business? Her Kobe you released this past month sold out in 45 seconds. Think theres a market there? Even if I thought it was a good idea to get A'ja's shoe out first (I don't), you can't afford 2 teams of designers to come up with a shoe? Released one than the other a week later. Is there one fella designing? Makes zero sense. In a day in age when everyone seems to be mad at capitalism, kudos to Nike I guess by refusing to engage in it and make money. Thank you comrades.
Its a wonder they've never turned a profit in 30 years of existence (back to the W). I imagine they've been making terrible business decisions like this for years, only difference no one was watching to no one noticed.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Caitlin doesn't possess a level of petty I do. She handles it all with a grace I can't imagine obtaining. When they to low, I descend to Hades and go as low as possible.
Kudos Caitlin. You're it. You're the reason we're watching. Regardless of how much people wanna whine about it. It is what it is.
Great book. Great Journalist. Dijonai, stay mad.
July 16, 2025
I had such high hopes for this book I bought it rather than waiting for it from the library. What a waste of money. CC, her fandom, her impact on sports and the reactions of players, fans, non fans and douches all over the world are complicated, conflicting and the roots are interesting and understandable. Brennan has the experience to handle all these topics, but instead she decided to simply simp for CC and ignore anything remotely problematic about her fanbase and excuse away any CC mistakes or concern. This isn’t a work of nonfiction. It’s an extended essay. This is not journalism, but pure, one sided propaganda. If anyone knows where to get in line for a refund, please tell me. Note: I shouldn’t have to explain this, but I do. I’m a huge CC fan, not a hater, but not a sycophant.
July 9, 2025
Superstar disrupts WNBA. League utterly unprepared.
November 2, 2025
Caitlin Clark fan here - so very much enjoyed. Possibly a must read for any woman with a sports podcast.
July 28, 2025
3.5 // This was a solid introduction that catalogs all major events from Caitlin's rise to fame at Iowa through her rookie year in the WNBA. As a CC fan who lived most of these events live as an Iowan and student at the University of Iowa, I learned a few things, but mostly, just enjoyed it for the "look back" on the last couple of years. However, it is clear Brennan is a huge fan of CC, and that colors her view. Even as a CC fan myself, I wanted a little more nuance from the author. My favorite part was the beginning, where the author talks about Iowa's history of six-on-six basketball and historical support for Women's basketball and how that created the perfect storm for CC. As we moved into CC in the pros, I'm ngl, I was less interested, especially since it was mostly just going over the fever's season that happened...last year. Still, a great read that feels like it's part of the Iowa canon.
July 22, 2025
Christine Brennan’s On Her Game sets out to chronicle the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark, one of the most electrifying figures in women’s basketball. And in the book’s best moments, Brennan delivers just that: a clear, detailed, and enthusiastic recap of Clark’s college dominance at Iowa and her transition into the WNBA. For readers looking to revisit Clark’s jaw-dropping performances, record-breaking milestones, and cultural impact on the sport, Brennan provides a solid, if not particularly groundbreaking, overview.
Unfortunately, the book frequently veers away from its subject and reads like a running list of Brennan’s career accomplishments, as she seems determined to remind readers of her own role in the sports media landscape. The narrative is peppered with anecdotes about how she broke major stories, went viral on social media, or received praise for her coverage. The constant self-referencing only distracts from the central figure of the book and begins to feel less like context and more like self-congratulation.
The final third of the book shifts even further, as Brennan spends significant time defending herself against critics and controversies. While some readers might find this behind-the-scenes view of sports media intriguing, it feels out of place in what is marketed as a book about Caitlin Clark. It becomes more of a personal justification than a continuation of Clark’s story. Instead of closing with an insightful reflection on Clark’s impact or future, the book ends on a defensive note that undercuts its strongest material.
In the end, On Her Game is part biography and part media defense. It’s an uneven mix that occasionally hits but too often loses focus. Caitlin Clark’s journey deserves the spotlight but unfortunately, Brennan too often steps in front of it.
Unfortunately, the book frequently veers away from its subject and reads like a running list of Brennan’s career accomplishments, as she seems determined to remind readers of her own role in the sports media landscape. The narrative is peppered with anecdotes about how she broke major stories, went viral on social media, or received praise for her coverage. The constant self-referencing only distracts from the central figure of the book and begins to feel less like context and more like self-congratulation.
