Saturday, November 7, 2026

Out of Her ‘Comfort Zone’: SNL Starts Caitlin Clark’s Whirlwind Draft Weekend

  • Clark’s trip to New York includes big time interviews and media appearances.
  • The WNBA draft is Monday night in Brooklyn.
Syndication: USA TODAY

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Caitlin Clark made her first trip to New York last spring to accept the AAU’s Sullivan Award, ESPN reported. She was only in town for a night, but wanted to see Times Square and grab a slice of pizza.

Her trip to Manhattan this weekend is much more high profile.

Her appearance on Saturday Night Live, in which she politely dragged Weekend Update anchor Michael Che for his lengthy history of jokes about women’s sports, was only the beginning of her jam-packed WNBA Draft weekend.

On Sunday, she wore a dark green suit as she sat for interviews with ESPN and The Today Show. “I don’t get nervous for basketball games,” she told NBC’s Stephanie Gosk about her SNL appearance. “But going in front of a live audience on national television, doing something outside of your comfort zone, is a little scary. My heart was pounding out of my chest.”

On Monday morning, she and fellow likely top draft pick Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina wore signature WNBA hoodies as they flipped the switch on the Empire State Building, which will be lit orange for tonight’s draft in Brooklyn. Young fans found out Clark was there, and held up their jerseys to the window as they peered inside to see the star. The group of draft invitees made their way to the top for a photo opp. The former Hawkeye smiled next to Angel Reese, two weeks after the “Bayou Barbie” put a crown on the Iowa bench as Clark warmed up.

Monday evening, she’ll walk the orange carpet and take her seat by 7:30 p.m., where shortly after, she’s all but certain to hear her name called first by the Indiana Fever. The team posted a graphic on social media Sunday night to mark 22 hours until the draft, the same number Clark wore at Iowa.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 14, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream vice president Renee Montgomery watches a game against the Indiana Fever in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park

Renee Montgomery Cautions Friends Running for WNBA Commissioner

She says “it’s not a job that gives you love back.”
Oct 31, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries players hold the trophy after winning the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center

WNBA Finals Game 7 Draws 3.3M Viewers

The series averaged nearly 1.9 million viewers, the most for a Finals.

New York Liberty Fire Chris DeMarco After One Year

The Liberty were swept by the Dream in the semifinals.

Valkyries Win WNBA Title in Second Season

It’s the last Finals appearance for WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/6/26 – LIV Golf Is Over, LeBron vs. Bron AI App, Pegula’s Hot-Mic Moment

0:00

Featured Today

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 10, 2026 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. reacts during the second set of her semi final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka

WTA Takes Responsibility for Livestream of Pegula’s Hot Mic

Jessica Pegula called Mirra Andreeva a “diva” during a livestreamed practice.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:
October 30, 2026

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
November 4, 2026

Is the Lamar Jackson Era Over in Baltimore?

Jackson’s contract situation hangs over the franchise.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.