Caitlin Clark turns heads with all business outfit for Fever season opener

Clark remains the biggest draw for TV ratings and ticket sales. She entered the league as the 1st pick in 2024. Since then, she has broken many rookie records. Her impact helped players get better pay and travel. The average salary is now $583k and the supermax is $1.4M.

Known as the "Caitlin Clark effect," her arrival in 2024 drove unprecedented increases in ticket sales, television viewership, and social media engagement. In 2024, her games averaged 1.18 million viewers, significantly higher than the 394,000 for other games.

Many, including fellow players, feel that established stars like A'ja Wilson are overlooked despite superior performance. Wilson won both the MVP and a league championship in 2024, becoming a dominant force while others argued that the focus on the rookie "erased" the work of veterans.

The WNBA now has 15 teams and new media deals. Revenue sharing was a major part of the latest CBA. Clark is a key reason for this financial growth. She faces high pressure to win an MVP award this year.

"She is just a generational talent," said Iowa coach Lisa Bluder during Clark's college run. Analysts now watch to see if she can lead the Fever to a title. The league expects record viewers for this broadcast.

Clark has one goal which is winning. The 2026 season will show if she can stay at the top. Fans can watch the action live on ABC today. This season opener marks a new era for women's basketball.

More WNBA news:

• Caitlin Clark and LeBron James share surprising bucket-list dream away from basketball
• Sophie Cunningham jokingly asks WNBA for refund after league admits officiating must improve
• Stephanie White could be forced to make major lineup change before facing Paige Bueckers in opener
• Sophie Cunningham leaves door open for emotional Phoenix Mercury reunion after Indiana comments
• Caitlin Clark’s former Iowa teammate Kate Martin suddenly becomes WNBA free agent