It’s a given that my knowledge of basketball is minimal, but even the most reclusive individuals would have caught wind of the buzz surrounding the Indianapolis Fever’s acquisition of Caitlin Clark, the standout talent from Iowa.

Clark’s achievements speak volumes: she holds the record for the highest scoring player in NCAA Division I history, regardless of gender, and has garnered numerous accolades, including being named national player of the year twice. Her entry into the professional draft has sparked intrigue, particularly regarding the economic implications.

Employing a conventional analysis, I delved into the potential impact of Clark on the Indianapolis economy, drawing parallels with studies on the influence of basketball superstars on game attendance. By extrapolating from Michael Jordan’s effect on NBA games, it’s estimated that the Fever could see a surge of 26,000 additional attendees per season, translating to over $6 million in total annual spending on games and lodging.

Yet, the true essence of Clark’s influence transcends traditional economic metrics. Recent developments, such as record-breaking ticket sales and sold-out season passes in Indianapolis, underscore the fervor surrounding her arrival. Moreover, the strategic implementation of innovative ticketing systems aims to broaden accessibility and enhance game attendance not just locally, but across the entire league in 2024.

While Clark’s impact on ticket sales may surpass that of male basketball icons over the past four decades, the crux of the matter lies in television revenue. With an unprecedented 36 out of 40 Fever games slated for broadcast across seven networks in the 2024 season, the WNBA stands poised to capitalize on the potential profitability identified by analytics teams.

Television broadcasts serve as a powerful platform to showcase host cities, analogous to the exposure garnered during events like the Super Bowl. This heightened visibility not only attracts viewers but also bolsters “name, image, and likeness” deals for WNBA players and teams, as evidenced by Clark’s lucrative endorsements with prominent brands like Nike and Gatorade.

In essence, while the WNBA’s standard player salaries remain modest, the burgeoning landscape of television revenues and endorsement opportunities, propelled by trailblazers like Caitlin Clark, holds the promise of financial viability and prosperity for female athletes in the league.

The remuneration disparity in the WNBA primarily stems from its lower television ratings compared to the NBA. While NBA players benefit from a more significant share of TV revenue, the available funds for WNBA players remain modest. Even if the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement mirrored the revenue share of the NBA, female players would still receive only slightly more than $250,000 annually.

However, the current season is poised to alter this financial landscape significantly.

Amidst the fervor surrounding the surge in advance ticket sales and the rapid depletion of jersey stocks, there are undoubtedly numerous women, particularly former professional athletes like Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings, who may harbor feelings of being unjustly treated by circumstance.

To provide context, consider the case of Jim Brown, widely regarded as the greatest running back of all time, who never earned more than $600,000 per year (adjusted for inflation) from the NFL. While Brown found financial success through acting, his contributions also played a pivotal role in elevating the NFL into the lucrative entity it is today.

Caitlin Clark stands to benefit from the groundwork laid by those who preceded her, with her mere presence already exerting a profound influence on the trajectory of the sport for future generations. To grasp the magnitude of her impact, one need only attempt to procure a Clark jersey in girls’ small sizes.

Moreover, Clark’s status as a rare athlete whose endorsements transcend the confines of her sport ensures her visibility across multiple arenas, including MLB, NFL, NBA, and NCAA games. This heightened exposure not only elevates Clark’s profile but also augments the stature of every WNBA player.

Assessing Clark’s cultural significance proves challenging, compounded by factors such as her boyfriend’s decision to transfer to Butler University for his final year of basketball. Nevertheless, there exists the distinct possibility that Clark may emerge as a feminist icon revered and esteemed by the people of Indiana, known as Hoosiers.

Authored by Michael J. Hicks, Ph.D., who serves as the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and holds the George and Frances Ball distinguished professorship of economics at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business.