Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, didn’t just take the league by storm—she catapulted it into the stratosphere. While some players rack up stats, Clark is out here racking up TV ratings, and fans are having a field day comparing her impact to… well, just about everyone. But one name keeps popping up in the banter: Angel Reese, aka “DrumReese” according to some relentless trolls. Let the games begin.
Clark Dominates… Even Off the Court
Sports data guru Lev Akabas dropped a bombshell on X (formerly known as Twitter): of the top 10 most-viewed WNBA games this season, Caitlin Clark was a key player in nine. That’s right, NINE out of ten. The only game that didn’t feature the Indiana Fever’s rising star? A nail-biter between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx—ranking a humble seventh. Not bad, but when your rookie season is propelling your team’s games into ratings gold, it’s safe to say you’re the league’s shining star.
Fans? Oh, they’ve noticed.
One fan sarcastically chimed in, “Caitlin fans most likely are chunk of the people that watched that 1 game Clark wasn’t directly in.” Another added, “I’m shocked it isn’t 10/10.” Even more fuel to the fire came with fans playfully dunking on Clark’s infamous rival, Angel Reese. The shade was real, as one fan tweeted, “Never compare 0.8 GPA DrumReese to Caitlin Clark.” Ouch.
Clark’s Rivalry Takes Center Stage
Speaking of Reese, the Chicago Sky forward didn’t escape the barrage of comparisons. Apparently, some people still think she’s the face of the league, but Clark’s fans are having none of it. “I thought Angel Reese was the reason people watch the WNBA for?” a sarcastic comment read. While another fan pointed out, “But the reason you’re watching is because of Angel too,” complete with a series of laughing emojis to soften the blow.
Is the rivalry overstated? Maybe. But it’s certainly driving some entertaining online dialogue. Fans are eating it up, much like Clark is eating up the competition.
Marketability Queen: Caitlin Clark’s Global Impact
If Clark’s on-court performances weren’t enough, her off-court dominance is just as jaw-dropping. She’s now ranked the fourth most marketable athlete in the world. Yes, ahead of global soccer icon Lionel Messi. Let that sink in. The 22-year-old WNBA rookie outranks a man who has entire nations stopping to watch him kick a ball. Oh, and the only athletes ahead of her? Just LeBron James and a few other megastars. Casual.
But Clark isn’t content with just making headlines and history—she’s got her eyes on growing the WNBA’s brand. She recently spoke about the league’s rising popularity, crediting the surge to more people filling arenas and proudly sporting WNBA jerseys. She’s the kind of star the league has been waiting for, and she knows it. “It shows everyone there are real opportunities here,” Clark said, sounding more like a business mogul than a rookie baller. Well, if the shoes fit (and sell out instantly), wear them.
What’s Next? A WNBA Lockout?
Despite all the momentum, the WNBA might face a rocky road ahead. The WNBA Players Association opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement, signaling that the players want better pay, improved working conditions, and expanded health benefits. Clark herself, fresh off her rookie season, has been vocal about the league’s potential for growth. But with talks of a lockout looming, fans might have to wait and see if their favorite stars are back on the court next season.
One thing’s for sure: Caitlin Clark’s not just playing basketball; she’s shaping the future of the WNBA, one record-smashing broadcast at a time.
So, the next time you’re tempted to compare “0.8 GPA DrumReese” to Caitlin Clark, just remember—the ratings (and the fans) don’t lie.
