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 Coach, Slated for Global Release on July 18, 2025
In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the sports and entertainment worlds, Netflix has officially announced the release of its highly anticipated documentary “The Underdog,” a powerful and intimate look at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The global streaming premiere is set for July 18, 2025, and promises to capture the fiery heart, trailblazing career, and enduring legacy of the woman widely hailed as the greatest ambassador in the history of women’s basketball.
But this is not just a story about a generational talent — “The Underdog” is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and impact. It’s about the woman who redefined college basketball, shattered WNBA viewership records, and brought mainstream attention to a sport too long overshadowed. And it’s about how, in doing so, she became not just a champion on the court — but a coach, a mentor, and a cultural icon off of it.
A Cultural Phenomenon
From her jaw-dropping college days at the University of Iowa, where she led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national championship games, to her professional debut with the Indiana Fever in 2024, Caitlin Clark has captivated fans with her deep shooting range, court vision, and unmatched competitive spirit. Dubbed “The Steph Curry of the WNBA,” Clark has built a brand around underestimation, proving wrong every doubter who once questioned whether a white girl from West Des Moines could command a sport dominated by speed, power, and athleticism.
Yet, as “The Underdog” makes clear, her journey was never about proving others wrong — it was about proving herself right.
“The world saw her scoring titles. We saw her 5 a.m. workouts,” says Fever head coach Christie Sides in one of the film’s more emotional interviews. “She never saw herself as a star. She saw herself as a student. And now, she’s teaching all of us what greatness looks like.”
An Inside Look Like Never Before
“The Underdog” is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Thompson, known for her work on The Last Shot and Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in Sports. Over the course of 90 minutes, the documentary stitches together never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews with teammates, family members, WNBA legends, and rivals, and intimate moments from Clark’s early years in Iowa to her evolution into the league’s most magnetic player.
Thompson spent over 18 months following Clark through the grind of her rookie WNBA season, where she not only set multiple records for assists and three-pointers, but also navigated the overwhelming pressure that comes with being the face of a league.
“There’s a reason we called it ‘The Underdog,’” Thompson explained in a Netflix press release. “Because even at her peak, Caitlin never let go of that mentality. She played every game — every possession — like she had something to prove. And in doing so, she changed the sport forever.”
The documentary also explores the emotional weight of Clark’s journey — the scrutiny, the criticism, the isolation, and ultimately, the triumph. Fans will see her raw vulnerability during quiet locker room moments, her fierce leadership during team huddles, and her unwavering belief in the power of women’s sports to inspire the next generation.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
One of the documentary’s most poignant revelations is Clark’s growing impact as a coach and mentor — even while still in her playing prime. The film dives deep into her leadership at youth basketball camps, her public advocacy for equal pay and media representation, and her behind-the-scenes role mentoring younger players entering the WNBA.
“Caitlin Clark isn’t just building her career,” says Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi in the film. “She’s building a blueprint.”
Indeed, Clark has often said her mission goes beyond championships. She’s aiming to change the perception of what women’s basketball can be. With her signature shoe line, record-breaking NIL deals, and magnetic media presence, Clark is ushering in a new era where female athletes are not just celebrated, but revered.
The film also touches on her relationship with critics and the moments that tested her resolve — including clashes with opposing players, media blowback during her rookie season, and the loneliness of being a trailblazer.
“I’ve always been OK being misunderstood,” Clark says in the trailer. “Because I’ve always understood my why.”
A Global Moment
Netflix plans to release “The Underdog” simultaneously in over 100 countries, cementing Clark’s status as a global icon. With a carefully orchestrated marketing rollout, including digital billboards in Times Square, live interviews with ESPN, and a podcast tour leading up to the July 18 release, the documentary is expected to shatter Netflix viewership records for a sports docuseries.
According to Netflix, “The Underdog” is not just a sports documentary — it’s a movement. A rallying cry. A portrait of greatness grounded not in privilege or hype, but in grit, focus, and relentless drive.
“We believe Caitlin Clark’s story is bigger than basketball,” said Netflix’s Head of Sports Programming, Michelle Carter. “It’s about how greatness is forged in the shadows. How a young woman became the standard by being the exception.”
Early Buzz and Critical Praise
While the official release is still over a month away, early press screenings have drawn rave reviews from sports journalists and film critics alike. The Atlantic called it “a masterclass in documentary storytelling,” while The Ringer said, “It’s not just a tribute to Caitlin Clark — it’s a love letter to the soul of basketball.”
Social media has also been buzzing since the teaser trailer dropped on June 5, with fans, athletes, and celebrities flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with messages of anticipation.
LeBron James tweeted: “This is going to be special. Salute to the queen for changing the game.”
Final Word
“The Underdog” is more than a documentary. It’s a declaration — that the future of basketball is inclusive, exciting, and led by women like Caitlin Clark. It’s a story of vision and velocity, sacrifice and success, of shooting your shot when nobody’s watching and still hitting nothing but net.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of women’s basketball or just learning about Caitlin Clark for the first time, this film will move you, challenge you, and remind you that sometimes, the greatest champions come from places you never expected — and they never stop proving why they belong.
Mark your calendars for July 18, 2025. “The Underdog” is about
to take the world by storm — one three-pointer at a time.
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