About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Caitlin Clark and the rest of the 2024 WNBA rookie class came onto the scene — the class that catapulted the league into the American sports spotlight, featuring the already-viral Clark and her college rival-turned-pro opponent Angel Reese — the WNBA had a modest social media presence, at best.
In late 2023, the league recorded 373 million total official video views across all of its social media accounts. By comparison, the NBA had 32 billion views for its season.
Then came 2024, what Dr. Ryan Brewer calls "the quantum leap," a 436% jump in WNBA views in one season, "led by real-time viral loops of the incoming rookie class and the highlight reels of Clark," says Brewer, division head and associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus.
By the time Clark had finished her rookie season, playing for the Indiana Fever, the WNBA's social media views had exploded to nearly 2 billion, according to Brewer's study, "The Structural Transformation of WNBA Media & Consumer Economics in the pre- and post-Caitlin Clark Era."
"So, 1.96 billion views? That's telling. People are fascinated by Clark," Brewer says. "It's kind of what I would say is a Taylor Swift effect. Is Taylor Swift really that much better than Miley Cyrus or Dua Lipa?
"So, Taylor Swift has done something that has captivated people, and it's hard to really get into what is differentiating Caitlin Clark from the rest of the WNBA, because there are a lot of other great players in the WNBA."
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after a three-point shot attempt against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images (Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a photo with a fan prior to game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images) Basketball - FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup - Semi Final - Spain v United States - Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany - September 12, 2026 Caitlin Clark of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Maryam Majd (Maryam Majd, REUTERS) Jul 17, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever speak during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) Caitlin Clark #17 looks on during the United States Women's Basketball Team training camp at Duke University on December 13, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) Nov 12, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays in the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (L) stands with her team prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) Sep 14, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on the sideline against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images) Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) take in the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con) Caitlin Clark set rookie records for points (769) and assists (337) in 2024 after being selected No. 1 out of Iowa. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (left) with forward DeWanna Bonner against the USA Women's National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Iowa president Barbara Wilson hugs Caitlin Clark, left, and Kate Martin during a celebration of the Iowa women's basketball team on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball against Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the national semifinals of the 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) Mar 3, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Addison O'Grady (far left) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kylie Feuerbach (4) and guard Sydney Affolter (3) and guard Taylor McCabe (far right) look on after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports (Jeffrey Becker, Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 and guard Kate Martin #20 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates in the confetti after senior day festivities after the match-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) Hannah Pratt works on a butter sculpture of Caitlin Clark while her mother Sarah Pratt looks on in the Agriculture building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register) Caitlin Clark, left, speaks while on a panel with Stephen A. Smith after the University of Iowa Homecoming parade, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City, Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City / USA TODAY NETWORK) DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a 77-73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket during the Crossover at Kinnick women's basketball scrimmage between Iowa and DePaul, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/For the Register, Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guards Kate Martin, left, and Caitlin Clark pose for a photo with Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon after an NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Maryland's Angel Reese, right, react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 220214 Maryland Iowa Wbb 008 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes the ball up court during a NCAA women's basketball exhibition game against Truman State, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 211104 Iowa Truman St Wbb Ex 011 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) Urbandale senior Dee Dee Pryor and Dowling junior Caitlin Clark fight for the ball during a girlsÕ high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, © Dylan Heuer 2019) Dowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark reacts after hitting a three-pointer against Southeast Polk in their Class 5A state semifinal game on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. (Bryon Houlgrave, Bryon Houlgrave, The Register) Dowling junior Caitlin Clark brings the ball up the court during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) Dowling junior Caitlin Clark eyes the rim during a free throw attempt during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) 1 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 1 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is guarded by Stephanie Talbot #7 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of Game One of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs first round at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller, Getty Images) 2 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) 3 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after a three-point shot attempt against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images (Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a photo with a fan prior to game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. (Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images) 5 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Basketball - FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup - Semi Final - Spain v United States - Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany - September 12, 2026 Caitlin Clark of the U.S. in action REUTERS/Maryam Majd (Maryam Majd, REUTERS) 6 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 17, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) 