The “Caitlin Clark” effect is real, and the highest-scoring player in NCAA history has already started to reshape the WNBA. Clark was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever, and the result has been a whirlwind of popularity for the former college phenom.
Clark’s passion and dedication have only fueled her popularity, and she has become an inspiring figure in the world of sports. Even before the Fever drafted Clark, opposing teams were planning for her arrival.
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The Las Vegas Aces moved their showdown with the Fever from their normal Michelob ULTRA Arena, which holds 12,000 seats, to the T-Mobile Arena, which holds 20,000. The assumption is Clark’s popularity will lead to sold-out arenas across the country.
Some might say that preparing for sold-out crowds is a bit premature, but the “Clark Effect” is well underway. In fact, the floor prices for the Fever vs. New York Liberty have been revealed, and they are insanely high.
Bleacher Report revealed that the highest-priced floor seat for the game was priced at $10,455. Even through Ticketmaster, multiple floor seats are being sold at $9,225.
To put these prices into context, floor seats for the proposed Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 7 on Saturday, May 4 are only $2,000. Granted, that number could dramatically increase if the series goes to Game 7, but the Fever are only beginning the regular season.
Clark has already changed NCAA, and she is on her way to changing the WNBA, as well. Expensive floor seats are one thing, but companies were also deep in a bidding war to sign the rookie Fever guard to a deal.
Sportswear companies like PUMA, Under Armour, Adidas, and Nike all offered Clark a deal. She ultimately signed with Nike, which resulted in a massive $28 million deal that includes her own signature shoe.
Clark could be the catalyst that leads to the entirety of the WNBA getting far more promotional backing, which will then result in higher pay for the league’s athletes. Currently, the young guard was given a rookie contract of four years for $338,056, which equates to $84,514 annually.
Even the WNBA’s biggest stars like guard Jackie Young from the Aces only makes $252,450 annually. That pales in comparison to NBA contracts, along with many other major professional sports. Clark is the real deal, and the amount of money that is being levied next to her could go a long way in reshaping women’s basketball and bringing many more eyeballs to the sport.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.