Caitlin Clark, the NCAA phenom and highest scorer in NCAA history, recently made her debut in the WNBA after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Even before being drafted, Clark was the subject of numerous sports stories, and her stardom was undeniable. WNBA teams began to move their showdowns with the Fever to larger stadiums in anticipation of sold-out crowds eager to see Clark in action. The Las Vegas Aces and Los Angeles Sparks were among the first teams to move their games to bigger venues, with ticket prices soaring for games featuring the Fever.
Shortly after being drafted, Clark was involved in a bidding war with several athletic wear companies, ultimately signing a lucrative Nike deal worth up to $28 million, including a signature shoe. Clark’s impact on the game of basketball has been immense, showcasing a level of popularity not seen before in women’s sports. Her WNBA debut will make history with Disney+ streaming the Fever’s season opener, marking the first live sporting event offered by the platform. Clark’s debut serves as an inspiration for young basketball players worldwide, highlighting passion and dedication on a family-friendly streaming service.
Clark made her presence known in the preseason as the Fever faced the Dallas Wings, with Clark scoring a team-high 21 points despite the team’s loss. The Fever will close out the preseason with a game against the Atlanta Dream before opening the regular season against the Connecticut Sun, also live-streamed on Disney+. While it’s uncertain if Disney+ will continue to showcase Fever games, a potential deal could be reached based on high viewership numbers. Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been monumental, with fans eagerly awaiting her debut and the chance to see her skills on display.
