It would be unfair to not admire what Caitlin Clark has been doing in her rookie season on the big stage of the WNBA. There is no doubt that Clark has been the most impactful for the Indiana Fever this season, but it’s her consistency that places her in a distinctive position as she tops the assist leader board this season. And now, after her standout performance against Mercury, the rookie guard is on the brink of breaking a former legend’s long-time record, however, that legend would not be witnessing it live irrespective of her being a huge fan of Caitlin Clark.

People were hoping that former WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro would make it a memorable watch when Fever takes on Storm in the coming game. Her presence on the stands will symbolize her passing the torch to Caitlin Clark. However, the former Sacramento star has clarified she won’t be able to come for Sunday’s game as Penicheiro took to her X and retweeted a request for her presence in the Fever’s upcoming game. “If I wasn’t celebrating my bestie 50th birthday I would definitely be in attendance. Huge fan of CC and what she’s doing for women’s sports!! I will be watching on tv though…” wrote Penicheiro on X.

What makes the upcoming game interesting is that Clark will have the chance to surpass Ticha Penicheiro’s long-standing rookie assist record of 225. Penicheiro set the mark back in 1998 with the Sacramento Monarchs, and Clark is poised to make her mark in the WNBA history. Clark made 10 assists in her latest game against Mercury, her total assist tally now stands at 223.

As Caitlin Clark continues her impressive rookie campaign with an average of 8.3 assists per game, she’s making a strong push in the ROTY race. In comparison, Ticha Penicheiro wrapped up her debut season with an average of 7.5 assists per game. The former WNBA star also expressed her appreciation for Clark earlier when she mentioned,

However, Penicheiro said that she is a huge fan of Clark and her contributions to women’s sports. Let’s reflect on how Clark’s arrival has impacted the WNBA and its popularity.

Caitlin Clark’s impact on WNBA’s growth

Caitlin Clark’s on-court presence has not only captivated supporters but also significantly boosted viewership for every game she plays. The rookie player’s impact has been a major driver in the growth of the WNBA’s fan base as her games have drawn impressive viewership numbers, with 1.184 million tuning in to watch her play, compared to just 428,000 for other games.

Moreover, viewership among viewers under 35 surged by 124%, and young girls tuning in saw a remarkable 139% increase. This boost in young audiences is precisely what the league aims for—fostering a new generation who dreams of one day stepping onto the court themselves. This reflects her presence on the court has not only captivated a wide audience but also inspired young fans who look up to her as a role model.

And if that’s not enough, the Indiana Fever has dominated the WNBA’s viewership charts, with 13 of the top 15 most-watched games featuring the team. Caitlin Clark’s games have consistently attracted impressive numbers, particularly her games against the Chicago Sky and rookie Angel Reese. Their well-known rivalry has drawn millions of viewers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the league. And now as she nears Ticha Penicheiro’s assist record, Clark’s impact on the league will surely expand.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.