7 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever speak during Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 8 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark #17 looks on during the United States Women's Basketball Team training camp at Duke University on December 13, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images) 9 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) 10 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Nov 12, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) plays in the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) 11 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (L) stands with her team prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) 12 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Sep 14, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on the sideline against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images (Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images) 13 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Oct 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) take in the game between the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con) 14 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark set rookie records for points (769) and assists (337) in 2024 after being selected No. 1 out of Iowa. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images) 15 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (left) with forward DeWanna Bonner against the USA Women's National Team during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) 16 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) 17 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa president Barbara Wilson hugs Caitlin Clark, left, and Kate Martin during a celebration of the Iowa women's basketball team on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) 18 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball against Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the national semifinals of the 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. (Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports) 19 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) 20 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Mar 3, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Addison O'Grady (far left) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Kylie Feuerbach (4) and guard Sydney Affolter (3) and guard Taylor McCabe (far right) look on after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports (Jeffrey Becker, Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports) 21 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 3: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 and guard Kate Martin #20 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates in the confetti after senior day festivities after the match-up against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 3, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) (Matthew Holst, Getty Images) 22 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Hannah Pratt works on a butter sculpture of Caitlin Clark while her mother Sarah Pratt looks on in the Agriculture building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register) 23 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark, left, speaks while on a panel with Stephen A. Smith after the University of Iowa Homecoming parade, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City, Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City / USA TODAY NETWORK) 24 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a 77-73 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) 25 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket during the Crossover at Kinnick women's basketball scrimmage between Iowa and DePaul, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/For the Register, Joseph Cress/For the Register / USA TODAY NETWORK) 26 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guards Kate Martin, left, and Caitlin Clark pose for a photo with Iowa assistant coach Raina Harmon after an NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) 27 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Maryland's Angel Reese, right, react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 220214 Maryland Iowa Wbb 008 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK) 28 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes the ball up court during a NCAA women's basketball exhibition game against Truman State, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. 211104 Iowa Truman St Wbb Ex 011 Jpg (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Cit, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) 29 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Urbandale senior Dee Dee Pryor and Dowling junior Caitlin Clark fight for the ball during a girlsÕ high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, © Dylan Heuer 2019) 30 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling Catholic junior Caitlin Clark reacts after hitting a three-pointer against Southeast Polk in their Class 5A state semifinal game on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. (Bryon Houlgrave, Bryon Houlgrave, The Register) 31 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling junior Caitlin Clark brings the ball up the court during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) 32 / 32 WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark from Dowling Catholic to Iowa Hawkeyes to Indiana Fever Dowling junior Caitlin Clark eyes the rim during a free throw attempt during a girls high school basketball game between the Urbandale J-Hawks and the Dowling Catholic Maroons at Dowling Catholic High School on Jan. 11, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Clark went on to score 46 points in the game. (Dylan Heuer/For the Register, Dylan Heuer/For the Register) Brewer, a renowned valuation guru in the field of finance, is an expert on estimating something or someone's worth. After Clark's 2024 season ended, IndyStar asked Brewer to put a price tag on the rookie phenom , what she had meant financially to the WNBA, her city and the country.
"The numbers are so staggering," Brewer told IndyStar at the time. "They don't even seem real."
By Brewer's calculation, Clark was responsible for 26.5% of the WNBA's leaguewide activity for the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales and television. One of every six tickets sold at a WNBA arena were attributed to Clark.
Total TV viewership due to Clark was up 300%, and 45% of total broadcast value came from Fever games. The league's merchandise sales catapulted 500%, with Clark ranking No. 1 followed by Reese.
The Fever's regular-season game attendance averaged more than 17,000 fans, the first time a WNBA team had drawn more than 300,000 fans in a season. Clark's regular-season games were watched by 1.2 million viewers on average, which was 199% more than non-Clark WNBA games.
As Clark finished up her third season with the Fever, ultimately losing 94-83 to the Aces in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs , IndyStar asked Brewer again to take a look at Clark's impact on the league.
