In an unprecedented turn of events, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has finally acknowledged the transformative impact of Caitlin Clark on the league. The league, which has struggled with viewership and attendance in the past, has seen a dramatic shift thanks to the arrival of the Iowa sensation.

Caitlin Clark, drafted by the Indiana Fever, has brought a surge of interest to the WNBA, not only in terms of game attendance but also in merchandise sales and overall revenue. The numbers speak for themselves: games are selling out, tickets are being resold at higher prices, and the Fever’s games are drawing unprecedented viewership. For instance, a $2 million game in New York and a $1 million game in Seattle are clear indicators of Clark’s influence.

The WNBA’s new media deal has highlighted this shift, with league officials openly admitting the “Caitlin Clark effect.” The league’s Chief Growth Officer, Collie Edison, acknowledged Clark’s impact, especially in terms of viewership. The league’s average viewership has soared to over 1.2 million, largely attributed to Clark’s presence. The Fever’s games, with Clark on the roster, have consistently drawn mind-boggling numbers, including a record-breaking 3.44 million viewers for the All-Star game.

The WNBA’s marketing strategy has also adapted to this new reality. For the first time, the league launched a marketing campaign during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, highlighting the incoming draft class, led by Clark. This campaign paid off, with a record 2.4 million viewers tuning in for the WNBA draft, shattering previous records.

Phil Cook, the WNBA’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the league’s effort to attract a broader audience, including general basketball fans, casual sports enthusiasts, and those who follow major sports events. Clark’s performances, such as achieving the first triple-double by a rookie and setting a WNBA record with 19 assists in a single game, have captivated these diverse groups of fans.

The Fever’s games have seen record attendance, with nearly every away game sold out and the team ranking first in overall attendance. This is a significant leap from their average of 4,000 fans per game just a year ago, highlighting the substantial impact Clark has had on the league.

In addition to viewership and attendance, the WNBA’s media deals have also benefited from this surge in popularity. The league’s new media deal is projected to bring in $200 million, with an additional $60 million per year from separate media agreements, making it a $260 million per year deal.

Despite the challenges posed by the upcoming Olympics, which might interrupt this momentum, the WNBA is poised to capitalize on the Caitlin Clark effect. Her influence has not only revitalized the league but has also brought in a new wave of fans and revenue, marking a new era for women’s basketball.

The WNBA has had to concede that Caitlin Clark is the biggest rookie draw in its history. As fans and media continue to be impressed by her seamless transition into professional basketball, it’s clear that the league’s future looks brighter than ever, thanks to the undeniable Caitlin Clark effect.