Women’s basketball is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, and a new series is set to showcase this trend by following three rising stars in the game, including Caitlin Clark, the NCAA all-time leading scorer. The series will air on ABC this weekend, with all four episodes becoming available on ESPN+. The show will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Clark, South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, and UCLA guard Kiki Rice as they navigate the college basketball season.
Directed by Kristen Lappas and produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and Words & Pictures in partnership with ESPN+, the series captures the players’ journeys throughout the college preseason, regular season, and postseason. The final episodes highlight the recent WNBA Draft, which also garnered high viewership numbers for ESPN. Lappas, who was inspired by her previous documentary on the 1996 women’s national basketball team, expressed her excitement for the impact of this new series on women’s basketball.
The idea for the series was sparked by Manning’s close relationship with Clark, who was the first athlete to commit to the show. Selecting players like Cardoso and Rice, who have unique backgrounds and challenges, was crucial to diversifying the cast and providing viewers with a comprehensive look at women’s basketball. Cardoso, who came to America from Brazil with the dream of playing in the WNBA, and Rice, who has strong political connections due to her aunt Susan Rice, bring different perspectives and experiences to the series.
Despite the media attention surrounding Clark, the series aims to showcase the players as college students navigating their personal and athletic lives. Lappas shared anecdotes about Clark’s down-to-earth nature, such as her favorite breakfast order and her willingness to help her mom with chores when she visits. The series not only highlights the players’ on-court performances but also provides a glimpse into their off-court personalities and experiences.
By featuring top players from different backgrounds and stages in their careers, the series aims to capture the unique challenges and aspirations of female collegiate athletes in 2024. The choice to follow athletes like Clark, Cardoso, and Rice, who each play for top programs and aspire to win national titles, adds depth and diversity to the storytelling. As the WNBA season approaches, the series offers fans a closer look at the next generation of women’s basketball stars and the journey they are embarking on.
With women’s basketball gaining momentum and viewership, this new series serves as a timely and essential addition to the sports media landscape. By showcasing the personal and athletic journeys of three talented players, the series provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of women’s college basketball in 2024. As fans prepare for the WNBA season to kick off, they can tune in to this series to witness the passion, dedication, and resilience of Clark, Cardoso, Rice, and other rising stars in the game.