"I'm looking at this one number," Brewer said, when asked what surprised him most in his latest research. During the 2026 season, Clark and the Fever generated more social media views than the rest of the WNBA combined.
While a Fever game featuring Clark saw between 20 million to 45 million viral views across TikTok, X and Instagram — driven by rapid highlight clips of Clark's logo three-pointers and assists — a WNBA game without Clark garnered 3 million to 5 million viral views, Brewer's research found.
"Caitlin Clark generates 800% more viral views across all digital media modalities when her plays and highlights are featured," Brewer says. "This is a worldwide number, and it stood out."
But, of course, Brewer says, this isn't all about Clark.
"If you look at the number of views for all of the teams, for all of the players, the rate of growth has increased substantially since Clark arrived. Basketball isn't one person. Basketball is a team sport," Brewer says. "So, people are interested in her moves, her passes, the way she's able to operate an offense, but people are noticing other players in the league as well."
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 9: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the first half against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 9, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) (Michael Hickey, Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham speaks during Indiana Fever’s media day Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Christine Tannous/IndyStar) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham during WNBA training camp, April 29, 2025. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) Sophie Cunningham defends during Indiana Fever training camp, April 29, 2025. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) Sophie Cunningham is all smiles during Fever training camp April 29, 2005. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) Indiana Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, and Indiana Fever COO and General Manager, Amber Cox, introduced guard Sophie Cunningham to the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Clark Wade/IndyStar, Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham meets with the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Clark Wade/IndyStar) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court against Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 03: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during the WNBA media day at Footprint Center on May 03, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen, Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 18: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury walks the orange carpet during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend at Phoenix Convention Center on July 18, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) shoots against Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) during a game at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Friday, June 28, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK) Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic, Diannie Chavez/The Republic) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Guard Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury fouls guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second quarter at Footprint Center on June 30, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto, Getty Images) Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) rushes after the ball against Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and Indiana Fever forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar) Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic) Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) is introduced before the game against the Connecticut Sun on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Owen Ziliak/The Republic) Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Owen Ziliak/The Republic) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 07: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts after a three-point shot against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 07, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 16: Natasha Cloud #0 and Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrate after a play during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever passes the ball around Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images) July 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (L-R), center Brittney Griner and guard Natasha Cloud pose for a picture during the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge. (Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic) Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham hugs one of her head coach Nate Tibbett’s daughters during the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on July 20, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 19: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury competes in the Kia Skills Challenge ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center on July 19, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776176811 ORIG FILE ID: 2162734181 (Getty Images) Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) takes part in the WNBA All-Star Game Skills Challenge at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Joe Rondone/The Republic) July 19: Phoenix Mercury star Sophie Cunningham is introduced before the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Mark J. Rebilas, TODAY Sports) Sophie Cunningham, from the Phoenix Mercury, attends the WNBA's Changemaker Day event at Parsons Leadership Center at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix on July 18, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center on May 09, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 24: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Seattle Storm during the first quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) on the bench prior to a game against the Mystics at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center on May 09, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) Mercury Sophie Cunningham (9) shoots in warmups prior to the home opener at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic) Former Missouri women's basketball star Sophie Cunningham waves to the crowd during a college football game against South Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (Abigail Landwehr/Tribune) Mar 8, 2019; Greenville, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Sophie Cunningham (3) celebrates with teammates Lauren Aldridge (5) and Jordan Roundtree (22) during the first half of game eight against the Kentucky Wildcats in the women's SEC Conference Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports (Joshua S. Kelly, Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 24: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 24, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Andy Lyons, Getty Images) 1 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 1 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 2 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 3 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 9: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever reacts during the first half against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 9, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) (Michael Hickey, Getty Images) 4 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 5 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham speaks during Indiana Fever’s media day Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Christine Tannous/IndyStar) 6 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo Wednesday, April 30, 2025, during the Indiana Fever media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith/IndyStar) 7 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham during WNBA training camp, April 29, 2025. