A level of gatekeeping is happening among hardcore WNBA writers and analysts regarding Caitlin Clark’s economic impact on the league. Despite the viewership ratings booming at record numbers and WNBA teams having to play in other arenas to support games featuring the Indiana Fever rookie, many suggest Clark’s impact is rendered as a by-product of an already-bubbling league.
However, Clark’s stunning number of All-Star votes compared to the leaders from last season, most notably A’Ja Wilson, bring the truth to light: Clark’s insertion into the WNBA is a significant reason for the WNBA’s success.
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III compared Clark’s effects on the WNBA’s viewership to what Tiger Woods did for professional golf.

Robert Griffin stated on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Caitlin Clark haters are punching air right now. The WNBA All-Star votes says what most of us already knew. Caitlin Clark is the WNBA’s Tiger Woods. More people watch the W because of her. Period. Total votes increased by 598% for the top 5 players from 2023 to 2024.”
Admittedly, garnering the most fan votes doesn’t make for a better player, but it definitely reflects social influence. Last season, Wilson earned 98,860 votes as the top vote-getter in the WNBA. This season, Clark led all players with 700,735. How could one see the stark differences and not acknowledge Clark’s seismic impact on a league desperately requiring financial production?
Although Clark’s rival Angel Reese is also responsible for new WNBA fandom, the proof is in the numbers. Clark is the ultimate influence on a league, evolving from a financial burden to a valuable asset. Sometimes, things are simply black and white, with only doubters hoping for grey specks in the picture.