‘Lets see what happens to revenue’: Caitlin Clark’s economic impact undeniable

Jun 8, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Washington Mystics during the first quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

The WNBA continues to expand at a rapid pace. One of its latest expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo, hosted Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Tuesday, and Canada was buzzing to see the Fever phenom.

“There has never been a professional athlete in North American team sports who has changed her league and the business of her sport the way Clark has in three WNBA seasons,” Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun wrote. 

Caitlin is one of, if not the most talked-about athletes in not only the WNBA but in all of sports. Her play in the second half of her season has landed her squarely in the MVP conversation. As great as Clark has been on the floor is, she’s also a major economic engine for the Fever and WNBA. Via Simmons,  “the Indiana Fever were worth $90 million US when they drafted Clark first in 2024. The franchise is now valued at $560 million.”

While Toronto is expected to miss the playoffs in its inaugural season, as the team enters Tuesday’s game with a 10-23 record, tonight’s game will be a heavily spectated event due to Clark’s presence.

“Of the 10 most-watched WNBA games played this season, all 10 include Clark and the Fever. She’s almost her own league, even as her fellow players tend to ignore her, rough her up, or denigrate her play,” Simmons added.

Nobody is denying it

Fans on social media certainly agreed with Simmons about Clark’s importance.

“That’s 100% true. If Tom Brady, LeBron, Messi or ohtani quit the sport, the leagues would survive with minimal drop in audience. If Caitlin goes – let’s see what happens to attendance and revenues,” one fan posted on X.

“This might be the best WNBA article because they told the truth no matter if it would make people angry. It even points out how Steph White until we called her out been reluctant to praise Caitlin,” someone else added.

“If Patrick Mahomes or Lionel Messi retired tomorrow, the NFL and MLS keep print money without missing a beat. If Caitlin Clark steps away, WNBA tv ratings and stadium ticket sales collapse overnight. That is true leverage,” another person wrote.

As inconsequential as Tuesday’s regular-season game appeared, it was undoubtedly one of the biggest basketball games in Canadian history. Wherever Clark goes, the eyes follow.

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