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The WNBA season hasn't even tipped off, and yet the debate between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers is heating up with all the intensity of a playoff rivalry.
Although the two have yet to face off as professionals, their ionate fanbases are already clashing.
On May 16, the city of Hopkins, Minnesota, will temporarily rebrand itself as "Paige Bueckers, Minnesota" to honor its hometown hero. Bueckers, a Hopkins High School alum turned UConn legend, capped off her collegiate career by leading the Huskies to the 2025 national championship before being selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft.
In recognition of her achievements, Hopkins officials approved the one-day renaming of the city-a move that set off fireworks online.
"They are trying to manufacture another Clark and its frankly sad. You cant create a star, they are born that way," a fan wrote on social media.
Another added: "Bad move. Sure she is a good player. But really? Naming a town after someone who hasn't really accomplished all that much? Maybe in 10 years if/when she elevates women's sports. What's this town have like 20 people?"
A growing rivalry fueled by fan ion
Both Bueckers and Clark have redefined women's basketball in their own right. Clark's record-breaking college career at Iowa, paired with her headline-generating endorsement deals, have helped spark unprecedented national interest in the women's game.
On the other side, Bueckers' combination of grace, clutch performances, and resilience after injury cemented her as a transcendent figure during her time at UConn.
Though the two have shared courts before in USA Basketball settings and have mutual respect, their fans seem determined to manufacture a rivalry reminiscent of Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird-or perhaps LeBron James vs. Steph Curry.