Can Caitlin Clark be drafted by the WNBA and the NBA? 2024 draft rules explored

The month of March ended on a high note for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they secured a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament with a 94-87 victory over LSU on Monday. The matchup served as a rematch of last year’s national championship, reigniting the fierce competition between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Throughout her senior year, the three-time national scoring leader has consistently shattered records, surpassing legendary players such as Megan Gustafson, Kelsey Plum, Kelsey Mitchell, Lynette Woodward, Pete Maravich, and Steph Curry. Additionally, she has secured her place as the NCAA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers.

Given Caitlin Clark’s exceptional talents and status as a superstar, is there a possibility that she will be selected in the WNBA or NBA draft this year?

To be eligible for the WNBA draft, one of these requirements must be met.

• To be eligible for the WNBA draft, she must have reached the age of 22 by the end of the calendar year.
• To be eligible for the draft, she must have obtained her bachelor’s degree at least three months prior.
• She has exhausted her college eligibility.

Clark reached the age of 22 in January and has finished four years of eligibility. However, she had the option to extend her eligibility for a fifth year due to the exception granted for COVID-19.

In order to pursue her calling in the NBA draft, there are certain things she must take into account.

• To be eligible for the NBA draft, a player must have reached the age of 19 by the end of the calendar year in which the draft takes place.
• Declaration for the draft will not lead to forfeiture of college eligibility any longer.
• After the NBA draft combine, NCAA players have a period of 10 days during which they can withdraw from the draft.
• NCAA players are eligible to participate in the NBA draft combine and attend one tryout per year with an NBA team without risking their college eligibility.
• NCAA players have the option to participate in the draft twice and retain their eligibility even if they choose to withdraw.

It appears that she meets the requirements to be eligible for the WNBA or NBA draft.

Despite being the projected top pick in the WNBA draft, she possesses enough qualifications to potentially become the second woman ever drafted in the NBA. (Although Denise Long was initially drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in 1969, her selection was later nullified. Lusia Harris, on the other hand, was officially drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1979.)

Top College Prospect Caitlin Clark Declares for WNBA Draft

Prior to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ historic return to the Final Four, Caitlin Clark announced on Feb. 29 through social media that she plans to enter the upcoming WNBA draft.

On her Instagram account, she shared a heartfelt message with her fans, teammates, coaching staff, family and friends:

“It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa – my teammates, who made the last four years the best; my coaches, trainers, and staff, who always let me be me; Hawkeyes fans who filled Carver every night; and everyone who came out to support us across the country, especially the young kids.

“Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without my family and friends who have been by my side through it all. Because of all of you, my dreams came true.”