Sue Bird gives instructions to Caitlin Clark and St. Reese after WNBA season

Sue Bird recently spoke about the evolution of the WNBA, mentioning stars such as Kaitlyn Clark and Celeb Messenger Reese in her comments.

Bird highlighted the progress she has seen on and off the field in the league's new season, especially with the junior class of 2024.

She praised Clark and Reese's skills on the court, but placed emphasis on the new recruits' off-court influence, especially in terms of their presence in the virtual entertainment space and their business acumen.

The WNBA legend believes Clark and Reese are great representatives of a new generation of female athletes who are successfully building their own brands to find success outside of basketball.

"It's really fun, fulfilling and exciting to watch these young athletes progress into professional careers," Bird said. "Caitlyn and Saint are two of the top models.

What's impressive to me, and I think this is mostly due to Nothing and the school system, is how early the athletes are starting to see themselves as companies.

Reese recently signed a long-term extension deal with Reebok, which will launch her most memorable branded shoes in 2026.

Reese's business portfolio also includes partnerships with brands such as Hershey's, Beats by Dre, Tampax, Great American and Money App.

Meanwhile, Clark has a deal with Nike that includes her own signature shoes. She signed with Nike for the first time in 2022, a $28 million contract just before her first season in the WNBA.

She also has deals with Wilson, Gatorade, State Ranch and Panini America.

Despite their success off the field, Clark and Reese continue to have success on the field as well.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game for the Sky, leading the WNBA in rebounds and becoming the first rookie to average 2.0 rebounds.

These amazing numbers secured her second place in ThenewHotness poll. The latest Phenom Award winner, Caitlin Clark, averaged 19.2 ppg, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game, leading the WNBA in assists and leading the rookie class in scoring.