Caitlin Clark’s influence is no longer confined to the basketball court. And let’s be real—you probably already knew that. After all, she’s already dipped her toes into the world of golf, and it worked out pretty well for her. But now, the most talked-about rookie in WNBA history is stepping into another powerhouse sports league—the NFL. Is she suiting up and throwing passes now? Not quite.

Instead, Clark is set to take center stage at the NFL’s annual league meetings, where she’ll be part of a high-profile panel discussion on women’s sports and the NFL’s vision for flag football. Honestly, it’s no surprise they invited her.

Whether it’s ticket sales, TV ratings, or social media engagement, Clark has a proven track record of boosting business—not just for her team but even for her opponents. Need proof? Just look at what she’s done for the Indiana Fever. Since Clark’s arrival, the Fever has seen an 88% increase in home attendance. And like we said, this hasn’t been limited to basketball. Even in her first WNBA offseason, Clark made headlines by playing in the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament—and guess what? Ticket sales for the event increased twelvefold. Oh, and social media impressions? 34 million. So yeah, bringing her to the NFL’s biggest business event of the year is a no-brainer.

And she’s not just showing up—she’s joining a star-studded panel in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside Serena Williams (Tennis legend, business mogul, and NFL team owner), Eli Manning (Two-time Super Bowl champion), and Mellody Hobson (Co-owner of the Denver Broncos and powerhouse investor).

Their discussion? The growth of women’s sports—a topic that Clark knows better than anyone. Well, the league has been aggressively promoting women’s flag football, and with its Olympic debut in 2028, the timing couldn’t be better.

NFL Executive VP Jeff Miller made it clear why they wanted Clark and Williams in the room.

“The NFL is certainly interested in learning from the experience of some of the greatest athletes who have ever lived. Certainly, Serena Williams fits that description, and Caitlin Clark’s engagement with college basketball and the WNBA, as well as Mellody Hobson, who is part-owner of the Broncos and invests in sports, including women’s sports,” he said. The VP would also go on to highlight why this conversation is so important.

“We just want to continue that conversation amongst the membership… We don’t get an opportunity to talk about this enough, just the explosion of women in sports. This is happening across the globe.” Translation? The NFL sees Clark as a key figure in shaping the future of women’s sports. But this partnership doesn’t just benefit the NFL.

Caitlin Clark’s next power move: team ownership?

Clark is already earning a solid paycheck—her WNBA rookie salary is $76,535, and her endorsement deals are bringing in a jaw-dropping $11 million. That’s a lot for a first-year pro. But Clark isn’t just looking for a big payday. She’s looking for legacy moves. And that’s where the NFL opportunity gets really interesting. Booking Clark as a high-profile speaker at the league’s annual meetings isn’t cheap. Reports suggest she charges $100,000 for virtual speaking engagements, meaning her in-person appearance at this event? Easily worth even more.

But the real story isn’t about a one-time paycheck—it’s about who she’s in the room with. Clark has already expressed interest in owning an NBA team someday and joined the bid for a new NWSL team. But could the NFL provide an alternate path?

Maybe yes. This event puts her in the same room as billionaires, team owners, and key decision-makers. If she’s serious about sports ownership, this is the kind of opportunity that opens doors.

Consider Serena Williams. She, along with her sister Venus, became the first African American women to own a stake in an NFL team when they invested in the Miami Dolphins in 2009. More recently, she also joined the WNBA expansion team in Toronto Tempo as the newest investor. Williams’ transition from tennis superstar to business mogul could serve as a blueprint for Clark—especially if she’s thinking long-term about owning a franchise.

By stepping into the NFL’s inner circle, she’s expanding her influence in ways that go beyond basketball. And the NFL sees this as a win, too. The league is going all-in on women’s flag football, and Clark’s record-breaking career, massive fan following, and crossover appeal make her the perfect ambassador for the movement.

NFL’s Jeff Miller reinforced their vision: “Flag football is a high priority of ours. It’s an opportunity for young women to participate in our game … and as we look forward, there definitely seems to be an appetite and interest in a professional flag league for both men and women.”

Clark’s involvement isn’t just about a one-off event—it’s part of a bigger strategy to grow the game, empower women in sports, and create new business opportunities. And this NFL meeting could be just the beginning.