The final third of the book shifts even further, as Brennan spends significant time defending herself against critics and controversies. While some readers might find this behind-the-scenes view of sports media intriguing, it feels out of place in what is marketed as a book about Caitlin Clark. It becomes more of a personal justification than a continuation of Clark’s story. Instead of closing with an insightful reflection on Clark’s impact or future, the book ends on a defensive note that undercuts its strongest material.
In the end, On Her Game is part biography and part media defense. It’s an uneven mix that occasionally hits but too often loses focus. Caitlin Clark’s journey deserves the spotlight but unfortunately, Brennan too often steps in front of it.
July 9, 2025
don’t need to read it ! im done ! give AR her flowers !
July 12, 2025
A once in a lifetime superstar with grace and drive. Love her!
September 4, 2025
This was genuinely one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I could write an essay about all the things wrong with this book but it can mostly be summed up with the author’s obsession with Caitlyn Clark and herself. Brennan spent the entire book quoting people who she believed to be anti-Clark and then inserting snippets from her own articles where she spoke highly of the Indiana Fever star. I can totally see why this author was cancelled for racism and my only disagreement with that is I think she should also be cancelled for being straight up annoying!
July 26, 2025
Don’t spend money on this book! Donate your money to the Caitlin Clark Foundation instead. I am a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye, high school baller who played both 6-on-6 and 5-on-5 basketball, and big fan of Iowa WBB. So, of course, I have followed the Caitlin Clark saga for 6 years now. Perhaps it’s because I was on this journey with Caitlin as a fan and have vicariously lived through these events - I was at that Chicago Sky game - that this book falls so flat. Where’s the emotion? I’ll tell you where - in the sections where Brennan writes about herself and her own experiences. The rest is a rehash of X posts and YouTube clips. I didn’t get to know Clark in a new or expanded way. Going back, I wish I had realized what it meant that this book is an unauthorized biography. The quotes from Caitlin are from answers at press conferences, not from a true relationship between author and subject. That distance is felt throughout. But mostly, the author’s insistence and persistence at inserting herself into the story really got in the way of enjoying a book that is, ultimately, one part hagiography, one part WNBA hit piece, and all money grab. Someday, Caitlin Clark will write her own story, and won’t that be the book to read!!
September 9, 2025
As I have been fully engaged in wnba this year ( thank you Valkyries) I found this Interesting. Helped me on learning more history of wnba. Book very well researched / documented/ journalistic tone. Was slow attimes. Didn’t remember the WNBA first to take a knee pre Colin K. Good explanation of both positive influences of Caitlin ( private flights ) but did feel like author did downplay all of the positive influences of all of the other players that make up the league.
August 1, 2025
Love wbb but remind me to never read a sports book again
August 15, 2025
Great book if your a fan of Caitlin, of which I am🏀🏀
August 7, 2025
I loved loved loved this book!
Even though I already knew most of the facts, it didn’t take away from the experience one bit. On Her Game is such a fantastic overview of Caitlin Clark’s life and basketball journey. It brings together her story with heart, inspiration, and the kind of detail that reminds you why she’s become such a phenomenon—not just in women’s basketball, but in sports overall.
The writing is accessible and engaging, making it easy to revisit again and again. This is one of those books I’ll happily return to whenever I need a little motivation or just want to relive the rise of one of the greatest athletes of our time.
Whether you’re a die-hard Caitlin Clark fan or just getting to know her, this book is a must-read.
Even though I already knew most of the facts, it didn’t take away from the experience one bit. On Her Game is such a fantastic overview of Caitlin Clark’s life and basketball journey. It brings together her story with heart, inspiration, and the kind of detail that reminds you why she’s become such a phenomenon—not just in women’s basketball, but in sports overall.
The writing is accessible and engaging, making it easy to revisit again and again. This is one of those books I’ll happily return to whenever I need a little motivation or just want to relive the rise of one of the greatest athletes of our time.
Whether you’re a die-hard Caitlin Clark fan or just getting to know her, this book is a must-read.
August 13, 2025
When I first heard about this book, I didn't want to read it, but then I saw all the controversies surrounding it, and I needed to know for myself.
This book is mostly very interesting for the purpose of thinking about perspective. I would argue that Christine Brennan's perspective on this is very much coming from being a fan of Caitlin Clark and thinking purely about marketing and sales. While I am also both a fan and a marketer, I think that this book lacks the nuance and well-roundedness that these topics deserve, especially as Christine Brennan tries multiple times to talk about discrimination (of multiple types, but especially racial) as a white woman.
