Caitlin Clark Named America's Most Popular Athlete by WNBA Commissioner
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert affirms Caitlin Clark's rising stardom ahead of Indiana Fever's season opener.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has become a central figure in the WNBA as anticipation for the 2025 season continues to soar. Her impact on women's basketball has been underscored by new broadcast schedules and league initiatives that reflect an unprecedented surge in popularity.
The Indiana Fever are slated to appear in 41 nationally televised games during the upcoming season, surpassing even the defending champion New York Liberty. This remarkable exposure is a testament to Clark’s widespread appeal, which WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed directly in a recent interview.
"It is a balance, but she's a generational talent," Engelbert said during an appearance on "The Bill Simmons Podcast." She emphasized that while no league is defined by a single player, Clark's arrival has created a unique phenomenon. *"Caitlin brought tens of millions of new viewers into the W,"* Engelbert noted, adding that her effect resonates beyond just basketball. According to Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Clark may currently be the most popular athlete in the United States.
To accommodate growing fan interest, the Fever have also launched a direct-to-consumer streaming service in partnership with Endeavor Streaming. This move follows an extraordinary rookie season from Clark and record-breaking viewership numbers for WNBA games throughout 2024.
However, Engelbert was quick to point out the importance of not centering the league’s narrative solely around one player, especially considering the unpredictability of sports injuries. She referenced recent injuries to other rising stars—such as JuJu Watkins in the NCAA Tournament—as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional athletics.
Despite the focus on Clark, Engelbert highlighted several other standout talents shaping the league's landscape, including:
- Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson
- New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart
- Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier
The Fever’s opening game of the season, set against the Chicago Sky, is expected to generate significant ratings. The matchup features two of the game's most talked-about young players: Clark and Angel Reese, who finished as the runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Fever and the ever-growing list of WNBA stars, marking a pivotal chapter for both the team and the league as a whole.
