So let’s begin with the data today, all from the past year…
- A 48% increase in total fans attending games
- Also a 48% increase in average fans per game
- A 242% increase in sold out games
- More than 54 million unique viewers watching games via varied networks
- Nearly 2 billion social media video views
- A 170% increase in average viewers for ESPN games
- Online merch sales from main site and the flagship store were up a combined 601%
- Merch sales at Dick’s Sporting Goods increased by 233%
- A double-digit year-over-year increase in attendance for every team
- More than a fourfold jump for the Indiana Fever
Thank you, Caitlin Clark. Thank you, Caitlin, and to you, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and the other outstanding rookies who played a part in an unprecedented year in professional women’s basketball, a year in which attention was strikingly soaring. Thank you, too, to the Lisa Leslie’s, Tamika Catchings’ and other notable all stars who played when it wasn’t so soaring, but indeed laid the foundation for the success we see today.
Clearly, in the season that was, Clark was special. That wasn’t popular in all circles in explaining the league’s massive, newfound popularity. But even amid the noise, Clark had an undeniable, phenomenal year, resulting this week in reportedly being voted the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
But to solely focus on her gridiron skill set may mean missing what makes her so special. Yes, she is fiercely competitive, passes with uncanny precision, and can shoot the lights out of the barn or however that saying goes from pretty much anywhere on the court.
But she is more. At only 22.
At 22 years old she came into the league with some of the highest expectations. Picked first in the draft, all eyes were on her,
With all eyes, however undeserving, she became an instant role model. And real role models know you never have to announce said status; you never speak of the perceived perils that come with the position. You simply lead, stay humble, and honor those around you.
That’s what Clark did.
She also led well as a prominent female. So many lead and speak in a way that attempts to elevate what they identify in by putting down the identity of another; it’s a trap we too often fall into. But there’s no need; we’re not in competition with one another. Honor means we honor all. Clark does that well.
But maybe what’s been most special in her first professional season is her contagious authenticity. When she’s happy, she’s happy. When she’s mad, she’s mad (she tied for second in the league in technical fouls in year one). She cracks jokes on the court — flashing wide-eyed grins at teammates and even opponents across the lane. In the scripted world we live in, where so many let us see only a manipulated version of themselves, Clark’s authenticity is refreshing. I pray her future years don’t pollute what’s currently so good and right and true.
And lastly, what makes Clark so special is that she doesn’t think she is.
She works hard, plays hard, and stays humble. Even when thought to be one of the best female players ever, her talent hasn’t lured her into entitlement.
“You’ll never hear from her parents that, ‘Oh, boy, isn’t Caitlin Clark the greatest thing in the world?’ ” Dickson Jensen, Clark’s former AAU coach, says. “They’re continuing to keep her grounded and they’re grateful for everything that Caitlin has been able to receive. They don’t think they deserve anything. Everything’s earned and nothing’s promised.”
Indeed, Clark is special. No doubt what makes her so attractive is because she doesn’t act as if such is so.
Respectfully…
AR