Can The “Caitlin Clark Effect” and NIL Elevate the WNBA?

The world of women's basketball is buzzing with anticipation as Iowa's star player, Caitlin Clark, decides whether to take her talents professionally or remain with the Hawkeyes using her Covid year extension of eligibility.

Clark's skill set and charismatic presence on the court have sparked discussions about the potential impact she could have on the WNBA, raising questions about whether her influence, known as the "Caitlin Clark Effect," could reshape the landscape of professional women's basketball.

Sports fans across the nation cannot deny the allure of Caitlin Clark's game. She has become a sensation in college basketball as her flashy plays and swagger on and off the court grab the attention of millions of spectators. Her decision to either enter the WNBA draft or stay in college for another year could have far-reaching consequences for both leagues.

At the heart of the debate is whether players like Caitlin Clark have the power to elevate the WNBA to new heights, drawing in more fans, followers, and lucrative deals. While it's true that all WNBA players can leverage off-court opportunities to supplement their salaries, Clark's potential impact goes beyond the traditional measures of success.

Consider the numbers: Clark's National Player of the Year campaign not only brought accolades but also significant financial gains for the University of Iowa's women's basketball program. The team's total revenue doubled during her previous season, reaching an impressive $3.8 million. Ticket sales soared, with attendance records shattered at every turn. Clark's popularity translated into tangible economic benefits for her collegiate team, demonstrating her ability to draw crowds and drive revenue [1].

The real question is this: Can the “Caitlin Clark Effect” extend beyond the college realm and make a significant impact on the WNBA? The answer lies in her unparalleled talent and global appeal. Clark's impressive statistics speak for themselves: she is the only member of college basketball's exclusive 3,000-750-750 club, and her 40-point triple-double in the NCAA tournament made history. With career averages of 27.4 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.0 rebounds, coupled with impressive shooting percentages, Clark's on-court prowess is unmatched [3].

Moreover, Caitlin Clark's off-court earning potential is undeniable. With her name recognition and marketability, she stands to capitalize on lucrative NIL deals extending beyond her days at Iowa. According to On3, Caitlin Clark’s NIL deals are worth approximately $818,000, with deals with companies across many industries like Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Buick. While her WNBA rookie contract looks to stand around $75,000 per year, it is her long-term potential that excites stakeholders [2]. With WNBA popularity increasing, Clark’s star power could elevate the league to new heights. Recently, one of her autographed trading cards sold for $78,000 - a testament to her star power and market appeal [3].

Her potential arrival in the WNBA could inject new life into the league, attracting a broader audience and generating excitement among fans. With her electrifying style of play, ability to dominate games, and extreme fandom, Clark and other college players have the opportunity to elevate the WNBA to unprecedented levels of success. Peacock, the streaming service, has already benefited from its partnership with Clark, airing seven of Iowa’s games and capitalizing on Clark’s widespread popularity. As one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent memory, Clark has the potential to drive viewership and engagement, drawing attention to the WNBA on a global scale [4].

While Caitlin Clark's potential to transform the WNBA is undoubtedly significant, she is not the only college basketball star able to make a game-changing impact. The rise of NIL opportunities has paved the way for numerous athletes to leverage their brand and commercial appeal. Players like Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese, among many others, have already begun to capitalize on NIL deals, showcasing the range of talent and marketability within women's collegiate basketball. As more athletes recognize the value of their personal brands, the landscape of women's basketball will undergo a profound shift. These emerging stars, alongside Caitlin Clark, collectively represent a new era of empowerment and opportunity in women's basketball, where athletes can not only excel on the court but also thrive in the realm of business and branding.

As fans eagerly await Clark's decision, one thing is certain: her impact on women's basketball, whether in college or the professional ranks, will be nothing short of transformative.

Madison Greco is a second-year law student at Suffolk University Law School in Boston. She can be found on Twitter @mtgreco and LinkedIn (Madison Greco).

Sources:

[1]https://www.sportico.com/leagues/college-sports/2024/caitlin-clark-iowa-womens-basketball-revenue-1234764453/ 

[2]https://www.on3.com/db/caitlin-clark-162402/nil-deals/ 

[3]https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2023/12/11/wnba-caitlin-clark-to-indiana-fever-draft-would-be-dream-come-true-for-indiananpolis-2024/71879011007/

[4]https://www.sportico.com/business/media/2024/caitlin-clark-iowa-hawkeyes-tv-peacock-streaming-1234764684/