On March 3, Caitlin Clark made history in NCAA Division I basketball by becoming the leading scorer, surpassing Pete Maravich’s record set 54 years ago. Shortly before achieving this milestone, Clark made her decision clear by declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Despite having the option to return for another season at Iowa due to the extra year of eligibility granted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark opted to go pro.
Fox, one of the biggest broadcasters of NCAA basketball, reportedly considered offering Clark a deal to stay in school for one more season. They recognized her immense popularity and the impact she had on viewership numbers. However, talks never materialized, and Clark announced her decision to enter the WNBA Draft.
Clark’s influence on women’s college basketball is undeniable. Her games have seen record-breaking viewership, attendance numbers, and even ticket prices. The 2023 national championship game, in which Clark’s Hawkeyes lost to LSU, set an all-time NCAA record for viewership in women’s college basketball.
Thanks to Clark’s presence, women’s college basketball ratings have soared by 60% compared to the previous year across all national TV windows. When she broke Maravich’s scoring record against Ohio State, the game drew 3.4 million viewers to Fox, marking the highest TV rating for a regular season women’s basketball game in 25 years.
As Clark moves on to the WNBA, her impact on the game is expected to continue. The “Caitlin Clark effect” is set to shape the future of women’s basketball at the professional level.
