Caitlin Clark’s influence on women’s basketball and sports viewership has been nothing short of transformative. The 2024 WNBA draft, where she was selected No. 1 all-around by the Indiana Fever, drew a record-breaking 2.45 million viewers, making it the most-viewed draft in WNBA history.
This surge in viewership, peaking at 3.07 million, marked a 307% increase from the previous peak and attracted 1.06 million female viewers, becoming the most-viewed program of the night for viewers under 35. This draft also marked the highest viewership for a WNBA telecast since the 2000s.
Clark’s impact extends beyond the draft. Her NCAA championship game against South Carolina garnered more viewers than the men’s final for the first time in history, indicating her ability to draw attention to the sport.
She has set numerous records while playing for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, including becoming the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division I basketball.
Her charisma and talent have transcended sports, as evidenced by her surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment, where she humorously addressed Michael Che’s jabs at women’s sports.
Prevailing, Clark’s rise to stardom has not only elevated women’s basketball but has also brought more attention to women’s sports as a whole.
Her impact on viewership and her ability to fascinate audiences both on and off the court highlights her potential to be a transformative figure in the world of sports.