“Caitlin Clark has arrived. And she’s something special.” That’s how Stephen A. Smith described the meteoric rise of the ‘Iowa sensation’ back in August. The numbers tell the story: viewership has doubled compared to last year, merchandise sales have surged and her last rookie season game against the Mystics set a new attendance record, making it clear that no matter how neutral or critical someone might be about her, her impact is undeniable. If that’s not convincing enough, the viewership numbers following her elimination game should seal the deal.

Recently, the spotlight turned to the ratings from the WNBA playoffs, and Outkick was quick to highlight a noticeable dip in viewership following the Indiana Fever’s early exit. The ‘OutKick’ tweeted on X and wrote, “Caitlin Clark’s final WNBA playoff game: 2.54 million viewers Best game since Clark was eliminated: 929,000 viewers Ratings have fallen off a cliff with the rookie superstar done for the season.” Indeed, something that Stephen A. has time and again applauded the point guard for.

While Game 1 between the Liberty and the Aces set records for a semifinal matchup, it still fell short of the viewership numbers from Caitlin Clark’s final playoff game. According to Nielsen, the semifinal drew in 929,000 viewers and peaked at 1.2 million, making it the most-watched semifinal game in the last 22 years. However, Clark’s final playoff appearance drew a staggering 2.54 million viewers, a number that far surpassed the recent semi-final record.

Every day the impact of the Fever rookie is becoming more and more evident as recently her presence even drew fans from an NFL franchise. Well, Stephen A. Smith has been vocal about the rookie’s influence as he made bold statements days after her team’s elimination from the playoffs.

Stephen A. Smith believes Caitlin Clark got people “watching the league”

After the Fever were eliminated from the playoffs, media outlets, including ESPN, turned their focus to highlighting the No. 22’s incredible rookie season numbers. But what really grabbed attention was a segment where her WNBA stats were showcased alongside the achievements of icons like Simone Biles and Serena Williams with the headline “TRAILBLAZING ATHLETES.” It was a bold statement that left many wondering if it’s fair to place the rookie already in the company of such legendary figures.

However, when ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the debate during First Take, he offered a compelling argument for why Caitlin Clark belongs in the conversation with sports legends. “With Serena, you were watching her, with Simone Biles you were watching her, Caitlin Clark got you watching the league because it wasn’t just her, you wanted to see who eventually she was going to end up going against,” stated Smith.

There’s no denying that Caitlin Clark has become the X-factor, drawing packed arenas for various franchises and keeping fans glued to their screens. Earlier reports highlighted a remarkable 124% increase in viewership among those under 35, while young girls tuning in saw an impressive 139% rise. This surge in younger audiences is precisely what the league has been hoping for, as Clark serves as an inspiration for the next generation.

“With Caitlin Clark, you find yourself watching the league as well,” said Smith as ‘the Caitlin Clark effect’ continues to grow.