Caitlin Clark’s final game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last March was a major event, attracting fans and celebrities alike. The same excitement surrounded her jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, which turned into another memorable occasion for Iowa women’s basketball fans. One of the notable faces in the crowd was none other than comedian and former late-night talk show host David Letterman.
Here’s everything you need to know about why Letterman was present at this special event.
David Letterman’s Surprise Appearance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Before the tipoff of the Big Ten showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the No. 4 ranked USC Trojans, David Letterman made his way to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Fans were thrilled to see him sitting courtside alongside former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder. His presence added a touch of celebrity charm to an already electric atmosphere.
But why was he there? The reason is simpler than you might think.
Why Was David Letterman at Caitlin Clark’s Jersey Retirement?
David Letterman is a native of Indianapolis and a passionate fan of the Indiana Fever, the WNBA team that Caitlin Clark currently plays for. His attendance was his way of showing support for Clark, who has become one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball.
This wasn’t Letterman’s first time supporting Clark publicly. In December, he hosted Caitlin Clark at Ball State University for his Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series. Letterman graduated from Ball State in 1969, and the university even named its College of Communication, Information, and Media building after him in 2007, calling it the David Letterman Communication and Media Building.
Caitlin Clark’s Historic Achievement
Caitlin Clark is not just any basketball player; she’s the all-time leading scorer in NCAA college basketball history—across both men’s and women’s divisions. Her jersey retirement makes her only the third Hawkeye to receive this honor, joining legends Megan Gustafson and Michelle Edwards.
During the game, Clark’s team didn’t disappoint. Behind an impressive 28-point performance from Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, the Hawkeyes handed the fourth-ranked USC Trojans just their second loss of the season. Letterman had the perfect courtside view to witness both Clark’s historic ceremony and a thrilling Hawkeye victory.
The Connection Between Letterman and Caitlin Clark
While David Letterman may seem like an unexpected guest at a college basketball event, his connection to Caitlin Clark and his Hoosier roots make perfect sense. As a dedicated fan of the Indiana Fever and an advocate for rising sports stars, Letterman’s support highlights Clark’s influence not just in women’s basketball but in sports culture overall.
Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement was more than just a celebration of her basketball achievements—it was a reflection of the impact she’s made beyond the court. From breaking NCAA records to inspiring fans and celebrities alike, Clark’s journey continues to captivate audiences. David Letterman’s attendance added an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable event, showing just how far Clark’s influence has reached.
