Despite having not played a pro game, Caitlin Clark cards are some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby when it comes to women’s sports. Not even out of college and she not only set the record for the most ever paid for a women’s basketball card, Clark destroyed it. If you’re looking for which Caitlin Clark rookie card to get and go by traditional definitions, you’ll have to wait until she’s in the WNBA. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great cards from the greatest scorer in the history of collegiate women’s basketball.
The first Caitlin Clark cards arrived at a time when college basketball cards were undergoing tremendous change. Thanks to new NIL rules and guidelines, products are now free to include active student athletes — like Clark. Her first mainstream cards arrived in a handful of 2022-23 products under Topps’ Bowman brands. This includes several autographs and plenty of options for collectors chasing cards with low print runs.
Traditionally, rookie cards are considered to come from pro sets that also have veteran players. That’s not the case with early Caitlin Clark cards. However, rookie card definitions have never been in more flux as prospecting has taken on greater importance than the old days of minor league cards.
Rookie cards or not, no matter the label, the first Caitlin Clark cards carry importance and value. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to look for from her earliest releases.
Caitlin Clark Rookie Card Primer
2021 Sports Illustrated for Kids Caitlin Clark #997
If you’re looking for the first Caitlin Clark card, you might have just as much luck finding it at a used book store or library discard pile. That’s because it was included in the November/December, 2021 issue of Sport Illustrated for Kids magazine. The publication has a long history of trading cards spanning decades with issues typically containing a perforated sheet of nine cards. For Clark, her card is on the bottom-right corner of the sheet, right below soccer standout Brenden Aaronson.
Finding a top-condition 2021 SI for Kids Caitlin Clark can be difficult. The cards themselves are cheaply made on stock that weak compared to typical hobby standards. Its spot on the sheet can also be a hinderance with the bottom corner taking a lot of wear and tear as they’re read, tossed around and put standing in racks. And even if you get a perfectly archived issue, it’s a toss up as to whether you’ll find one with solid centering.
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Caitlin Clark #50
“1st Bowman” hits a little bit differently when it comes to collegiate cards versus their baseball counterparts. Still, the branding is strong, representing prospects in the earliest stages of their careers. In the past, collegiate cards have taken a backseat, typically more comparable to minor league cards. But now that we’re in the NIL era of getting current student athletes in mainstream sets versus pending rookies after they’ve turned pro, the concept could change. No matter the case, this is an important Caitlin Clark basketball card. It’s her first major card in a traditional product. It comes from a juggernaut brand, which includes the customary parallel rainbow.
When it comes to value (arguably importance as well), the autograph is going to soar past this one. But Clark’s signature is already out of reach for many collectors so this is a solid choice for those on a tighter budget or maybe a passive fan simply looking for a key card of the college legend.
Parallels: Refractors, Pink Refractors, Shimmer Refractors, Purple Refractors (#’ed/399), Purple Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/399), Aqua Refractors (#’ed/299), Aqua Wave Refractors (#’ed/299), Blue Refractors (#’ed/199), Blue RayWave Refractors (#’ed/199), Fuchsia Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/150), Pink Wave Refractors (#’ed/125), RayWave Refractors (#’ed/100), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Green Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/99), Lava Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Refractors (#’ed/5), Black Shimmer Refractors (1/1), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Image Variations Caitlin Clark #50
Same layout as the base card, different photo. This Caitlin Clark card is on the sneaky side as it doesn’t immediately give away that it’s as big a card as it is. This variation, which is done as a Refractor, comes with longer odds and stronger value than its standard counterpart.
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball 2009 Bowman Caitlin Clark #09B-30
It’s double nostalgia for this throwback insert. As the name suggest, there’s a nod to 2009-10 Bowman Basketball. That was the last full Bowman release for the sport before 2022-23 as the NBA license went exclusive to Panini shortly after. But 2009-10 Bowman is based on 1948, best known for having George Mikan’s rookie card. 2009 Bowman inserts land 1:6 hobby packs with Clark being one of 30 players in the set.
Parallels: Aqua Refractors (/150), Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball 2009 Bowman Autographs Caitlin Clark #09B-30 #’ed/99
In addition to the regular version’s color-based parallels, the throwback insert gets an even more modern twist with an autograph. The most common of these has 99 copies with Orange Refractors (/25) and a Superfractor (1/1) also available.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Big Kahuna Caitlin Clark #TBK-15
Big Kahuna brings Topps into case hit territory. Much like Panini’s Kaboom and Downtown runs, this one comes with a big design and out-there name. In those senses, it’s reminiscent of the late 1990s. Although not numbered, this card is tough. All Big Kahuna cards combine to land 1:288 hobby packs. With a 25-card checklist, you’re looking at that many cases to find this particular card.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Big Kahuna Autographs Caitlin Clark #TBK-15 #’ed/150
This is one of a handful of 2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Caitlin Clark inserts to have complimentary autographs. Besides the signature and serial number (/150), there’s not much that’s different from the regular card. But it’s that signature that adds additional value.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Bowman Invicta Caitlin Clark #BI-15
Another one of several Caitlin Clark inserts in 2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball, the Invicta theme runs across several sports. Although the 1:12 pack odds aren’t too tough, these are a hobby-exclusive.