I also feel like Christine Brennan would double down on a take, even after her own writing would disprove the total validity of her opinion. For example, in the chapter on CC's Olympic 'snub,' Brennan focuses on CC's global popularity and the worldwide attention her being on the roster would bring to the WNBA as a major selling point for why CC should be on the team. Then, two pages later goes on to say that she was shocked when one of the Olympic committee members mentioned that they were nervous about including CC because of how her fans might react if she had low playing time. Brennan complains that fans' concerns shouldn't impact roster decisions. It's like, queen, that is the biggest reason you've been spouting out for pages! Look in the mirror!!
Overall, it was mostly just frustrating, because I don't think Brennan went into this with bad intentions, but it ended up just ragging on the W as a league, uplifting CC onto an unhealthy pedestal while shoving down everyone else in the league.
This book is mostly very interesting for the purpose of thinking about perspective. I would argue that Christine Brennan's perspective on this is very much coming from being a fan of Caitlin Clark and thinking purely about marketing and sales. While I am also both a fan and a marketer, I think that this book lacks the nuance and well-roundedness that these topics deserve, especially as Christine Brennan tries multiple times to talk about discrimination (of multiple types, but especially racial) as a white woman.
I also feel like Christine Brennan would double down on a take, even after her own writing would disprove the total validity of her opinion. For example, in the chapter on CC's Olympic 'snub,' Brennan focuses on CC's global popularity and the worldwide attention her being on the roster would bring to the WNBA as a major selling point for why CC should be on the team. Then, two pages later goes on to say that she was shocked when one of the Olympic committee members mentioned that they were nervous about including CC because of how her fans might react if she had low playing time. Brennan complains that fans' concerns shouldn't impact roster decisions. It's like, queen, that is the biggest reason you've been spouting out for pages! Look in the mirror!!
Overall, it was mostly just frustrating, because I don't think Brennan went into this with bad intentions, but it ended up just ragging on the W as a league, uplifting CC onto an unhealthy pedestal while shoving down everyone else in the league.
July 12, 2025
Though Unauthorized an Excellent Biography
Christine Brennan's "On Her Game" is an excellent biography. She asked hard, unbiased questions to those involved controversies during "The Year of Caitlin." Well written by one of the best sports journalists today. I bought a Kindle edition and a hard back edition. Looks like I helped make it a bestseller. 😁Keep up the excellent sports journalism, Christine. We need journalists like you in sports, especially the WNBA. Thank you "On Her Game".
Christine Brennan's "On Her Game" is an excellent biography. She asked hard, unbiased questions to those involved controversies during "The Year of Caitlin." Well written by one of the best sports journalists today. I bought a Kindle edition and a hard back edition. Looks like I helped make it a bestseller. 😁Keep up the excellent sports journalism, Christine. We need journalists like you in sports, especially the WNBA. Thank you "On Her Game".
July 14, 2025
I have read Christine Brennan's books in the past and enjoy her writing. I also am a Caitlin Clark fan and enjoyed reading some familiar stories as well as some that were new to me.
July 12, 2025
I didn’t think this book would include any information I didn’t already know (as a huge CC and WNBA fan), but I was pleasantly surprised! Very enlightening.
September 2, 2025
Reasons to read this book: You want a withering, poorly written summary of the Indiana Fever’s 2024 season; you like shitty journalism; you like to say things like “I don’t see race.”
Reasons to read literally anything else: This book is a hack job and a waste of paper. The author chose to disengage completely from the context of race, class, and gender to write a fawning take on Clark that no one needed. We know she’s good at sports! And now we all know she’s an apolitical white lady, which the author loves. (“So-and-so, who is Black, likes Caitlin Clark” is like half of this book.)
Things you can do instead of caring about this book at all: Watch Paige Bueckers’s 2021 ESPYs speech that highlights the misogynoir in the WNBA and women’s sports; watch women’s sports.
Reasons to read literally anything else: This book is a hack job and a waste of paper. The author chose to disengage completely from the context of race, class, and gender to write a fawning take on Clark that no one needed. We know she’s good at sports! And now we all know she’s an apolitical white lady, which the author loves. (“So-and-so, who is Black, likes Caitlin Clark” is like half of this book.)
Things you can do instead of caring about this book at all: Watch Paige Bueckers’s 2021 ESPYs speech that highlights the misogynoir in the WNBA and women’s sports; watch women’s sports.
September 17, 2025
If you are a Caitlin Clark fan, this book adds nothing to her story. It is basically a recap of her last two years at Iowa and her first year in the WNBA. Love or hate her, Clark's stats and the increased viewership and attendance numbers for NCAA and WNBA speak for themselves. She is a phenom!
