Meet Caitlin Clark: The Rising College Star Changing the Game for Women’s Basketball | US News
Caitlin Clark has already made a significant impact on American society and culture, both in the world of basketball and beyond, despite being just 22 years old.
Hailing from West Des Moines, Iowa, Clark began her college basketball career with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2020 and has also represented the USA at the international youth level.
Since then, she has solidified her place as the leading scorer in college basketball history, achieving an impressive 3,951 points over four seasons.
In March, she surpassed the long-standing record held by five-time NBA All-Star and college basketball icon, Pete Maravich, for the all-time National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) points record.
Her presence in NCAA games resulted in setting or breaking attendance records in nearly all of the Hawkeyes’ games during the 2023-24 season.
Clark is the greatest scorer in college basketball history. Pic: Reuters
The “Caitlin Clark Effect”, as it’s been dubbed, has brought a transformative impact to women’s basketball worldwide. Here’s how she’s accomplished it.
The ratings game
College basketball garners immense anticipation, particularly during “March Madness,” a thrilling tournament to crown the NCAA champion.
A staggering 12 million viewers tuned in to watch the Elite Eight (quarter-final) matchup against LSU on 2 April, witnessing Clark’s exceptional performance scoring 41 points.
Clark (R). Pic: AP
The national championship game between Iowa and South Carolina this year drew an average of 18.7 million viewers, marking an 89% increase from the previous year – making it the highest-rated basketball game in five years, regardless of gender. South Carolina emerged victorious with a score of 87-75.
At its peak, the game captured the attention of 24 million viewers nationwide.
Clark’s impact in the WNBA is poised to be game-changing
For comparison, the 2023 WNBA Finals averaged 728,000 viewers across four games, with 889,000 tuning in for the Las Vegas Aces’ championship victory.
Among the 12 WNBA teams, the Indiana Fever ranked second-lowest in attendance in 2023.
For the second consecutive year, they had the top pick in the draft, and they selected Clark.
Name, Image, Likeness
Even before turning professional, the 22-year-old has secured lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Panini.
Following a Supreme Court ruling, Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) restrictions were lifted in June 2021, allowing student-athletes like Clark to profit from commercials and endorsements before transitioning to the professional ranks.
She has signed endorsement deals with some big names. Pic: Reuters
According to the NIL database On3, Clark has earned $3.1 million (£2.4 million) from sponsorship deals, ranking as the top earner among women’s basketball players and fourth overall among student-athletes.
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Caitlin Clark vs Stephen Curry
In the 2023-24 season, Clark set a new NCAA record for three-point shooting, making 201 shots, surpassing the previous record held by four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry with 162 in 2007-08.
Stephen Curry. Pic: AP
Clark now holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NCAA history, with a remarkable total of 548 over her four years at the University of Iowa.
The future
Although Clark may not have claimed a national championship title, her enduring influence on women’s basketball is undeniable.
The Iowa standout has propelled TV ratings, attendance figures, and merchandise sales to unprecedented levels.
Off the court, her star power has created new financial opportunities for student-athletes.
With her selection as the top overall pick, this is just the beginning of Clark’s impact.