Parallels: Lava Refractors (/150), Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Prime Chrome Signatures Caitlin Clark #PCS-CC #’ed/50
When Prime Choice Signatures were introduced in baseball, the idea was to give them an upgrade not only with a smaller print run but by sometimes adding an inscription. With just 50 copies for the base, Caitlin Clark’s 2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Prime Chrome Signatures card has the rarity. But using a sticker, there are no additional notes or slogans to go with the autograph.
Parallels: Orange Refractors (/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Prospect Autographs Caitlin Clark #50
If your budget can handle it, this is likely the Caitlin Clark card when it comes to her collegiate career. It remains to be seen how it compares to her WNBA rookie cards, but don’t be surprised if it holds up very strong. 1st Bowman Autographs are a very big del in baseball and Topps has been pushing it hard with their collegiate releases.
The one-of-one Superfractor version of the card sold for $78,000 through PWCC in January, 2024. In doing so, it shattered the record price for a women’s basketball card.
Parallels: Refractors (#’ed/499), RayWave Refractors (#’ed/199), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/5), Red Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Inception University Caitlin Clark #66
The 2022-23 Bowman Inception University Caitlin Clark card comes from a more high-end leaning release that has both basketball and football players. Autographs are a major focus of all Inception sets and base cards are traditionally overlooked to a certain extent. While no official production numbers exist, it appears as though this is the rarest of Clark’s three 2022-23 Bowman-branded base cards.
Parallels: Green Foil (#’ed/299), Aqua Foil Version 1 (#’ed/199), Aqua Foil Version 2 (#’ed/199), Blue Foil Version 1 (#’ed/99), Blue Foil Version 2 (#’ed/99), Fuchsia Foil (#’ed/75), Gold Foil Version 1 (#’ed/50), Gold Foil Version 2 (#’ed/50), Orange Foil (#’ed/25), Black Foil (#’ed/10), Red Foil Version 1 (#’ed/5), Red Foil Version 2 (#’ed/5), FoilFractors (1/1), Printing Plates Black (1/1), Printing Plates Cyan (1/1), Printing Plates Magenta (1/1), Printing Plates Yellow (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Inception University Autographs Caitlin Clark #BIA-CC
Like Bowman Chrome, there’s what’s essentially an autographed version of Clark’s base card from 2022-23 Inception. Same layout, same photo but significantly higher value. Like all of her earliest autographs from 2022-23, the signature comes on a sticker.
Parallels: Blue Foil (#’ed/99), Fuchsia Foil (#’ed/75), Gold Foil Version 1 (#’ed/50), Gold Foil Version 2 (#’ed/50), Orange Foil (#’ed/25), Red Foil (#’ed/5), FoilFractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Inception University Primordial Prospects Autographs Caitlin Clark #PMP-CC #’ed/99
For those with a preference for serial-numbered autographs, Inception has Primordial Prospects. Looking to the stars for its design inspiration, the standard version has just 99 copies. That’s a big selling point.
Parallels: Blue Foil (#’ed/75), Gold Foil (#’ed/50), Orange Foil (#’ed/25), Red Foil (#’ed/5), FoilFractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman Inception University Top of the Class Autographs Caitlin Clark #TOP-CC #’ed/100
If all parallels are taken into account, this is easily the rarest Caitlyn Clark autograph card in 2022-23 Bowman Inception University. Yes, with 100 copies, the base version has a very slightly higher count than Primordial Prospects’ 99. But Top of the Class has just six total parallels while Primordial Prospects clocks in with 156 total parallel copies.
Parallels: Red Foil (#’ed/5), FoilFractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Caitlin Clark #50
The 2022-23 Bowman’s Best Caitling Clark is similar to Chrome in the type of stock that it uses. The chromium gives off the appearance and shine of metal. It’s also the foundation for a sizeable Refractor rainbow of parallels. Historically, Bowman’s Best “1sts” don’t carry the same levels of prestige or value as Bowman Chrome despite the fact the Best is hobby-only.
