Iowa Hawkeyes to Officially Retire Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 Jersey in 2025

As a fan of many sports, one person rarely brings a massive amount of people to a sport like Caitlin Clark.

Who is Putting Fans in Seats?

The other that comes to mind is Michael Jordan.  I don't think there is a person alive who would have turned down tickets to a Bulls game anywhere in their heyday.

There may be a few, but even those few would have probably taken the tickets if they weren't gonna go and sold them.  It was a hard ticket to get, I know.

We're in that period again.  No one has sparked interest in women's basketball like Caitlin Clark EVER. Again, I know from experience.

The Washington Mystics, one of the first WNBA expansion franchises, was established prior to the 1998 season.  They shared an arena with the other Washington teams, the hockey team the Capitals and the basketball team the Wizards.

It's exciting to see the arenas full of fans.  It wasn't that way back in the late 90's.  You were sometimes there rooting on your team with a couple of handfuls of fans.  It's not that way any longer, and that is in part due to Caitlin Clark.

Her performance on and off the court has made her a favorite of not just WNBA fans, but of fans of all sports.  You can see it in the reactions people have when they are around her.

Tickets to This Event Aren't Easy to Get

I spoke of trying to get a ticket for any Michael Jordan game.  Except for baseball, those were readily available.  Now, try for any game where Caitlin Clark will be appearing. Good luck! Not saying it's impossible, but it'll take some trying.

We heard about this amazing Hawkeye player who was dominating from three-point range and could drive the lane.

If she wasn't before, Caitlin Clark is officially a legend in Iowa and at U of I! At just 22 years old, she’s already had such an amazing impact that the Iowa Hawkeyes are retiring her no. 22 jersey.

The Jersey Will Be Retired When?

The big ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025, during a home game against USC, and yes, Caitlin will be there to soak it all in! She deserves every moment.  

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Sports Illustrated says Caitlin shared how much this honor means to her, saying she’s proud to be a Hawkeye and that Iowa will always hold a special place in her heart. It’s not just about basketball for her — it’s bigger than that. She can’t wait to look up and see her jersey hanging next to the ones she’s always admired. 

Her No. 22 will join the ranks of only two other retired jerseys in Iowa history: Megan Gustafson’s no. 10 and Michelle Edwards’ no. 30. Pretty exclusive company! There may be other jerseys up there, but not hanging, and it could be because of a drunken prank that I don't know anything about. 

Caitlin’s career has been incredible. She’s a two-time consensus National Player of the Year, took Iowa to two straight NCAA championship games, and even broke the NCAA Division I all-time scoring record in front of a packed Carver-Hawkeye Arena. On top of all that, she was named Time Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year and WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Caitlin Clark is a true Iowa icon, and this jersey retirement is just the latest way we’re celebrating her greatness. What a career!