Indiana Fever rookie standout Caitlin Clark has revolutionized the WNBA in various aspects, including TV ratings, social media engagement, and attendance. Her impact this season is expected to have a long-lasting effect on the league. As her inaugural professional regular season wraps up, let’s delve into a dozen key numbers that showcase her influence on and off the court.
17,035 – The average number of fans attending Fever home games this season, setting a new WNBA record for any team.
This season’s attendance data reflects significant growth across the league, with every team experiencing an increase in attendance. The Fever, in particular, saw a massive jump from averaging 4,067 fans per home game in 2023 to 17,035 this season, contributing to the highest overall league attendance since 1999.
Credit for this boost can be partially attributed to Clark, whose popularity prompted teams to relocate Fever road games to larger arenas. Hosting the Fever in NBA arenas like Washington’s Capital One Arena and Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena resulted in record attendance figures, with both games surpassing 20,000 spectators, a rare feat in league history.
20,711 – The number of fans at Washington’s Capital One Arena for the final regular-season Fever game on Sept. 19, setting a new WNBA single-game attendance record.
21 – The number of broadcasts this season featuring Clark that drew over 1 million viewers, a significant increase compared to previous seasons. Her presence on screen contributed to a spike in WNBA ratings on ESPN, which saw a 170% rise from the previous year.
With a strong performance on and off the court, Clark helped propel the Fever from a 1-8 start to a 20-20 record and a playoff spot.
Clark’s impact extended to the franchise’s valuation, as Sportico’s WNBA valuations in June positioned Indiana in the league’s upper tier despite lower revenue rankings in 2023.
23.1 – Clark’s points per game post-Olympics break, showcasing her ability to elevate her performance when it matters most.
Her phenomenal rookie season also saw Clark set several records, such as the WNBA rookie record for points and the second-most three-pointers made in league history.
Clark’s contributions weren’t limited to scoring, as she also set a WNBA record for assists, reaffirming her versatility on the court.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Clark faced challenges as well, including technical fouls that nearly led to a suspension. However, her team’s support and her own resilience have helped her navigate through such obstacles.
As the Fever head into the playoffs, Clark’s impact continues to be felt, with fans eagerly anticipating her performance and the team’s future.
