Caitlin Clark's humble £500,000 home, millionaire boyfriend and parents' concerns

The WNBA has a legend in its midst as continues to make waves as the new queen of basketball. But her upbringing was anything but a royal procession as she emerged from fairly humble roots in her native Iowa.

The No.1 pick in this year's WNBA Draft has lived up to expectations and then some, recently becoming the first rookie in 16 years to make the All-WNBA first team. And the 22-year-old has had to work for that honour, emerging as an instant superstar despite both on and off the court.

Clark is now the biggest name in women's basketball, but that title comes with both privilege and pressure, not all of which is restricted to the star herself. Express Sport examines the rising superstar's modest background, relationship status and parents' concerns over her newfound fame as the WNBA season comes to a close.

Humble Homestead

Clark was born to parents Brent and Anne in Des Moines, Iowa, where she spent her childhood and formative years before attending college in her home state. And it was there that the family brought up their budding star in an impressive £500,000 ($650,000) house built on a small plot in 2001.

It should come as no surprise that the four-bedroom abode includes a basketball court and plenty of garden space spread around the property. As well as excelling in basketball, Clark also showed plenty of promise in golf, tennis, volleyball and other sports before settling on the court, and her home seemingly helped facilitate that growth.

Perhaps unsurprising is the fact Clark also has a younger and older brother, playing ahead of her age group with the latter when she was a child. The sensation's dad insisted on Caitlin playing with the older boys when they were unable to find a girls' league in their area, a decision that paid dividends in the long run.

Who is Caitlin Clark's millionaire boyfriend?

Star guard Clark was still at university when she started dating fellow basketball player Connor McCaffery in April 2023 - although the relationship wasn't made public until four months later. McCaffery also played for the Iowa Hawkeyes when the couple first met, though he was several years ahead of his partner at school.

The 26-year-old is estimated to have a net worth of £1.2million ($1.5m) after moving into a coaching career since graduation, per . McCaffery - whose father, Fran, has coached the Iown men's basketball team since 2010 - is following in his dad's footsteps and currently holds the position of assistant coach of the men's team at Butler University.

Prior to that, the 6'5" talent spent a year on the books with th Indiana Pacers after accepting an entry-level position with the franchise. He hasn't moved far by joining the Dawgs, however, considering Butler is also based in Indianapolis, where Clark plays for the Fever.

Parents' concerns

It's not only Clark who feels the pressures of the star lifestyle as she continues to acclimate to the pro lifestyle. The prospect has become the source of vitriol from pundits and fellow players alike, many of whom have suggested she isn't deserving of the spotlight she receives.

Clark has also been involved in numerous on-court incidents, in which opponents appear to have targeted her physically in off-ball incidents. Caitlin has remained adamant she's only focused on playing basketball, but that hasn't limited the concern her parents have felt for their daughter's safety and wellbeing.

"They see all this stuff, too. You have to remember, we're regular people with feelings," she told the . "My parents have feelings. It can definitely be hard at times."

She added: "I think it's hard for people to remember, I just love playing basketball. This is my job. This is what I'm here for. I'm not here for all the other stuff."