The Caitlin Clark Effect has taken the WNBA to unprecedented heights. When the Iowa Hawkeyes great was drafted by the Indiana Fever this year, it was well anticipated that she would bring a fresh wave of popularity to the WNBA after her standout collegiate career. True to those expectations, the rookie has shattered records and positioned herself as the frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race. But it’s not just her record-breaking performances that have pushed fans to tune into the WNBA and watch the rookie.

Recently, Jan Jensen, the current head coach of the Hawkeyes, who was the assistant coach during Caitlin Clark’s college run, revealed that it’s the 22-year-old’s attitude that makes her even more attractive.

“If you want to see Caitlin, if you pay money to come see her… you want to see her make one of those crazy passes off the dime three quarters, behind her back, zing. You’re gonna see it. Yeah, you may not particularly like her so you want to see her really come at the refs. She’s gonna do it, she just gonna. You think, ‘Oh I mean I don’t really like her attitude like she gets on her teammates,’ but she gonna do that too and she’s gonna deliver and deliver and deliver,” Jensen stated via No Cap Space WBB.

Well, Caitlin Clark has certainly faced her share of physical challenges on the court, and she’s not one to hide her frustration. During a game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Clark picked up a technical foul after a heated exchange with the referee. She also made headlines for a confrontation with Seattle Storm guard Victoria Viviana, a clash that even put her at risk of a suspension. These moments have only added to the buzz surrounding Clark’s debut season.

However, Jensen also stated, “I don’t think there’s been anybody as consistent and really the last two she does, but when you really know her, when you come to watch her, what you didn’t think that you liked about her when you get to see everything that’s not always on camera… but the way she sees the game, the expectations she has of her teammates, the way she’s constantly surveying and expects this, then you kind of understand right.”

Jensen stated that she loved Clark like a daughter and that what she had done had no comprehension. Well, if we have a look at how Clark has impacted the league’s viewership since her debut, Jensen’s words will make more sense.

Caitlin Clark’s effect on WNBA’s popularity

Caitlin Clark’s presence on the court has done more than just win over fans; it’s also dramatically increased game viewership. Her rookie season has become a major attraction, with her games drawing in impressive numbers. A staggering 1.184 million viewers tuned in to watch Clark, a stark contrast to the 428,000 who watched other WNBA games.

In fact, viewership among those under 35 jumped by an impressive 124%, and young girls tuning in saw a remarkable 139% increase. This surge in younger audiences is exactly what the league hopes for as Clark inspires the next generation to dream of stepping onto the court one day. The Indiana Fever has taken over the WNBA’s viewership charts, with 13 of the top 15 most-watched games featuring the team.

Caitlin Clark’s matchups, especially those against the Chicago Sky and rookie sensation Angel Reese, have been major highlights. The intense rivalry between Clark and Reese has captivated millions, bringing an added thrill to the league’s games. As she continues to dazzle on the court, her impact on the league’s popularity and future remains undeniable.