There’s been plenty of discussion about how the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’ has led to renewed interest and viewership in the WNBA – leading to increased popularity.
Now, a study reveals what the financial impact of the Indiana Fever guard’s presence in the league has brought.
Ryan Brewer, a finance expert and an associate professor of finance at Indiana University-Columbus, reviewed some numbers and came to a shocking conclusion.
Brewer’s findings (via Sports Illustrated) revealed that Clark was responsible for 26.5 percent of all the WNBA’s economic activity in 2024.
That includes revenue from merchandise, ticket sales, and television rights deals.
For the 2025 season, Brewer believes that Clark could force that number to grow even further.
A finance professor believes that Caitlin Clark could bring in billions of dollars for the WNBA
Clark’s popularity has already led to her accounting for 26 percent of WNBA revenue in 2024
That revenue could jump even more if Clark and the Fever reach the WNBA playoffs
‘If things just go as they were, and we have an expanded season of 22 home games with modest inflation, I’m looking at $875 [million],’ Brewer told NBC News.
‘And I could easily see that eclipsing a billion dollars on the economic impact of Caitlin Clark this year.’
That 22 home game season could grow even more if the Fever make the playoffs, which they’re projected to do.
Of not, Brewer’s numbers aren’t from the WNBA – which is a private company and does not disclose its revenue.
That said, it’s clear to see that Clark has been a massive help to boost the ratings and attention the league gets.
Clark and the Fever will be seen on 41 nationally televised games – the most of any WNBA team.
Additionally, Clark’s jersey is the best selling jersey on Fanatics among WNBA players and is top-20 on the site for athletes of every sport.
