For its 27-year history, the WNBA has existed in the shadows of American sports culture. It had loyal fans, talented athletes, and thrilling games, but somehow never gained the appreciation and attention it deserved. The conversation around the league was often hit with casual sexism, unnecessary comparisons to the NBA, and dismissive attitudes about women’s sports in general. 

Then came Caitlin Clark. When Clark entered the 2024 WNBA draft she wasn’t just considered a highly regarded prospect, she was a sensation. By the time she left Iowa, she had become a headline on ESPN, and the face of women’s basketball. Her record-breaking scoring and highly impressive logo threes had already begun to shift public perception about women’s basketball. 

One of the clearest signs of Clark’s influence came before the season even began. A preseason matchup between the Indiana Fever and Brazil’s national women’s team wasn’t just another exhibition game, it made history. The game drew the highest viewership numbers of any WNBA game to date, a remarkable milestone for the league. At the heart of this surge in attention is none other than Cailtlin Clark, the Fever’s top draft pick and one of the most well-known players women’s basketball has ever seen.

The game, held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena – Clark’s old grounds as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes – carried extra weight for fans. Tickets sold out in an astonishing 42 minutes, with the average resale price soaring to $650. It wasn’t just about watching a preseason game; it was about witnessing Clark return to the court at which she made history. She hit a three-pointer from the same spot where she broke the NCAA women’s all-time scoring record a year prior. This serves as a nostalgic symbol, but also one that shows her rapidly growing legacy. 

Clark’s impact extends far beyond ticket sales and TV ratings. Since declaring for the WNBA draft, the league has experienced a noticeable spike in merchandise sales, social media engagement, and national media coverage. Fever games are consistently being moved to prime broadcast spots, and arenas around the country are seeing a significant rise in attendance whenever Indiana is in town. 

It’s also important to note that while Clark has led the change, she’s part of a broader movement within women’s basketball. Fellow young stars like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Cameron Brink have created a new wave of attention and excitement around the sport, both at the collegiate level and professional. This new generation of talent is not only skilled but also well adapted to the media, and unafraid to advocate for themselves and their sport. 

For the WNBA, this movement represents more than just a temporary boost. With the help of players like Clark, the league is expanding its audience, attracting new sponsors, and solidifying a stronger presence in the male-dominated mainstream sports. 

Sources: 

https://athlonsports.com/wnba/indiana-fever/caitlin-clark-makes-wnba-history-against-brazil