The arrival of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA has undeniably propelled the league to new levels of popularity. Her selection as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever translated into record-breaking viewership and attendance figures, making tickets a hot commodity.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts during a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game against the Connecticut Sun Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
According to StubHub, the 2024 WNBA regular season experienced an almost tenfold surge in total ticket sales compared to the 2023 season, with every team witnessing increased demand. The Indiana Fever led the charge, boasting a staggering 90-fold increase in ticket sales on StubHub compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth dwarfed even the second-highest increase, achieved by Angel Reese's Chicago Sky, with the Fever nearly doubling their sales figures (93% more).
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark warms up before Game 1 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., Sept. 22, 2024. (Mark Smith/Imagn Images)
Even WNBA playoff games without Clark's participation saw lower viewership than her regular-season appearances, and the highly anticipated matchups between Clark and Reese drew audience numbers not seen in over two decades. Clark's outstanding rookie season earned her the Rookie of the Year award, highlighted by a record-breaking number of assists in a single season.
Leading the Fever to a playoff berth after a challenging start, Clark consistently delivered double-double performances and even set a single-game record with 19 assists. She also etched her name in history as the first rookie to achieve a triple-double, accomplishing the feat twice.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots as the Dallas Wings' Jacy Sheldon (4) and Natasha Howard, right, defend in the first half of a WNBA game Sept. 1, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
As the top vote-getter for the All-Star Game and only the fifth rookie in league history to earn a spot on the All-WNBA first team, Clark's impact on the league is undeniable.