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) 8 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Sophie Cunningham defends during Indiana Fever training camp, April 29, 2025. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) 9 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Sophie Cunningham is all smiles during Fever training camp April 29, 2005. (Courtesy of Indiana Fever) 10 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations, Kelly Krauskopf, and Indiana Fever COO and General Manager, Amber Cox, introduced guard Sophie Cunningham to the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Clark Wade/IndyStar, Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) 11 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham meets with the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Clark Wade/IndyStar) 12 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court against Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK) 13 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 03: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during the WNBA media day at Footprint Center on May 03, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen, Getty Images) 14 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 18: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury walks the orange carpet during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend at Phoenix Convention Center on July 18, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 15 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) shoots against Sparks guard Kia Nurse (10) during a game at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Friday, June 28, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK) 16 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic, Diannie Chavez/The Republic) 17 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Guard Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury fouls guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second quarter at Footprint Center on June 30, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto, Getty Images) 18 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) rushes after the ball against Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and Indiana Fever forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33) on Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86. (Grace Hollars/IndyStar) 19 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Sophie Cunningham speaks to members of the media at Player 15 HQ in Phoenix on Sept. 26, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic) 20 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) is introduced before the game against the Connecticut Sun on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Owen Ziliak/The Republic) 21 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Owen Ziliak/The Republic) 22 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 07: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury reacts after a three-point shot against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on June 07, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 23 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 16: Natasha Cloud #0 and Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrate after a play during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 24 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever passes the ball around Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images) 25 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham July 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (L-R), center Brittney Griner and guard Natasha Cloud pose for a picture during the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge. (Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic) 26 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham hugs one of her head coach Nate Tibbett’s daughters during the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on July 20, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic) 27 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 19: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury competes in the Kia Skills Challenge ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center on July 19, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776176811 ORIG FILE ID: 2162734181 (Getty Images) 28 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) takes part in the WNBA All-Star Game Skills Challenge at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Joe Rondone/The Republic) 29 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham July 19: Phoenix Mercury star Sophie Cunningham is introduced before the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Mark J. Rebilas, TODAY Sports) 30 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Sophie Cunningham, from the Phoenix Mercury, attends the WNBA's Changemaker Day event at Parsons Leadership Center at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix on July 18, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic) 31 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center on May 09, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 32 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 24: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles against the Seattle Storm during the first quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 33 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham (9) on the bench prior to a game against the Mystics at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK) 34 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 09: Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center on May 09, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images) 35 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Mercury Sophie Cunningham (9) shoots in warmups prior to the home opener at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Patrick Breen/The Republic) 36 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Former Missouri women's basketball star Sophie Cunningham waves to the crowd during a college football game against South Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (Abigail Landwehr/Tribune) 37 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham Mar 8, 2019; Greenville, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Sophie Cunningham (3) celebrates with teammates Lauren Aldridge (5) and Jordan Roundtree (22) during the first half of game eight against the Kentucky Wildcats in the women's SEC Conference Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports (Joshua S. Kelly, Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports) 38 / 38 Through the years: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 24: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 24, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Andy Lyons, Getty Images) Case in point. Clark doesn't top the list of WNBA social media influencers when it comes to followers on Instagram. The Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese is No. 1 with 5.2 million followers; Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham is second with 4.2 million; and Clark lands No. 3 with 4.1 million.
But when it comes to merchandise sales in the WNBA, Clark reigns supreme, according to Indianapolis-based BaMsports , which gathers data, research and analysis for sponsors.
As of May, Clark's jersey was the second most popular basketball item on Fanatics behind only Steph Curry. The three top WNBA jerseys on Fanatics were Fever custom jerseys, Clark and Cunningham. On the Fever online store, 11 of the top 24 items were Clark's, two were Cunningham's and the other 11 items were varied.
And with viral merchandise and viral views, "so goes in person attendance in the WNBA," Brewer says. "Teams across the league have seen spikes in attendance since Clark arrived."
In the years leading up to Clark's arrival, the Fever drew less than the WNBA average attendance six seasons straight, from 2017 to 2023. In 2022, the Fever ranked last in WNBA attendance.
