Sue Bird recently spoke about the transformation of the WNBA while crediting stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the process.

She believes the new wave of the league, most notably with the 2024 rookie class, has shown that it’s a step ahead on and off the court.

While she praised Clark and Reese for their on-court talent, Bird focused her discussion on the impact the rookies have made off the court in terms of social media presence and business sense.

The WNBA legend thinks Clark and Reese are two examples of the new generation of athletes who are involved in growing their personal brand to build success outside of their sport.

“It’s really fun, rewarding and also interesting to watch these younger athletes step into their professional careers,” Bird said. “Obviously, Caitlin and Angel are two great examples. What I see immediately, and I think some of this has to do with NIL and college, so much earlier these athletes are thinking about themselves as businesses, as brands.”

Both Clark and Reese have millions of followers on social media, and their commitment to growing their personal brand has led to incredible opportunities.

Reese recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Reebok. The company will collaborate with the WNBA star to release her first signature shoe in 2026.

A couple of other business ventures in Reese’s portfolio are deals with Hershey’s, Beats by Dre., Tampax, Good American and Cash App.

Clark also has a deal with Nike, in which she will receive a signature shoe. She originally signed with Nike in 2022 and put pen to paper for a $28 million deal just before her rookie season in the WNBA.

The Fever star also has endorsement deals with Wilson, Gatorade, State Farm and Panini America.

Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) and Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22)

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Clark and Reese haven’t led off the gas despite their off-court success.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game with the Sky. She led the WNBA in average rebounds and was the only rookie to average a double-double.

These stats helped Reese finish at No. 2 in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The winner of the Rookie of the Year award, Caitlin Clark, recorded 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. She led the WNBA in average assists and the rookie class in scoring.