With the recent WNBA popularity boom, everyone was expecting Unrivaled to take off from the get go as well. While the new 3×3 league isn’t doing bad for itself, the viewership numbers aren’t holding a candle to the league. The new format and the star-studded lineups are missing just one thing, and that’s a little magic of the Caitlin Clark effect. Analysts believe that her presence would have elevated the league to a different level entirely. Is that fair?

On OutKick the Morning w/ Charly Arnolt, the show host Arnolt discussed the disappointing viewer turn out as compared to expectations. “Fans aren’t buying into it as of this point,” she said, “The games are averaging 312,000 viewers across TNT and TruTV which is their broadcast partners.”

While Unrivaled’s ratings are not bad, averaging over 300,000 viewers per game, they definitely could be a lot better. Arnolt compares how these numbers are better than a lot of CBS and MSNBC shows presently. However, comparing them to the WNBA is when you can see the true difference.

“You can’t be completely mad at the numbers. But when you put them in comparison to some of the WNBA numbers, specifically the WNBA numbers that featured Caitlin Clark playing in a game, they’re actually very low,” said Arnolt.

For reference, Caitlin Clark amassed viewers by the millions. Her WNBA debut had 2.1 million viewers on ESPN 2, which really puts into perspective the kind of star power that she has and how Unrivaled has lost 1.8M views just by not chasing her longer. Not to mention the sold-out arenas, jerseys, and the boost in the sales and engagement that the WNBA saw in general.

“We do have major gaps in the comparison of these numbers. It begs the question—would the Unrivaled league benefit greatly from the Caitlin Clark effect? I think, without a doubt, we all know that the answer to that is resoundingly yes.”

“She has become completely mainstream, she has become a household name,” said the reporter, stressing on the fact that it isn’t just about basketball with CC. “Even if you are not a WNBA fan, which most people who know Caitlin Clark, probably are not WNBA fans, but they know of her because of her greatness, and the way that she just burst on to the scene and made such a powerful impact. And this goes for all over the world. Her name has truly transcended the WNBA.”  

And transcended it has. She has gathered fans from all across the world, all segments of the population. Remember the interviewer who flew all the way from France? Or the fans in Paris Olympics who wished the No. 22 was there?

Everyone wants to see CC hoop. If Caitlin Clark was playing in Unrivaled, the viewership numbers and ratings would look completely different. People love watching the Indiana Fever star play and her energy on the court. That is exactly where Adam Silver’s NBA is going to make the most of.

Caitlin Clark at the NBA All-Star weekend?

NBA legend Reggie Miller may have leaked spoilers for the most exciting part of the All-Star break. Last year’s shooting contest between Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry was ground-breaking. The two elite guards shot from around the arc to see who the better shooter was in front of thousands of people.

In that electrifying atmosphere, Curry took home the trophy. But, it is important to mention how Ionescu almost took it all if she only added a couple of more baskets.

However, it seems as though they are not only running the competition back, the NBA is adding to it!

During a TNT broadcast on Monday, Reggie Miller seemed to accidentally confirm her participation in the All-Star Weekend. Rumor has it that Caitlin Clark might participate in the three-point shooting contest as well, but against Curry’s former splash-brother. The matchup of Klay Thompson vs Caitlin Clark, and Curry vs Ionescu would actually break the internet.

Caitlin Clark shot about 34% from deep in her rookie season. Conservative percentages for her, considering everyone knows that she is capable of more. The Hawkeyes alum shot around 38% from three in college over her four years, proving that her shooting is definitely a threat. A three-point contest between these stars would be so much fun to watch!

It remains to be seen whether the Fever star will participate in further editions of Unrivaled right now. Fans are currently waiting on an official confirmation of her involvement in the All-Star 3-pt shooting contest. But one thing is for certain–where you have Caitlin Clark, you have fans by the dozen.