“Welcome to the Big League”: Brittney Griner Sends a Powerful Message to Caitlin Clark Ahead of WNBA Debut

As the countdown to Caitlin Clark’s much-anticipated WNBA debut ticks away, basketball icon Brittney Griner has a clear message for the former Iowa standout: Get ready for a whole new game.

In an exclusive sit-down with People, Griner didn’t sugarcoat the reality Clark is stepping into. With a decade of pro experience and a reputation as one of the league’s most dominant centers, Griner knows exactly what awaits the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.
“You’re going up against grown women,” Griner said firmly. “This is how they feed their families. This isn’t just about passion—it’s about survival.”

Griner’s words come from experience. Selected No. 1 overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, she recalled her rookie season as a harsh wake-up call.
“It was an eye-opener,” she admitted. “The pace, the physicality—I had to get stronger, mentally and physically. Caitlin will face her own learning curve, but she’s got what it takes.”

While she acknowledged Clark’s immense talent, Griner didn’t shy away from sharing her personal bias. She candidly revealed she wasn’t exactly cheering for Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes during their NCAA championship run—especially when they squared off against South Carolina, led by Griner’s longtime friend and coaching legend, Dawn Staley.

The interview comes as Griner promotes her powerful new memoir, Coming Home, which chronicles her 2022 arrest and imprisonment in Russia after accidentally bringing cannabis oil into the country—a story that captivated the world and tested her strength in unimaginable ways.

Still, Griner made it clear: regardless of rivalries or rookie challenges, Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA is a game-changer.
“The hype she brings? It’s incredible for the league,” she said. “She’s helping to shine a spotlight on all of us.”

Clark is set to make her pro debut as the Indiana Fever take on the Connecticut Sun. After shattering college records and dazzling fans nationwide, all eyes are now on whether she can translate her game to the next level.

One thing’s for sure: she has the talent. But as Griner warned—this league doesn’t hand out respect. You earn it.

Would you like this version formatted for a blog or social media post as well?