Sue Bird Reveals Why There’s an ‘Asterisk’ Next to Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese's Name

WNBA legend Sue Bird recently spoke about the current state of the league, with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese taking over.

Both rookies have been etching their names into the WNBA history books throughout the entire season, and it's caught Bird's eye.

The WNBA expanded its season to 40 regular season games in 2023. When the league began in 1997, they played 28 games. Bird is adamant that with the increase in games, more WNBA records are set to fall.

“We’re gonna see every WNBA single-season record broken," Bird said.

However, for rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, Bird couldn't help but acknowledge that those two have been breaking records way before even coming close to 40 games and the end of the regular season.

Reese set the WNBA record for most rebounds in a single season, and Clark owns the record for most assists and three-pointers in a season. But it's not because of the increased number of games, which is why there is an "asterisk" next to their names, says Bird.

"By the way, the asterisks do belong on Caitlin and Angel, because they’re doing it," she said. "Angel with the rebounds, Caitlin with, I mean pick one, assists, threes. They're doing it in less games than were done before.... I just want everyone to know, we're gonna be seeing a lot of broken records."

Both first-year stars have a long list of accolades and their rookie season hasn't even finished.

Reese has 434 rebounds and counting. She passed WNBA legend Sylvia Fowles, who previously held the record for most rebounds in a single season at 404 rebounds.

The rookie also leads the WNBA in average rebounds this season. She's currently posting 13.3 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.

Clark has also had a historic year. She recently became the first player in WNBA history to have 100+ three-pointers made and 200+ assists in a season. The rookie also became the fastest player to record 100 three-pointers made in the Fever's 93-86 victory over the Sparks on Sept. 4.

Indiana's star guard is averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.

"All the records were broken last year, because it bumped up to 40 games," Bird continued. "I just want people to keep that in mind, because I feel like the narratives I’m seeing are applauding those that are breaking the records, but almost diminishing the previous holders, and that’s not telling the whole story.”

With the rise in opportunity for players to produce bigger and better numbers, Clark and Reese have taken complete advantage. Both stars may be rookies, but they're deep in the WNBA history books.

While a former league superstar like Sue Bird is acknowledging Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese for their accomplishments, she believes there's an asterisk.

"I just want everyone to know, we’re gonna be seeing a lot of broken records," Bird said.

Related: Robert Griffin III's New Nickname for Caitlin Clark Says It All

Related: Caitlin Clark Reveals Truth About Playing 40 Minutes vs. Sparks