Caitlin Clark Drives Over a Quarter of the WNBA’s Economic Activity and Boosts Indiana Fever’s Popularity in the United States

When you think about the rise in popularity of the WNBA lately, one name keeps popping up: Caitlin Clark.

She’s been a game-changer—not just on the court but for the league’s financial health too.

People have been buzzing about the so-called “Caitlin Clark effect,” and now a new study sheds light on just how big that impact really is.

A Deep Dive Into the Numbers

Ryan Brewer, a finance expert and associate professor at Indiana University-Columbus, took a closer look at the WNBA’s numbers to see what Caitlin Clark’s presence means for the league’s economy.

His findings, shared with Sports Illustrated, are pretty eye-opening.

According to Brewer, Clark was behind 26.5 percent of all the WNBA’s economic activity in 2024.

That’s everything from merchandise sales and ticket revenue to TV rights deals.

Even Bigger Things Expected for 2025

Brewer is even more optimistic about the 2025 season.

With the Fever expected to have 22 home games—and if inflation stays modest—he estimates the economic impact could reach a whopping $875 million. And that’s not even the ceiling.

Brewer told NBC News, “I could easily see that eclipsing a billion dollars on the economic impact of Caitlin Clark this year.

” And if the Fever make the playoffs as predicted, those numbers could climb even higher.

The WNBA’s Private Numbers Remain a Mystery

It’s worth noting that Brewer’s data doesn’t come directly from the WNBA, since the league is privately owned and doesn’t publicly disclose revenue figures.

But looking at all the other signs—the soaring ratings, merchandise sales, and national TV exposure—it’s clear that Caitlin Clark is doing a lot to lift the league’s profile.

Clark’s National Spotlight and Fan Frenzy

For 2025, the Fever will be featured in 41 nationally televised games, the most of any team in the WNBA.

And Clark’s popularity off the court is just as strong: her jersey is the top-selling WNBA jersey on Fanatics and ranks among the top 20 for athletes across all sports on the site.

What This Means for the Future of Women’s Basketball

With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that Caitlin Clark has become the face of the WNBA’s new era.

Her talent and charisma are not only inspiring fans but also fueling a financial boost that could reshape the league’s future.

If this momentum keeps up, the WNBA is headed for a whole new level of success.