The 2025 WNBA season begins today with three marquee games. The first is the debut of UConn’s national champion and first overall pick, Paige Bueckers, against the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx are led by Defensive Player of the Year, Napheesa Collier. Another highlight is the Golden State Valkyries’ historic first game, in which they will face off against the Los Angeles Sparks, who finished last in the league last year. The offseason has been the most eye-catching in the WNBA’s 28-year history, drawing unprecedented attention, largely due to Caitlin Clark.
Clark has become synonymous with popularity; her preseason debut against Brazil drew 1.3 million viewers, more than any NBA preseason game since 2018 and even Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Tomorrow’s season opener for the Indiana Fever against the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese is also expected to be a sellout and likely the most-watched opener in both teams’ histories, further demonstrating Clark’s immense popularity. At just 23 years old, Clark’s journey has only begun. The best is yet to come – not just for her, but for women’s basketball as a whole.
WNBA Commissioner’s Bold Claim Sparks Debate
In a recent interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert declared Caitlin Clark “the most popular athlete in America.” Engelbert emphasized Clark’s impact, stating, “Caitlin brought tens of millions of new viewers not just to the WNBA, but to the world of sports.” Adam Silver and I talk all the time about this. She’s the most popular athlete in America.” The commissioner’s comments, captured in a widely shared video, reflect the seismic shift that Clark has caused, with ratings and ticket sales soaring.
Six teams have moved their home games against Clark to larger venues this season to accommodate the expected crowds. The Dallas Wings moved to State Farm Arena (16,888 seats); the Chicago Sky moved to United Center (21,000 seats); the Connecticut Sun moved to TD Garden (19,580 seats); the Las Vegas Aces moved to T-Mobile Arena (18,000 seats); and the Washington Mystics changed their dates to CFG Bank Arena (11,614 seats).
This is the biggest example of her popularity around the league. While controversial, Engelbert’s assertion is backed by tangible evidence. Clark’s influence extends beyond the court and is reshaping the league’s landscape.
Last year, Indiana set the WNBA’s single-game attendance record against Washington at Capital One Arena. Also the league’s average attendance in 2024 was 9,807, a 48% increase from 6,615 the previous season, and Clark is expected to amplify this trend.
At 23 years old, Clark has become a beacon for a new era of women’s basketball, drawing in fans who might not have otherwise tuned in. While the commissioner’s comments are laudatory, they also invite scrutiny by placing Clark above other stars, such as A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier. This could potentially fuel debates about favoritism as the season unfolds.
Clark’s on-court prowess fuels MVP buzz and makes the Fever favorites for the championship
Caitlin Clark’s rise to prominence isn’t just about her popularity off the court; it’s her excellence on the court that has cemented her status. Despite being relatively inactive on social media and not particularly vocal outside of games, her style of play has made her the favorite to win MVP this season, overshadowing three-time winner A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Collier.
The Indiana Fever, who made their first playoff appearance since 2016 last year, are now the third favorites to win the title, behind the New York Liberty, the defending champions, and the Aces, according to most betting houses. The addition of coach Stephanie White and Clark’s second year in the league have transformed the Fever into a formidable team. However, some might argue that it’s premature to label them as favorites. Regardless, Clark’s impact is undeniable, and with a roster of young talent across the WNBA, the league is poised for an incredible season.
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