Today, Wednesday July 17, is the final day to see Caitlin Clark in motion for a complete month because of the imminent begin of the Olympic Video games, which is able to drive the WNBA to pause for a number of weeks as gamers compete in Paris. Though Caitlin is not going to be taking part within the Olympics -a resolution that has sparked vital controversy in opposition to the USA group’s head coach, Cheryl Reeve– the impression of the Indiana Fever‘s sensational rookie is clear within the numbers.
Many specialists are calling it the Caitlin Clark Impact, and it isn’t onerous to see why. Since 2008, the WNBA hadn’t seen viewership numbers surpassing a million, however the arrival of the fESPN, CBS, ABC, and ION.ormer Iowa star has dramatically modified the sport, particularly for networks like
Caitlin Clark makes WNBA historical past with first triple-double by a rookie, followers rejoice wildly
A report from Sports activities Media Watch revealed the viewership numbers for this WNBA season, highlighting the 15 most-watched video games of the yr. Out of these, 13 featured the Fever and Clark. The least-watched sport of the yr, Phoenix vs. Connecticut, nonetheless averaged 1.02 million viewers.
In distinction, the most-watched sport was the Indiana Fever versus the Chicago Sky, showcasing the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and fellow rookie star Angel Reese, a rivalry that dates again to their school days. This sport averaged 2.30 million viewers. Of the highest 10 most-watched video games of the yr, all embody Clark and her group.
The Clark impact interprets to hundreds of thousands of {dollars}
These numbers have led the WNBA to signal a brand new media deal for the following 11 years, value over two billion {dollars}, which interprets to $200 million per yr. This can be a vital enhance from the earlier deal, which solely introduced in $50 million yearly, 4 occasions lower than the brand new settlement.
What does this imply for the WNBA and its gamers? More cash from media rights means extra funds for each gamers and groups. Free brokers will get offers extra suited to their worth, and high-caliber rookies like Clark and Angel Reese will not begin their careers incomes lower than $100,000 yearly. Elevated income for groups may result in enhancements in services, benefiting each gamers and followers.
Whereas Clark is not the one star rookie within the WNBA this yr (her rival Reese and the sensational Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks have additionally captivated the nation), it is clear that individuals are filling stadiums to see the all-time main scorer in school basketball now showcasing her expertise on the skilled stage. Caitlin has grow to be an icon and function mannequin for younger women drawn to basketball, and her greatest moments are but to come back.
