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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever is one of the major reasons why the WNBA is surging in popularity. Clark emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to take the league to the next level during a recent Nike event in New York. She also wants those in power to prioritize retaining the fanbase of each WNBA team.
Speaking at a Nike Event on Monday via Zoom, Clark pointed out that there's a real opportunity for the league to further expand its reach. They need to have a plan on how to market players better and encourage fans to watch games live regularly.
"The amount of people that have showed up in the stadiums," Clark said. "From the viewership numbers to people really wanting to wear a WNBA player's jersey or buy their merch. Whatever it is or have their shoe, just how it's evolved in such a short period of time. I think it shows everyone there is real opportunities here and there has been opportunity here, so I think that's what is so exciting.
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The Rookie of the Year added:
"The more we can continue to expand that and continue to have games on national television, and get people in seats. Because when they show up at a stadium, they're always coming back. That's usually how it works.
"They fall in love with a team or player or maybe they go for one player then like another player. The more people can get out and watch the W or the watch college game or whatever it is, the better it's going to be for the future of the game."
The WNBA is expanding next season with the debut of the Golden State Valkyries. Two more teams in Portland and Toronto are set to join in 2026. It's all about building the fanbase for existing teams and making their experience worthwhile.
However, it's not just the league leaders and owners who have to do their part. The players also have to put in the effort to further market their brand and their teams. All those involved in the WNBA need to know, as Caitlin Clark said, that they have a real opportunity on their hands.
Unrivaled looking to sign Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark told reporters after the Indiana Fever's exit in the WNBA playoffs that she's looking forward to the offseason. Clark wants to spend some time away from the spotlight and just play some golf. She has been grinding non-stop since last September at the start of her final season at Iowa.
Clark did get some break during the Olympics, but it was still spent developing team chemistry with her Fever teammates. However, it seems like Unrivaled is looking to bring her to the fold as it fills out the remaining vacancies on its 30-player roster, as per Front Office Sports.
Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. They are set to play in January 2025 and have recently signed a TV deal with TNT.
