No one has done more to popularize team sports than a 24-year-old woman.

Caitlin Clark, a 24-year-old basketball player with the Indiana Fever in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), has become one of the most influential figures in women’s team sports in recent years. Her impact extends beyond the court, drawing massive crowds, boosting television ratings, and generating economic benefits for her home state of Iowa and the city of Indianapolis. This phenomenon, dubbed the “Caitlin Clark effect,” has transformed her into a global name within the world of basketball and beyond. Clark made headlines this week after becoming the first player in WNBA history to score 40 or more points and record 10 or more assists in a game while playing less than 30 minutes. She achieved this feat during a match where she scored 45 points, dished out 10 assists, and hit six three-pointers. Her performance was unprecedented in both the WNBA and the men’s National Basketball Association (NBA). Prior to joining the professional ranks, Clark had already demonstrated her ability to draw attention to college basketball, particularly during her time with the University of Iowa’s women’s team. During her senior season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark helped elevate the program to new heights. One of her games became the most-watched in women’s collegiate basketball history, attracting nearly 9.9 million viewers. In a pre-season exhibition game before her final college season, the attendance reached an astonishing 55,646 spectators, a figure that defies conventional expectations for women’s college basketball. The university reportedly earned $3.26 million from ticket sales during that season, with all games featuring Clark selling out. The final three games of the season set records for viewership, with the last game watched by 18.9 million people, surpassing the viewership of the men’s NCAA championship. The economic impact of Clark’s presence has been substantial. According to the Common Sense Institute of Iowa, her influence contributed between $14.4 million and $52.3 million to the state’s gross domestic product in early 2024, generating approximately $82.5 million in consumer spending. These numbers highlight her role as a driving force behind the growth of women’s basketball and its broader appeal. Clark’s transition to the WNBA has continued her trajectory of success. As the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, her jersey with the Indiana Fever sold out within hours of release. During the first part of the season, her jersey became the second best-selling in North America, following Stephen Curry’s. A financial expert from Indiana University, Ryan Brewer, estimated that Clark accounted for over 25% of the WNBA’s revenue in that season, including increased attendance, television viewership, and merchandise sales. His analysis also suggested that Clark’s economic impact on Indianapolis alone amounted to $36.5 million. The Indiana Fever have become the most followed women’s sports team globally on social media platforms due to her popularity. Standing at 183 centimeters, Clark plays as a guard and excels in multiple aspects of the game. Her versatility allows her to score from anywhere on the court, whether through drives to the basket, mid-range jump shots, long-distance three-pointers, or creating opportunities for teammates. This multifaceted skill set has led many to compare her to Stephen Curry, who revolutionized the game with his shooting ability and playmaking skills. Clark has won three gold medals in international competitions for younger age groups and was expected to compete at the 2024 Olympics had she not opted to pursue her college career. She is considered a key player for the United States in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. Some analysts attribute Clark’s widespread appeal to factors such as her race, sexuality, and origin, suggesting these characteristics make her more relatable to a broader audience compared to other WNBA players. However, most commentators argue that her unique style of play is the primary reason for her mass appeal. Despite some criticism, Clark continues to dominate the basketball landscape, setting new benchmarks and inspiring a new generation of fans and athletes alike.