Parallels: Refractors, Speckle Refractors, Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/299), Purple Refractors (#’ed/250), Aqua Lava Refractors (#’ed/199), Blue Refractors (#’ed/150), Pink Lava Refractors (#’ed/100), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Green Mini-Diamond Refractors (#’ed/99), Gold Lava Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Lava Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Best of 2022 Autographs Caitlin Clark #BOA-CC
Clark’s main autograph in 2022-23 Bowman’s Best actually gets a different design from the main set. Like Bowman Chrome and Inception, though, the signature itself is on a sticker and not on-card like in baseball.
Parallels: Refractors, Blue Refractors (#’ed/150), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Gold Lava Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Speckle Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/10), Red Lava Refractors (#’ed/5), Printing Plates Black (1/1), Printing Plates Cyan (1/1), Printing Plates Magenta (1/1), Printing Plates Yellow (1/1), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Bowman U Buckets Die-Cuts Caitlin Clark #BB-18
The 2022-23 Bowman’s Best University checklist has several insert sets, most of which put in a big effort with their designs. For Bowman U Buckets, it’s all about the die-cut shape. Landing at a rate of one per hobby box and with 20 in the set, this one isn’t too tough but it’s not easily found, either.
Parallels: Speckle Refractors, Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Bowman U Buckets Die-Cuts Autographs Caitlin Clark #BBA-CC #’ed/99
Clark’s Bowman U Buckets Autograph has the same die-cut design to help it stand out visually. There’s also that signature and modest product run of 99 copies for the base version.
Parallels: Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Speckle Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Constellations of Greatness Caitlin Clark #COG-19
Constellations of Greatness is an extremely tough insert set in 2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Basketball. According to the odds, these are 1:480 packs. On top of that, there are 26 players on the checklist. So if you go by the odds, it’s 1:12,480 packs to land Clark (or any other player). That’s one in every 1,040 hobby boxes.
Parallels: Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Dual Autographs Caitlin Clark #DA-CB with Aliyah Boston #’ed/25
An extremely rare card, this autograph includes Clark and Aliyah Boston, the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Boston would also go on to be the league’s Rookie of the Year. As far as women’s basketball autographs go, this one ranks high.
Parallels: Red Lava Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Hardwood Warriors Caitlin Clark #HW-21
If you’re looking for a more affordable Caitlin Clark card that stands out with its design, 2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Hardwood Warriors is a solid choice. Landing 1:3 packs, it’s fairly common as far as inserts go. This goes a long way in keeping price in check.
Parallels: Speckle Refractors, Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Neon Neophytes Caitlin Clark #NN-3
At 1:6 packs, the Neon Neophytes Caitlin Clark card is also not too hard to find. When you take set size into account, it’s only slightly more rare than Hardwood Warriors. Again, the design makes this one distinct. The neon provides lots of pop as does the emotion and energy in the photo selection.
Parallels: Speckle Refractors, Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Superfractors (1/1)
2022-23 Bowman’s Best University Neon Neophytes Autographs Caitlin Clark #NNA-CC #’ed/99
Similar to Bowman U Buckets, the autographed version takes the regular card and adds a sticker autograph along with a print run of just 99 copies. Three levels of parallels add just 76 more to that total combined.
Parallels: Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Speckle Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Chrome Prospect Autographs Caitlin Clark #BCPA-CCL
So second-year autographs may not carry the same weight as 1st Bowman Chrome Autographs, but we’re still talking Caitlin Clark signatures. Just because this one isn’t as important as her 2022-23 autograph, it’s still significant and carries good values. Other second-year autograph cards featuring Clark in 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball include 2007-08 Bowman Autographs (#’ed/99), The Big Kahuna Autographs (#’ed/150), Image Variations Autographs (#’ed/25), Prodigal Playmakers Autographs, and Sharp Shooters Autographs (#’ed/50).
Parallels: Refractors (#’ed/250), Lava Refractors (#’ed/199), Green Refractors (#’ed/99), Yellow Refractors (#’ed/75), Gold Refractors (#’ed/50), Gold Lava Refractors (#’ed/50), Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Orange Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/25), Red Refractors (#’ed/5), Red Shimmer Refractors (#’ed/5), Superfractors (1/1)
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Hidden Gems Caitlin Clark #HG-5
Topps rolled out Hidden Gems inserts across several sports and products in 2023. No matter the release, they’re all extremely scarce. For 2023 Bowman Chrome University Basketball, they were also a surprise with no mention on the company’s checklist or in the list of odds they put out. So it’s unknown as to exactly how rare this card is, there are certainly not many to go around.
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Prime Signatures Caitlin Clark #PCS-CC #’ed/50
2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball Prime Signatures is the first Caitlin Clark card to include an on-card autograph. So while it may not be among her first batch of signed cards, it has elevated appeal to some as it carries a closer connection to the superstar compared to a card using a sticker. There’s also a valid argument for its visual appeal. The card has just 50 copies (76 if all parallels are considered).
Parallels: Orange Refractors (#’ed/25), Superfractors (1/1)
