Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever‘s star rookie, is dominating the WNBA trading card market, with 105,000 American collectors snapping up her memorabilia, according to Fanatics data. The 2024 No. 1 draft pick recently thanked her massive fanbase on X, celebrating the surge in demand for her collectibles.
Meanwhile, Chicago Sky‘s Angel Reese, a fellow rookie, trails significantly with 7,200 card sales, compounded by a wrist injury that sidelined her during Unrivaled’s playoffs, marking a notable setback.
Clark’s trading card frenzy is part of her broader “Caitlin Clark Effect.” Her rookie cards, especially autographed editions, have skyrocketed in value, with some fetching thousands at auctions. “I’m so grateful for the collectors and fans who make this possible,” Clark said in a press conference.
Her on-court performance-averaging 19.2 points and 8.4 assists-fuels this mania, as does her role in boosting WNBA viewership by 126% to 9.8 million per game. The Fever’s home games drew 340,715 fans, generating $36 million for Indianapolis’ economy. Fanatics reported a 1,000% spike in player-specific merchandise, with Clark’s No. 22 jersey and cards leading the charge.
Clark’s collectible cards reign supreme over Reese’s
Reese, despite her own star power, hasn’t matched Clark’s collectible craze. Her 7,200 card sales reflect strong demand, but pale next to Clark’s numbers. Reese’s college rivalry with Clark, notably the 2023 NCAA title game that drew 10 million viewers, set high expectations.
Yet, her WNBA season was cut short by injury, and the Sky’s 13-27 record lagged behind the Fever’s playoff run. “I’m focused on coming back stronger,” Reese posted on X, acknowledging her challenges. Her Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year award highlights her potential, but her card market presence remains a fraction of Clark’s.
The trading card gap underscores broader disparities. Clark’s Fever games sold out, while the Sky averaged 7,200 attendees. Analysts note Clark’s marketability as a guard contrasts with Reese’s forward role, which may resonate less with collectors.
Still, both stars drive WNBA interest, with their five scheduled matchups in 2025, starting May 17 in Indianapolis, expected to shatter viewership records. As Clark’s cards flood collector wishlists and Reese aims for a comeback, their rivalry continues to redefine women’s basketball collectibles.
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