BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About Indiana Fever Superstar Caitlin Clark — A Deep Dive Into the Life, Legacy, and Grit of Women’s Basketball’s Greatest Clutch Performer, Slated for Global Release on July 18, 2025
Netflix has done it again.
On Monday morning, the streaming giant officially announced the upcoming global release of “The Underdog”, a powerful and intimate new documentary spotlighting Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark. Slated to premiere worldwide on July 18, 2025, the feature-length film dives deep into Clark’s meteoric rise, her relentless drive, and the indelible mark she’s left on women’s basketball — both on and off the court.
Clark, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft after a historic collegiate career at the University of Iowa, has quickly become the face of women’s sports. Her transition into the WNBA with the Fever has sparked a surge in viewership, ticket sales, and cultural relevance for the league, but “The Underdog” promises to peel back the curtain on the woman behind the records, the rivalries, and the roaring crowds.
A Story of Grit, Growth, and Glory
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Berkley and produced by SpringHill Entertainment, “The Underdog” traces Clark’s journey from a driven teenager in West Des Moines, Iowa, to a college superstar, to a household name in the pros.
The documentary showcases never-before-seen footage from Clark’s childhood, her intense training routines during high school, and behind-the-scenes moments during her senior season at Iowa, including candid interviews with coaches, teammates, family members, and Clark herself. Berkley’s lens captures Clark’s raw emotions through the triumphs and heartbreaks — including Iowa’s back-to-back NCAA championship runs and her response to national scrutiny and pressure.
“This is not just a basketball story,” Berkley said in a press statement. “It’s a human story. Caitlin’s journey is about perseverance, identity, and standing tall when the world expects you to shrink. She’s reshaped how people view women’s sports — and how young girls view themselves.”
A Generational Icon
Caitlin Clark isn’t just a basketball player — she’s a cultural force. Known for her limitless shooting range, fiery competitive spirit, and ice-cold clutch performances, Clark has drawn comparisons to Steph Curry and Diana Taurasi. But what sets her apart is how she’s become the bridge between generations.
At Iowa, she shattered the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record — men’s and women’s — and led the Hawkeyes to national prominence. She brought in record TV ratings, sold out arenas across the country, and redefined what it means to be a women’s college athlete in the NIL era. By the time she declared for the draft in 2024, she had already built a global fan base.
Now, with the Indiana Fever, Clark’s impact is just beginning. Her WNBA debut drew the highest viewership numbers for a rookie in over a decade, and home games in Indianapolis have become must-see events. Her jersey sales have topped the league. Nike, Gatorade, and Apple have all inked multi-million dollar endorsement deals with her.
Still, “The Underdog” doesn’t just celebrate Clark’s accolades — it explores the sacrifices behind the spotlight.
More Than A Documentary — A Movement
In addition to charting Clark’s athletic achievements, the film doesn’t shy away from the controversies and criticisms she’s faced. From social media storms to questions about race, privilege, and her on-court swagger, “The Underdog” allows Clark to respond in her own words.
“We wanted to show the full picture — the messy, the beautiful, and everything in between,” Berkley said. “Caitlin has faced pressure that would crush most people. But she’s never backed down. She’s leaned in.”
The film also highlights Clark’s advocacy for equal pay in sports, her efforts to uplift women’s basketball at all levels, and her role as a mentor to younger athletes. Several segments feature interactions with youth players, community events in Indiana, and sit-downs with WNBA veterans like Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird, and Candace Parker, who reflect on what Clark’s presence means for the league’s future.
“The Caitlin Clark effect is real,” Parker says in the film. “She’s not just inspiring the next generation — she’s leading it.”
A Global Event for Women’s Sports
Netflix is treating “The Underdog” like a tentpole release. According to insiders, the streaming platform plans to premiere the documentary in over 190 countries, with special red-carpet events in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and New York. There are also plans for a live post-premiere Q&A with Clark and the filmmakers hosted by Robin Roberts.
Additionally, Netflix will launch a short-form companion series — “Clark: Mic’d Up” — featuring behind-the-scenes moments from Clark’s WNBA rookie season, slated for release two weeks after the documentary.
The timing of the film’s release is no accident. With the 2025 WNBA season heating up and Clark already an early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and MVP considerations, the hype surrounding “The Underdog” will likely draw in fans who have followed her since college as well as those just discovering her brilliance.
The Future Is Female
As women’s sports continue to gain ground in viewership and sponsorships, Caitlin Clark stands as a shining example of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and authenticity collide. And “The Underdog” is poised to be more than just a highlight reel — it’s an origin story for a legend in the making.
“Caitlin Clark is the greatest clutch performer in women’s basketball history,” says former UConn star Breanna Stewart in the film. “But what’s more impressive is that she’s still just getting started.”
From the hardwood to the headlines, Clark’s story is far from over — and Netflix’s “The Underdog” ensures that her legacy will echo far beyond the game.
“The Unde
rdog” premieres globally on Netflix on July 18, 2025.