Caitlin Clark’s journey from record-breaking WNBA rookie to a key figure in NFL discussions underscores a powerful narrative: the blurring lines between sports and the rising influence of female athletes. That being said, from Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark to the infamous “tush push” play, the NFL’s annual league meeting brings big discussions. Team owners, executives, and stakeholders debate rule changes, player safety, and the league’s future. But two people stand out—Clark and Williams—both legends in their own right.

For Clark, this event comes after an incredible first year in the WNBA. She shattered records and made an instant impact with the Indiana Fever. But as she gets ready for her second season, something else is grabbing attention: her eye-catching physical transformation.

Clark’s new look has everyone talking. One fan on X couldn’t hold back, writing, “need an hd pics asap bc arms ugh.” And it’s easy to see why. Clark stepped onto the stage in a bold red sleeveless dress that showed off her toned arms and sharp muscle cuts. The dress fit her perfectly, showing the hard work she’d put in at the gym. Her presence screamed strength, discipline, and a drive to take her game to the next level.

This isn’t the first time fans have noticed Clark’s transformation. A few days before the NFL event, she turned heads at an Iowa women’s basketball game against Ohio State. She cheered on her former team while rocking a black t-shirt with short sleeves, flexing her noticeably bigger arms. Sports photographer Bri Lewerke captured the images, and they blew up on social media.

Some fans even questioned if the pictures were real, thinking someone might have Photoshopped or altered them with AI. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy reacted, saying, “Holy s—! Angel [Reese] better hope they cancel this season cause Caitlin fixing to put her in a quick grave. Fever on top!”

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has noticed the difference too. “She is stronger, first and foremost,” White told The Athletic. “She figured out right away, ‘I need to get stronger, I can’t get knocked around as much.’ She’s done a great job in the weight room, working on balance, strength, and control. The next step is efficiency—fewer turnovers, better shooting percentages.”

The NFL panel, led by Denver Broncos co-owner Mellody Hobson, had some big names. Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams joined Clark on stage. But even with such a star-studded lineup, fans couldn’t stop talking about Clark’s transformation.

Clark being at the NFL meeting shows something bigger. Along with Williams, she’s stepping beyond basketball and into talks that could shape the future of women in sports.

Caitlin Clark joins NFL’s push for Women’s Flag Football

The NFL is working to grow women’s flag football, a sport that will make its Olympic debut in 2028. The league wants to start a professional flag football league, and it’s a big topic at this year’s owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida.

To bring attention to the rise of women in sports, the NFL is holding a panel discussion. Williams, who owns a part of the Miami Dolphins, and Clark, who has talked about owning an NFL team one day, are both playing a role in pushing for more opportunities for women in sports.

Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, has already made history in her first season. She became the first rookie since 2008 to earn All-WNBA first-team honors, scored the most points by a guard in league history (769), set the single-game record for assists (19), and became the first rookie to ever record a triple-double—doing it twice.

“Flag football is a high priority of ours,” said Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president. “It’s an opportunity for young women to participate in our game . . . and as we look forward, there definitely seems to be an appetite and interest in a professional flag league for both men and women.”

Women’s flag football is already growing in some high schools and smaller colleges, and the NFL wants to help speed that up. By bringing in big names like Clark and Williams, the league isn’t just talking about it—they’re making moves to change the game for women in football.

With Clark’s fast-growing influence and Williams’ legendary status, this meeting isn’t just about football. It’s about breaking barriers, creating new chances, and showing that women belong in every part of the game—whether it’s on the court, in team ownership, or on the field in a flag football league of their own.