“Taylor Is the Best”: Caitlin Clark’s Viral Locker Room Moment Reaffirms Her Love for Pop Icon Taylor Swift
Even while sidelined by injury, Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines—not just for her performance on the court, but for her cultural impact off of it. On Tuesday night, after the Indiana Fever captured the franchise’s first-ever Commissioner’s Cup title with a 74-59 victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, it wasn’t just the victory that had fans talking. During a celebratory locker room livestream, Clark made a statement that lit up social media in a matter of minutes.
Chatting animatedly with veteran teammate Sydney Colson, surrounded by chants, cheers, and locker room champagne sprays, Clark’s voice rang through the chaos: “Taylor is the best.” The casual yet emphatic remark about none other than global pop sensation Taylor Swift immediately went viral, drawing reactions from fans across the sports and music worlds alike.
Though simple, the statement was more than just fangirl enthusiasm—it underscored a growing cultural alignment between two of the most influential women of their generation.
More Than Just a Fan
This isn’t the first time Clark has expressed her admiration for Swift. The Fever point guard has been spotted at multiple stops on Swift’s Eras Tour, where she’s joined thousands of fans in singing along to the anthems that defined a generation. She’s also attended NFL playoff games where Swift was present, notably when Swift supported Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Photos of Clark cheering in the same luxury box section as Swift during one playoff matchup circulated widely, creating buzz in both sports and entertainment media.
When asked previously about her favorite artists, Clark has never hesitated: “Taylor Swift, without a doubt.” And Tuesday night’s locker room moment only reinforced how deep that fandom goes.
But perhaps more compelling than Clark’s personal admiration is the synergy between her and Swift as public figures. They are, in many ways, reflections of each other—each dominating traditionally male-dominated spaces with poise, ambition, and unapologetic confidence.
Icons in Their Own Right
Taylor Swift’s path to superstardom is well-known: from a teenage country prodigy to a global powerhouse with a net worth estimated in the billions. She is now the most streamed artist in the world and arguably the most influential entertainer of her generation. Swift has crafted a career around storytelling, vulnerability, and empowerment—qualities that resonate with fans from all walks of life.
Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, is crafting her own legacy in the world of sports. After a historic college career at Iowa that shattered NCAA scoring records and drew unprecedented attention to women’s basketball, she was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024. Her rookie season was electric. She earned Rookie of the Year, set assist records, and was named to the All-Star team in her first two seasons. Just this year, she was named captain of the 2025 WNBA All-Star team, cementing her status as a face of the league.
At just 23 years old, Clark is not only elevating her team but shifting the public perception of what’s possible in women’s sports. Much like Swift changed the music industry, Clark is changing the business and visibility of the WNBA.
Leading from the Sidelines
Clark’s latest expression of Swift admiration came at a high moment for her team—but a frustrating one personally. Tuesday marked her third consecutive missed game due to a lingering groin injury, which has sidelined her since June 24. Yet rather than distance herself from the action, Clark has been a vocal presence on the bench and in the locker room, continuing to lead even without playing a single minute.
During the Commissioner’s Cup championship game, she could be seen shouting encouragement, offering high-fives, and gathering teammates during timeouts. After the final buzzer sounded, she was front and center in the celebration—laughing, spraying sparkling water, and dancing to music as if she had just dropped 30 points herself.
Head coach Stephanie White praised Clark’s presence, telling reporters, “Caitlin may not have suited up, but her impact tonight was absolutely felt. She’s a leader—period.”
It’s this mix of competitiveness, charisma, and authenticity that makes Clark so beloved. And it’s why even a quick remark like “Taylor is the best” feels like something more—another moment of cultural connection that resonates with fans.
A Locker Room Celebration to Remember
In the now-viral Instagram Live clip, Colson teases Clark about her music taste, prompting the Swift comment. Clark, unbothered and smiling wide, offers no justification or debate. Just a smile and that now-iconic statement.
The Fever players erupt in laughter, and even Colson nods in agreement. It’s a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the locker room dynamic—one where teammates, despite different ages and backgrounds, find unity not just in basketball but in shared interests and inside jokes. And in this case, in a shared love for Swift’s ever-expanding universe.
The moment brought a humanizing quality to a team often portrayed in headlines for stats, trades, or controversies. Here were elite athletes, fresh off a championship victory, celebrating like any group of college students or best friends—singing, dancing, teasing, and talking about their favorite music stars.
Clark and Swift: Powerhouses in Parallel
What makes the connection between Clark and Swift so compelling isn’t just the mutual admiration—it’s what they represent.
For women: Both have forged paths in industries that historically undervalue women. Swift took control of her masters and publicly battled music industry gatekeepers. Clark has spoken out about media coverage disparities and has drawn record crowds to women’s basketball games nationwide.
For young fans: Swift’s lyrics about love, self-worth, and growth mirror the values Clark displays on and off the court. Whether it’s hitting game-winning shots or responding gracefully to criticism, Clark embodies the resilience and relatability that fans also see in Swift.
For culture: Swift sells out stadiums and breaks streaming records. Clark breaks attendance records and lifts TV ratings. They don’t just participate in culture—they move it.
In many ways, Swift and Clark are two sides of the same coin: unstoppable forces redefining what it means to be successful, visible, and powerful as a woman in the public eye.
What’s Next for Clark and the Fever?
While Clark’s exact return date remains uncertain, Coach Stephanie White emphasized that the organization is committed to a full recovery—no shortcuts. “We don’t want this to be something that lingers,” White said in a recent press conference. “She’s a competitor, but our job is to protect her long-term health.”
In her absence, the Fever have stepped up collectively. Tuesday’s victory over the Lynx was a testament to the team’s depth and defensive grit. Natasha Howard was named game MVP, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds. Sophie Cunningham hit a crucial fourth-quarter three-pointer to silence Minnesota’s rally. And Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald each contributed double-digit scoring.
Their next test will come Thursday night against the Las Vegas Aces, who sit tied with the Fever at 8-8. While Clark is unlikely to play, she will certainly be present—on the bench, in the huddle, and perhaps even in the locker room again, where the soundtrack might just include a few Taylor Swift tracks.
A Moment That Resonates
In the end, it was just one sentence—“Taylor is the best.” But in that moment, Clark wasn’t just an athlete. She was every fan who ever danced to “Shake It Off” in their bedroom, every person who cried to “All Too Well,” every dreamer who found strength in Swift’s lyrics.
And she was also something more: a reminder that today’s icons, like Clark and Swift, aren’t just here to entertain. They’re here to inspire, connect, and lead—whether with a basketball or a microphone in hand.