Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler May Change Caitlin Clark’s Plans at Indiana Fever

When Caitlin Clark was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, she didn’t just bring her elite shooting and playmaking to Indianapolis—she brought a level of media frenzy and national attention the league hadn’t seen in years. The former Iowa superstar, whose NCAA performances shattered records and captivated audiences, instantly became the face of the Fever and perhaps the entire WNBA.

But now, as her rookie season unfolds, two unlikely NBA figures—Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler—may be altering Clark’s plans in ways no one anticipated. From mentoring and branding guidance to business collaborations and potential influence over career trajectory, Curry and Butler’s involvement in her rise may reshape not only her WNBA future but the broader ecosystem of women’s basketball.

Clark has already taken the sports world by storm. But with Curry’s precision and poise, and Butler’s edge and entrepreneurial spirit possibly guiding her next steps, she may be thinking bigger than just winning games in Indiana.

The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon

Before exploring Curry and Butler’s influence, it’s important to understand just how seismic Caitlin Clark’s arrival has been. She didn’t simply join the WNBA—she redefined what it meant to enter the league in 2024.

Clark was a cultural movement in college. Her deep 3-point range, competitive fire, and record-breaking stats made her a must-watch talent. Her games at Iowa routinely drew millions of viewers, and she turned women’s college basketball into a primetime, national ratings success.

Her transition to the WNBA came with massive endorsement deals, a Nike supermax NIL contract retrofitted into a professional shoe deal, and sky-high expectations to elevate the Indiana Fever—who also boast last year’s No. 1 pick, forward Aliyah Boston—into a legitimate contender.

The weight of a league’s marketing and media hopes have been placed squarely on Clark’s shoulders. And as she navigates the early months of her rookie campaign, she’s increasingly leaning on two people who know exactly what that pressure feels like.

Stephen Curry: The Blueprint for Great Shooters and Global Brands

Stephen Curry has long been considered the spiritual predecessor to Caitlin Clark. Both revolutionized basketball with their deep shooting range, smooth handles, and court vision. Both were doubted early in their careers, considered undersized or not physically dominant enough. And both became icons through hard work, charisma, and highlight-reel brilliance.

Curry has never publicly said he sees himself in Clark, but behind the scenes, there is reportedly growing interaction between the two stars. According to sources close to Curry’s camp, he has extended an open line of communication to Clark, offering advice on maintaining balance amid fame and building a brand that transcends basketball.

Their bond isn’t just based on skill set—it’s about ethos. Curry was once the unlikely face of a dynasty, and now he’s a billionaire athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Clark is beginning a similar journey, and Curry may be the ideal blueprint.

More than that, Curry’s involvement may influence how Clark views her time in Indiana. While she’s committed to building something special in the WNBA, the right mentor can show her how to use her platform to expand beyond the court. Curry didn’t leave Golden State to chase bigger markets—he brought the market to him. And that’s a playbook Clark may adopt in Indiana.

Jimmy Butler: The Culture Architect and Business Strategist

While Curry might represent the polished, marketable side of Clark’s potential, Jimmy Butler brings a different flavor—one that may be just as influential.

Known for his gritty mentality, fearless leadership, and offbeat business moves, Butler has become something of a behind-the-scenes connector for rising stars in both men’s and women’s basketball. Butler has already expressed admiration for Clark’s killer instinct and unapologetic style of play. In fact, he reportedly reached out to her shortly after she declared for the WNBA Draft.

Unlike Curry, Butler’s influence may be less about mentorship and more about collaboration. According to multiple league insiders, Butler and his management team are exploring avenues for joint business ventures with Clark, including co-branded merchandise, offseason workouts, and media content partnerships. Both athletes are aligned with major lifestyle and fashion labels, and insiders believe a partnership could emerge that positions Clark not just as a WNBA star—but a global sports icon.

This kind of business-minded alliance could change Clark’s long-term plans. It might encourage her to build her personal empire, leveraging her Indianapolis base while setting the groundwork for ventures in fashion, media, and wellness. If Butler helps shape her off-court brand, it could keep Clark invested in long-term plans beyond just winning titles.

