Caitlin Clark popularity propels apparel market to $4b as retailers struggle to match demand

The Caitlin Clark effect is being felt far and wide, with the rookie reportedly serving as a catalyst for growth in the women's sports apparel market according to Front Office Sports. Clark's popularity has been well documented going all the way back to her time at the University of Iowa.

After reaching back-to-back NCAA March Madness Finals and setting viewership records, Clark declared for the WNBA draft. Given that the Indiana Fever were already set to make the first pick of the draft, ticket prices immediately went up despite the fact that the Fever hadn't yet drafted Clark.

At the same time, it was also announced that the Fever would play nearly the entirety of their 40-game schedule on national TV. Since the start of her rookie season, Clark has continued to sell out arenas around the country, bringing in numerous new fans with her highlight-reel play.

According to Front Office Sports, the women's sports apparel market has now reached $4 billion in the United States, with the company naming Clark as a catalyst for the growth.

Although it's unclear exactly how big of a push Caitlin Clark has provided for the industry, her star power can't be denied.

As we recently saw in the Fever's clash with the Minnesota Lynx over the weekend, regardless of whether Caitlin Clark is playing at home, or on the road, she's able to draw a massive crowd.

Looking at Caitlin Clark's sensational performance against Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve and the Minnesota Lynx this weekend

While Caitlin Clark has become one of, if not the single biggest, star in the WNBA, she was notably left off the Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympic games this summer.

Although this could have been attributed to the fact that she wound up missing the Team USA training camp because she was playing in the NCAA March Madness Tournament, Clark appeared to go into she and the Fever's clash with the Minnesota Lynx with some added fire.

The game saw Clark take the floor opposite Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve's Minnesota Lynx for the first time since being excluded from the Olympic roster.

While Caitlin Clark had previously been gracious in response to being left off the Team USA roster, stating that it gives her something to work towards, she didn't hold back on Reeve's team during the game.

Over 37 minutes played, Clark scored 17 points while adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals to her box score numbers. While she struggled from downtown, her play gave the Fever a late-game push en route to a 81-74 win.

Late in the game, Clark was seen hyping up fans and questionably staring down Reeve despite the fact that she and the Fever were on the road. The moment proved once again that Caitlin Clark is arguably one of the biggest stars in the WNBA right now despite only playing in 25 career games so far.