A'ja Wilson boldly challenged hoops fans to invest in Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

A’ja Wilson is challenging anyone who is a fan of women’s basketball and a fan of Caitlin Clark to continue supporting her and the entire WNBA.

With record-breaking viewership numbers, sold-out games and jersey sales, it feels like everyone is watching women’s sports. A good reason behind that seismic shift is the rise in popularity of women’s basketball and a proverbial comet, Caitlin Clark.

A’ja Wilson, two-time WNBA champion and reigning Defensive Player of the Year — and a new entrant to the Time 100 — hopes that if people come to watch Caitlin Clark’s debut season, they stay for the foreseeable future and support Caitlin and the league.

When recently asked at a Time event what it’s like to watch Caitlin’s rise in real-time, this is the insight Wilson shared (See 2:00 minute mark of the video below.):

“I feel like it’s becoming amazing, actually…because I play it, and I have been in it, and I see everyone else watch it. I’m like, ‘Oh, yeah. It’s about time you guys joined.'”

“I hope this isn’t just a trend. I feel like we see it a lot with young athletes, like, ‘Oh my god. We love her. We want to do this.’ Then, the minute it kind of shifts, or her path is a little rocky, all that goes away. I feel like that’s when it’s needed most. That’s when it’s an investment.”

“Buy that jersey. Go to that game. Take someone else. Put your money where your mouth is and invest in these women.”