Despite some ongoing debate surrounding alleged jealousy, Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA is undeniable, a point further solidified by a recent player poll. The Athletic's anonymous WNBA player poll revealed that a majority of players believe Clark will be the face of the league in five years. Clark received 53.8% of the votes. USC's JuJu Watkins came in second with 17.9% of the vote, followed by Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers at 14.1%. Chicago Sky star Angel Reese garnered 6.4% of the vote, while Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson received 3.8%. The poll, which surveyed nearly 40 players from all 13 teams, excluded this year's rookie class to gather veteran perspectives and prohibited players from voting for their own teammates.
Clark's rise has not been without its detractors. Some media members have suggested that Clark doesn't receive the respect she deserves from her WNBA peers. This perceived lack of respect has fueled the narrative of jealousy among some WNBA players. Some have attempted to downplay Clark's impact.
However, many acknowledge Clark's significance. One anonymous player stated that she is "currently the face of the league". Another noted that she is "clearly already a draw, and she still has room to improve (as a player)". Even if some players harbor feelings of envy, it doesn't necessarily translate to hatred or a lack of respect. Competition and a desire to win are inherent in professional sports, and physical play on the court doesn't automatically indicate jealousy or malice.
Clark's impact on the WNBA is multifaceted. Games featuring Clark and the Fever routinely set or approach record viewership numbers. Opposing teams often move games to larger venues to accommodate the increased fan interest. The "Caitlin Clark effect" has revitalized the "Hoosier hysteria" phenomenon and significantly boosted the league's popularity.
The numbers speak volumes about Clark's economic impact. In 2024, she was responsible for over 25% of the WNBA's revenue, including attendance, TV viewership, and merchandise sales. Her presence has increased the overall value of the WNBA to a minimum of $875 million, with the potential to exceed $1 billion. The Indiana Fever team store was audited due to a significant increase in sales. Clark's jersey was the best-selling in the WNBA and the second-best among all North American basketball players, trailing only Stephen Curry.
Clark's influence extends beyond the Fever. All WNBA merchandise sales increased by over 500% last season. Viewership across various platforms has surged, with games averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season's average. The WNBA is experiencing a confluence of young talent, with stars like Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston joining Clark in energizing the league. These young stars, all 23 or younger, are contributing to a potentially historic era for the WNBA.
Despite the controversies and debates, Caitlin Clark has had a successful second season with the Indiana Fever, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. While the discussion about jealousy may persist, the WNBA player poll results and the tangible impact on viewership, attendance, and revenue solidify Clark's position as a transformative figure in the league.