In 2024, the Fever saw an average of 17,035 fans in attendance at 20 home games. That number was 16,560 in 2025 and 16,379 in 20 games during the 2026 season. The Fever now rank third in WNBA average attendance.
The arrival of the 2024 draft class featuring Clark and Reese "structurally shifted the league's economic floor, triggering an immediate 48.3% single-year surge in league-wide attendance," Brewer says.
And with attendance comes television viewership.
Indiana Fever fan Nathan Caldwell poses alongside Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Bella Bazan poses with her Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at Nike Keystone at the Keystone Mall in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Millie Allison and her mom, Lisa Allison, shop during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Two versions of Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe displayed in a glass during a launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Caitlin Clark merchandise presented at the launch activation for her signature shoe at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Fans purchase Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe at the Nike store at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Nathan Caldwell tries on his pair of Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) The Allison family stand in line during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Nike staff at the Fashion Mall at Keystone officially activate the Caitlin Clark signature shoe launch on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Ashley Gibson works on her computer as she waits in line to purchase Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Ashley Gibson (right) talks with friends while waiting in line during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Indiana Fever fan Bella Bazan (center) stands in line on her phone while Ashley Gibson sits on the floor and does work on her computer during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) Staff bedazzle a Caitlin Clark jersey during the Indiana Fever guard’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 1 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Nathan Caldwell poses alongside Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 1 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Nathan Caldwell poses alongside Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 2 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Bella Bazan poses with her Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at Nike Keystone at the Keystone Mall in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 3 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Millie Allison and her mom, Lisa Allison, shop during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 4 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Two versions of Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe displayed in a glass during a launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 5 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Caitlin Clark merchandise presented at the launch activation for her signature shoe at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 6 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Fans purchase Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe at the Nike store at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 7 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Nathan Caldwell tries on his pair of Caitlin 1s during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 8 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store The Allison family stand in line during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 9 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Nike staff at the Fashion Mall at Keystone officially activate the Caitlin Clark signature shoe launch on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 10 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Ashley Gibson works on her computer as she waits in line to purchase Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 11 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Ashley Gibson (right) talks with friends while waiting in line during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 12 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Indiana Fever fan Bella Bazan (center) stands in line on her phone while Ashley Gibson sits on the floor and does work on her computer during Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) 13 / 13 Indiana Fever fans gather at Caitlin Clark’s shoe launch event at Nike store Staff bedazzle a Caitlin Clark jersey during the Indiana Fever guard’s signature shoe launch activation at the Fashion Mall at Keystone in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Joshua Heron, IndyStar) "Traditional television networks have rewritten their legacy broadcast schedules to prioritize Indiana Fever matchups," Brewer says. "In 2026, the Fever achieved a historic media milestone: all 44 regular season games were picked up for national broadcast distribution across major carriage networks."
And when Clark was playing, the audience scaled exponentially. Fever games regularly average between 2 million and 2.7 million viewers.
On August 23, 2026, the Fever's 113-90 victory over the Chicago Sky delivered a massive 3.31 million viewers, securing its position as the most-watched WNBA regular-season game on record since 1997.
The Fever also set single-network franchise viewership records across six distinct outlets in 2026: CBS, NBC, ESPN, Prime Video, USA Network and Ion.
Jun 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and rapper Latto interact after a victory against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Who are the top 10 WNBA Instagram influencers by followers? Angel Reese : 5.2 million, Atlanta Dream
Sophie Cunningham : 4.2 million, Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark : 4.1 million, Indiana Fever
Paige Bueckers : 3.1 million, Dallas Wings
A'ja Wilson : 1.5 million, Las Vegas Aces
Sabrina Ionescu 1.4 million, New York Liberty
Cameron Brink : 1.3 million, Los Angeles Sparks
Hailey Van Lith : 1.2 million, Connecticut Sun
Kelsey Plum : 1.2 million, Phoenix Mercury
Jewell Loyd : 1.1 million, Las Vegas Aces
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow . Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com .
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark's billion-view social media impact on WNBA: 'Wow, it's a Taylor Swift effect'
Source: Sport
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