Implications for the Indiana Fever

Clark was drafted to be the savior of the Indiana Fever. And so far, she’s delivering, even as the team goes through expected growing pains. But what happens if her goals begin to extend beyond the court?

That’s where Curry and Butler’s influence becomes critical.

Curry may push Clark to stay and build a dynasty in Indiana—just like he did in the Bay Area. He can be the voice in her ear reminding her that legacy isn’t always built by chasing markets, but by transforming them.

Butler, on the other hand, may encourage Clark to think like a business mogul. And that might mean pressuring the Fever and the WNBA to provide more tools, resources, and flexibility to support her off-court ambitions.

Already, Clark is rumored to be asking for more control over media access, personal branding within team marketing, and involvement in community outreach decisions—something no WNBA rookie has ever done. While some may see that as overstepping, others believe it’s a sign of a new era in women’s basketball, where players behave more like CEOs than athletes.

A New Era for the WNBA

Clark’s presence in the WNBA has already caused ripple effects: increased ticket sales, national broadcasts, and rising social media engagement. But what if her partnership with stars like Curry and Butler leads to structural changes in the league?

Sources say both Curry and Butler have been in quiet conversations with WNBA executives and players’ union representatives. They are reportedly advocating for larger revenue shares for players, improved travel conditions, and expanded marketing deals tied directly to individual star power.

If Clark becomes the centerpiece of that movement—backed by NBA star allies—the WNBA may be forced to accelerate its growth timeline.

Superteam Building or Indiana Legacy?

Another looming question: will Caitlin Clark stay in Indiana long-term?

Right now, all signs point to yes. She’s publicly stated her commitment to building a championship team with Aliyah Boston and has praised Fever head coach Christie Sides for giving her the freedom to lead.

But if Clark follows Curry’s path, she could anchor the Fever for a decade, attract veteran talent, and turn Indiana into a perennial powerhouse.

If she follows Butler’s mindset, she may eventually want to form a superteam—or even transition to an international basketball stage during offseasons to grow her global brand.

The key will be how Indiana responds. Will the organization build around her fast enough? Will they invest in top-tier training staff, sports science departments, and player marketing infrastructure? Or will Clark, with Curry and Butler’s guidance, start thinking beyond Indiana?

Mentorship in Action

There’s already evidence that the mentorship is real. Clark was recently spotted at a Warriors game during her short offseason break, seated with Curry’s business manager and brand strategist. She and Curry were seen chatting postgame, exchanging laughs and what appeared to be an in-depth conversation about performance routines.

Meanwhile, Butler was seen gifting Clark a limited-edition pair of his Li-Ning sneakers during a Miami road trip, an under-the-radar but telling gesture of connection and mutual respect.

These aren’t just casual gestures. They’re signs of alignment—philosophically, competitively, and entrepreneurially.

Changing the Narrative of the WNBA Star

What Curry and Butler may be teaching Clark is this: you don’t have to choose between being a great player and being a cultural force.

Curry did it by staying loyal to Golden State and changing the game. Butler did it by being relentless, self-made, and market-savvy. Clark has the talent and spotlight to do both—her own way.

She can win in Indiana and build an empire off the court.

And with Curry and Butler in her ear, she’s being guided by two of the most influential player-entrepreneurs of the modern era.

The Verdict: A Star Redefining Stardom

Caitlin Clark’s journey is just beginning, but it’s already clear that she’s not following the usual script. The involvement of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler may not dictate her path, but it’s undoubtedly shaping it.

Whether she remains the face of Indiana Fever for the next decade, launches her own production company, or helps lead a transformative moment in WNBA labor relations, she is moving differently—and smarter—than almost any rookie before her.

And she’s doing it with a shooter’s confidence, a veteran’s calm, and the quiet backing of two NBA icons who see something special in her.

For Indiana, that’s both an incredible opportunity—and a challenge.

Because Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing the game.

She’s changing it.