Caitlin Clark’s star power is taking the WNBA by storm—and even drawing comparisons to some NBA royalty. Yes, you read that right. According to ESPN and Knicks’ legendary voice Mike Breen, Clark’s impact on the league rivals the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. Let’s take a second to appreciate the magnitude of that statement.
Breen wasn’t holding back his praise on Sunday, throwing some massive compliments Clark’s way while the Knicks took on the Pacers. When Clark was spotted courtside, Breen couldn’t help but drop some spicy tidbits about the Fever sensation:
“During the summer, when the Indiana Fever played here with Caitlin Clark, the building was packed every game,” he said. “TV ratings for the local telecast were higher than a lot of the Pacer games because of Caitlin Clark.”
Ouch, Pacers fans. Not sure if that’s something you’d be proud to have hanging on the jumbotron, but hey, it’s the Caitlin Clark show now, and we’re all just trying to get good seats.
Clark’s WNBA debut season has sparked a frenzy reminiscent of the NBA’s golden days when the likes of Jordan, LeBron, and Curry took their first steps toward immortality. And according to Breen, she’s doing for the W what those guys did for the NBA, carrying a whole league on her back like Atlas—and still making it look easy.
The numbers back it up too. With packed arenas and TV ratings that would make cable execs giddy, Clark is giving the WNBA a serious glow-up. Forget local fandom—she’s a national obsession, drawing more eyeballs to the Fever than even some Pacers matchups. That’s not just impressive; it’s flat-out ridiculous.
From Rookie to Superstar—and Big Payday
So, how much is Caitlin Clark raking in for her game-changing prowess? Well, as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s pulling a solid $76,535 in her first year. Modest, right? Especially when you consider she could probably pull that in a couple of IG posts. (Who knew posting selfies could be so lucrative?)
But don’t worry, she’s not stuck eating ramen noodles between games. Clark’s real paycheck comes from her endorsement deals, and they’re nothing short of Hall of Fame-level. We’re talking big brands: State Farm, Gatorade, Nike, Wilson Sporting Goods—Clark’s bank account is smiling brighter than the lights in a sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The WNBA’s new media rights deal, which is set to pay the league several times more than the previous agreement, has players and fans alike hoping that Clark’s financial leap will be reflected across the entire league. After all, if Caitlin’s generating ratings comparable to MJ and LeBron, then maybe WNBA salaries need to see a little LeBron-level love too.
What’s Next for Caitlin?
If this year is any indication, Clark’s only getting started. She’s already packed arenas, boosted TV ratings, and set herself up as the face of the WNBA—while also pulling off insane plays on the court with her signature three-point bombs. Next up? Maybe the Caitlin Clark statue outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And why not? At this point, it’s only a matter of time before she gets her own “The Last Dance” documentary.
