Today, July 17, is your last chance to catch Caitlin Clark in action for a whole month. Yes, you read that right—an entire month of Clark-less WNBA action, thanks to the Olympic Games taking over. While the WNBA hits pause, Clark will be watching from the sidelines, a decision that’s got everyone side-eyeing USA team head coach Cheryl Reeve. But let’s talk about the undeniable splash this Indiana Fever rookie is making, Olympics or not.
Enter the Caitlin Clark Effect. Remember when WNBA viewership couldn’t crack a million since 2008? Well, Clark waltzed in from Iowa and flipped the script. ESPN, CBS, ABC, and ION are all sending her thank-you notes. A Sports Media Watch report spilled the tea on the season’s viewership stats, and guess who’s front and center? Out of the 15 most-watched games, Clark and her Fever starred in 13 of them. The least-watched game still raked in 1.02 million viewers—hello, Phoenix vs. Connecticut!
But hold onto your hats for the most-watched showdown: Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky. This wasn’t just a game; it was a drama-packed rematch featuring Clark and Angel Reese, rekindling their college rivalry. That game pulled in a whopping 2.30 million viewers. Out of the top 10 games, every single one had Clark’s magic touch.
Now, let’s talk money—Clark’s star power is translating into serious cash. The WNBA has inked a new media deal worth over two billion dollars for the next 11 years. That’s $200 million annually, up from the measly $50 million of yesteryears. More media money means players can finally get paid what they deserve. No more high-caliber rookies starting with peanuts; think deals that reflect their true value. Teams will have cash to splash on facilities, making the experience better for everyone involved.
Sure, Clark isn’t the only rookie sensation. Angel Reese and Cameron Brink are also drawing crowds, but let’s be real—stadiums are buzzing to see the all-time college basketball scoring queen do her thing on the pro stage. Clark is more than a player; she’s an icon, a role model, the reason young girls are picking up basketballs.
So, while Clark won’t be hooping in Paris, her impact on the WNBA is crystal clear. And the best part? Caitlin Clark’s story is just beginning.