Impact of Caitlin Clark on WNBA Popularity

The WNBA is gaining popularity, and Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently shared strong views about her All-Star teammate, Caitlin Clark. Cunningham expressed these thoughts on her new podcast, No Hesitation, alongside basketball trainer Drew Hanlan.

Hanlan credited Clark with boosting WNBA viewership and expanding its global reach. He compared her influence to that of Michael Jordan, who globalized the NBA, and Tiger Woods, who popularized golf.

“For the W, I know you might get in a little bit of trouble. It is because of Caitlin Clark,” Hanlan said to Cunningham.

Cunningham responded confidently, noting the obvious impact Clark has had. She stressed that Clark’s arrival in the league marked a turning point, acknowledging there was greatness before Clark, but her presence helped make the WNBA more global.

Clark was drafted No. 1 in the WNBA in 2024 after a stellar college career at Iowa, where she beat Pistol “Pete” Maravich’s all-time NCAA points record. Her WNBA career continues to break records and drive the league’s growth.

Hanlan shared data showing a surge in the league’s attendance and viewership. Fever attendance rose from just over 2,000 people five years ago to an average of 15,109 per game this season. Viewership grew fivefold, from an average of 260,000 to 1.3 million viewers per game.

The WNBA’s overall attendance increased from 2,600 to over 11,000 per game, and Clark’s influence is significant in this growth. The arrival of stars such as Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers and Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles also contributes to the league’s success.

These athletes will appear in the upcoming WNBA Playoffs, likely drawing high viewership and attendance. Fans look forward to seeing Clark, Bueckers, and Miles vie for their first championship. As the league evolves with these exciting players, its popularity continues to rise.