The Caitlin Clark effect on the WNBA is impossible to ignore.
The Indiana Fever rookie has not only attracted record viewership but is also delivering performances that justify the hype surrounding her arrival.
Clark’s impact on attendance is particularly noteworthy.
Opposing arenas experience significant spikes in ticket sales when the Fever come to town, reminiscent of the excitement generated by basketball legends of the past.
This surge in interest has led to comparisons with Julius Erving’s transformative effect on the ABA in the 1970s.
Former NBA coach George Karl echoed this sentiment, responding to a tweet highlighting the stark contrast in WNBA attendance figures: “Average Fever games: 16,084. Average non-Fever games: 8,552. (That’s an 88% difference. That’s Caitlinmania.)”
Coach Karl drew a parallel, stating, “Caitlin Clark may be the Julius Erving of the WNBA. He had that impact on the ABA then NBA!”
Caitlin Clark may be the Julius Erving of the WNBA. He had that impact on the ABA then NBA! @JuliusErving @abathrowbacks https://t.co/gvXtimLTZV pic.twitter.com/JdxWTlchgs
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) September 21, 2024
The ABA’s launch in 1967 aimed to challenge the NBA’s dominance, offering a more dynamic brand of basketball.
However, low attendance threatened its sustainability until Dr. J’s arrival in 1971.
Erving’s electrifying rookie season with the Virginia Squires sparked a renewed interest in the league.
Despite a brief contract dispute involving the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks in 1972, Erving remained the ABA’s premier star until its merger with the NBA in 1976.
His ability to draw fans, even in away games, mirrors Clark’s current impact on the WNBA.
While it may be early to make definitive comparisons, Clark is already positioning herself as a potential face of the WNBA.
Her rookie season has captured the imagination of basketball fans, potentially indicating a new era for women’s professional basketball in the United States.
