"I didn't know it would happen this quickly" - WNBA Commissioner taken aback by the Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese-led growth in interest in WNBA

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her amazement at the meteoric rise of the WNBA after the arrival of college stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Engelbert sat down with Carl Quintanilla from CNBC to discuss the growth of the WNBA, the performance of the USA National Basketball Teams, and more.

The commissioner talked about how the WNBA raised capital two years ago and underwent a digital transformation. She pointed out that the rivalries between household names like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were firing up the league; however, the arrival of the generational rookies sped up the process much faster than she had anticipated.

"These generational rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, that rivalry coming out of college. So, I didn't know it would happen this quickly, but the attendance, the viewership, and everything has gone great," Engelbert said.

Furthermore, the WNBA commissioner talked about the importance of the media rights the league has acquired and what it meant for her to have big media brands approach the league with great deals.

"Media rights for women's sports have been undervalued for way too long," Engelbert said. "I'm so proud of the equality at play on the court, too—it has to be great, and it has been. Then these rookies and household names, and this media deal is historic for, I think, all of women's sports."

Since the arrival of generational rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the WNBA's viewership and arena attendance have skyrocketed. The league is undergoing substantial positive development, which has had a beneficial impact on the demand for women's sports.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are in tough competition for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award

The WNBA Rookie of the Year award has no clear contender as both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are having an excellent rookie season.

While the Chicago Sky rookie stacked double-doubles in her games, the Indiana Fever rookie broke franchise and league assists records in her rookie season.

Reese is averaging 13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists, while Clark is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. Both of these stat lines are exceptional for rookies playing their first season in organized professional basketball.

The WNBA is on break because of the Paris Olympics but will soon resume their regular season games in the coming week after the international sports meets wrap up in Paris.