The author clearly is enamored of Clark and she spends almost an hour of the audiobook defending her questioning of DiJonai Carrington at the WNBA playoffs over the "eye poke" incident, as well as Carrington and fellow teammate Mabrey mimicking the Carmelo Anthony three-point shot gesture later in the same game. She defends her questioning as journalism and that she wasn't pulling any punches because she'd ask the same question(s) in men's sports. I don't know. Seems like the jury is out on the ethics of the questioning, but I don't think asking someone if they "intended" to hit someone in the eye is very fair. It already implies that they DID "intend" to.
I'm a Hawkeye and an Iowan and I ❤️Caitlin Clark, but this author's god-like worship of her IS over the top, IMO, and not balanced journalistic inquiry.
The author clearly is enamored of Clark and she spends almost an hour of the audiobook defending her questioning of DiJonai Carrington at the WNBA playoffs over the "eye poke" incident, as well as Carrington and fellow teammate Mabrey mimicking the Carmelo Anthony three-point shot gesture later in the same game. She defends her questioning as journalism and that she wasn't pulling any punches because she'd ask the same question(s) in men's sports. I don't know. Seems like the jury is out on the ethics of the questioning, but I don't think asking someone if they "intended" to hit someone in the eye is very fair. It already implies that they DID "intend" to.
I'm a Hawkeye and an Iowan and I ❤️Caitlin Clark, but this author's god-like worship of her IS over the top, IMO, and not balanced journalistic inquiry.
September 15, 2025
There wasn't much more going on here beyond just retreading Caitlin's last year at Iowa and her first year with the Fever. I'm sure someone who wasn't following those teams would find something new and interesting, but for me it was just repeating stuff I already knew from watching.
This book felt very uncritical of the fanbase and Caitlin herself. The author felt very dismissive of very valid criticisms made by others in and around the league. Part of the issue is that many people have made false or rude criticisms, but there are serious issues with the fanbase. And Caitlin could definitely do more to call them out and stand up for others. The league shouldn't be expected to bend the knee for her at all times, which it seems like Brennan wanted. Also, the focus on Brennan herself throughout was notable. She really wants to be a part of this story as Caitlin's biggest defender.
I am a huge fan of Caitlin's, this summer has been so sad since she got injured. It was cool reading about the game I attended, even if it was a brief mention.
This book felt very uncritical of the fanbase and Caitlin herself. The author felt very dismissive of very valid criticisms made by others in and around the league. Part of the issue is that many people have made false or rude criticisms, but there are serious issues with the fanbase. And Caitlin could definitely do more to call them out and stand up for others. The league shouldn't be expected to bend the knee for her at all times, which it seems like Brennan wanted. Also, the focus on Brennan herself throughout was notable. She really wants to be a part of this story as Caitlin's biggest defender.
I am a huge fan of Caitlin's, this summer has been so sad since she got injured. It was cool reading about the game I attended, even if it was a brief mention.
August 5, 2025
very informative about clark and the path she’s taken to get where she is, i think the author has a very narrow, huge-fan-of-CC view that makes it rather superficial. Really great statistics to show the increased interested in womens’s basketball, but otherwise disappointing. Spends too much time lamenting that not everyone is praising clark enough for what shes done for the game, really not giving any credit to the people who arent batty for clark
August 22, 2025
Well done!! Gives all the inside scoop on what Clark went through her first year in the W.. gave me a lot to think about. Shame on some of those longtime players who were mad that Caitlin got so much credit for the women’s basketball explosion! As someone who had been around women’s sports from the 60’s thru today I do believe there was just something about CC’s game that appealed to the masses. She deserves all
Of the credit!!
Of the credit!!
August 30, 2025
Good data that clearly makes the case Brennan is presenting in a straightforward way. I really liked the flow from last 2 yrs of CC in college/NCAA game, through a detailed chronology of her first year in WNBA. Important context and history woven in, plus the verbatim comments of critics and analysts along the way.... terrific views of the complete landscape as Caitlin Clark elevated women's basketball like no other person prior.
December 3, 2025
If you want to read stats — this is the book for you. CB falls short for me on this one. Too biased, despite having an entire ch on her supposed unbiased journalism. Cannot be overstated how important CC is to the WNBA and women’s sports in general, but we don’t need to disregard (or have seemingly genuine contempt) for other players that helped to create and grow the league we know and love.
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