• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

Caitlin Clark Wins WNBA Rookie of the Year, 1 Vote Shy of Unanimous

  • Clark’s year features notable off-court milestones, too.
  • Her influence has increased the WNBA’s visibility and viewership.
The Indianapolis Star

Caitlin Clark’s rapid rise in women’s basketball has shown no signs of slowing down. The Indiana Fever star’s latest accolade—the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award, announced Thursday—is just the latest cherry on top of what continues to be an impressive year on and off the court.

She won 66 out of 67 votes, with rival Angel Reese receiving the remaining vote.

On Sept. 22, the Associated Press announced that Clark won its official Rookie of the Year Award. She swept the AP’s 15-person panel, the media organization said last week.

Also announced Sept. 22: A’ja Wilson, who averaged 26.9 points a game and is the first player in WNBA history to score more than 1,000 points in a season, was the AP’s unanimous choice as the Player of the Year.

Clark’s 2024, which ended with a 2-0 sweep at the hands of the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs, has further cemented her status as a generational talent. She has amassed an impressive list of milestones, including:

  • Set the record as the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader
  • Achieved unanimous All-American status for the second time
  • Starred in the most-watched women’s college basketball game
  • Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft
  • Made an appearance on Saturday Night Live
  • Launched her signature basketball with Wilson
  • Led the Fever to their first playoff berth in eight years

The Clark Effect Is Real

It’s no secret that Clark’s on-court performance has propelled the league’s popularity and boosted TV ratings as well as attendance. The WNBA has experienced remarkable viewership growth this season, starting with a record 2.45 million viewers for the draft—nearly four times the average for the 2023 Finals. Clark’s Fever debut attracted over two million viewers, one of the highest-rated games in decades.

ESPN reported an average of 1.2 million viewers for regular-season games, a 170% increase from last year, while WNBA Countdown averaged 508,000 viewers—higher than last year’s average game viewership. Ion also saw a 133% increase and reported that 50% of its audience aged 18–49 were female, the largest percentage among WNBA broadcasters.

The WNBA playoffs began Sept. 22 with four matchups: the Fever facing the Sun, the Liberty taking on the Dream, the Lynx matching up with the Mercury, and the Aces going up against the Storm, all while competing for viewership against the NFL.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trump Defends Sanders After Snub: ‘What Is Wrong With NFL Owners?’

He said Shedeur Sanders has “phenomenal genes” and asked if owners are “stupid.”

Goodell: Three NFL Games Every Christmas Moving Forward

The league is returning to scheduling three games on the holiday this season.

Knicks, Rangers to See Big Cut in MSG Networks Media-Rights Fees

The teams will each see big reductions in their local media-rights fees.

NFL Draft Attendance in Green Bay Easily Tops Early Projections

Round 1 drew 205,000 fans in and around Lambeau Field.

Featured Today

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
April 21, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
April 24, 2025

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.
MLB Speedway Classic rendering
April 24, 2025

Baseball Meets Bristol: Braves-Reds Game Aims for Record Crowd

Playing an MLB game inside a racetrack brings unique challenges.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
Vancouver
April 23, 2025

PWHL Picks Vancouver for First Expansion Team

More than 19,000 fans attended a game in Vancouver in January.
USL
April 23, 2025

USL Super League Sells Its Name in Push for Soccer Relevance

The deal was for seven figures.
April 23, 2025

NHL’s U.S. Playoff TV Ratings Down 27% in Early Games

This season’s numbers were down 12% compared to the 2023–2024 season.
April 23, 2025

Green Bay Gears Up for One of the Most Distinct NFL Drafts..

Around 250,000 fans are expected to attend this year’s draft.