DAILY DIRT: Clark moves closer to No. 1 most marketable athlete — in the world

October 29, 2024 | By Steve Eighinger, Muddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love

Caitlin Clark is the face of women's sports. — Photo from Indiana Fever

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

There are no baseball or American football players in the top 10 … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,100 of The Daily Dirt

1. According to Sports Pro, U.S. basketball star Caitlin Clark is fourth most marketable sports star — in the world.

Sports Pro, a London-based global media company, deals in international sports and works with the appeal of professional athletes and how to best market their images and stories.

At the moment, here are the world’s 10 most popular athletes, according to Sports Pro:

1. Simone Biles: Her 11 Olympic medals make the U.S. gymnast an easy sell on the global front.
2. Vinicius Junior: At 24, Junior looks like the next great Brazilian soccer superstar.
3. LeBron James: I think we are well aware of King James’ image and accomplishments.
4. Caitlin Clark: How long until she is No. 1?
5. Lionel Messi: Even though retirement is drawing nigh, the Argentinian soccer star will be around for a long, long time, thanks in part to Sports Pro.
6. Rebeca Andrade: Another Brazilian, this one an artistic gymnast.
7. Kylian Mbappe: This global soccer superstar is still only 25 years old.
8. Ilone Maher: This one was a shocker, at least for me. Maher is a U.S. rugby star, who has made quite a name for herself abroad.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo: He’s one of the world-class soccer superstars who took the Saudi Arabian money and now plays in the Middle East.
10. Katie Ledecky: She has won nine Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, the most in history for a female swimmer.

2. Did you know (Part 169)

That new (or re-released) Dairy Queen Blizzard flavors will soon be Caramel Java Chip, Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough, Royal New York Cheesecake, Oreo Fudge Brownie, Salted Caramel Truffle and French Silk Pie.
That Sprite will be offering us a Vanilla Frost flavor, both in original and sugar-free forms, come December.
That Tobasco has a new Salsa Picante hot sauce.
That Quaker Oats is introducing Maple Bacon Instant Oatmeal.
That some of the new Pillsbury Toaster Donut pastries will be Boston Cream and Rainbow Sprinkles.

3. This week’s top celebrity birthdays include:

Actress Jenny McCarthy, who turns 53 on Friday. I didn’t realize she’s been married to Donnie Wahlberg since 2014.
Country singer/actor Lyle Lovett, who will be 67, also on Friday. Remember when he was married — ever so briefly — to Julia Roberts?
Actress Stefanie Powers, who reaches 82 on Saturday. Remember her with Robert Wagner on “Hart to Hart?”
Actress Roseanne Barr, who turns 72 on Sunday. Those early years of “Roseanne” on ABC will forever be one of TV’s most hilarious series.
Comedian Dennis Miller, who will be 71, also on Sunday. One of the most underrated funny men — ever.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Despite the presence of the star herself, my favorite character on “Roseanne” was always young son D.J. You never knew what was going to come out of the mouth of the character portrayed by Michael Fishman.