At some point, WNBA players must realize where their paycheck comes from. After Iowa star Caitlin Clark entered the league in 2024, viewership, ticket sales, and merchandise skyrocketed.
During her rookie campaign, Clark led all rookies in points per game (19.5), assists per game (8.4), and steals per game (1.3), earning the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and an All-WNBA First Team selection.
Her popularity and impact on the league were obvious from the first minute she stepped on the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
After the 2024 season, Ryan Brewer, a finance professor at the University of Indiana-Columbus did an economic evaluation of the WNBA following Clark's massive impact.
Brewer determined that Clark was responsible for 26.5 percent of all WNBA economic activity, including revenue from merchandising, ticket sales, and television viewership.
Not her team, not a combination of players, JUST CLARK.
Brewer went so far as to say that Clark's impact could reach over $875 million, and would not be surprised if it went over one billion.
Ever since she entered the league, Clark has received a lot of hate from other players due to her superstar status and flamboyant playing style. It all boils down to one thing, and legendary basketball commentator Dick Vitale nailed it.
Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY that @WNBA players voted Caitlin Clark the 9 th best guard . Some day they will realize what she Has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA . Charted planes - increase in salaries-sold out crowds - improved TV Ratings https://t.co/TwGj1DtQMU
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) July 1, 2025
After Clark was selected as a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, it was revealed how she finished in all voting from fans, the media, and other players.
The fans ranked her No. 1, the media ranked her No. 3, and other players ranked her No. 9, which would not qualify her as an all-star.
Dick Vitale went OFF on X, saying it is absolutely pure jealously and hopefully other WNBA players will realize what she has done for ALL players.
If you need any more proof as to how important Clark is to the league, multiple teams moved games to bigger venues in order to accommodate more fans when Clark and the Fever come to town.
That includes the Chicago Sky, who moved two home games to the United Center in Chicago.
The disdain for Clark is absolutely ridiculous and WNBA players need to realize that without Clark, the league would lose millions of dollars, and they would go back to cheap charter flights and low-budget hotels.