$13 Billion Worth WNBA Team Owner Makes Major Caitlin Clark Admission: “Economic Impact is Undeniable”

New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai revealed how Caitlin Clark shot up the viewership and revenue of the WNBA.

$13 Billion Worth WNBA Team Owner Makes Major Caitlin Clark Admission: “Economic Impact is Undeniable”

Joe Tsai on Caitlin Clark (Image credits - Firstsportz)

There has been a lot of debate about pay parity between the NBA and the WNBA over the last few years. While there is no doubt that the NBA brings in much more revenue, the WNBA has seen significant growth in revenue and viewership due to the rise of stars such as Caitlin Clark.

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is the most sought-after name in the WNBA. One of the most hyped players before setting foot into the league, she was drafted as the number one pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Her rise to stardom has brought millions of fans into the league due to her electrifying style of play. Her influence on modern-day basketball is undeniable. She has drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry because of her style of play, which has reshaped how defenses prepare themselves in the WNBA today. 

Clark’s impact in the league is second to none and comes at an important time as the WNBA were going through some difficult times financially since its inception. The league has done a fine job in doing the best they can from their growing popularity through sponsorships and other streams of revenue.

Taiwanese-Canadian billionaire Joseph Tsai owns the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA and the New York Liberty of the WNBA. Tsai appeared on the All In Podcast and discussed Clark’s impact on the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark definitely had an effect on the WNBA, all the metrics went up! from viewership, ticket sales, sponsorships everything went up almost 4X, the economic impact that she’s made is extraordinary, undeniable.

Highlighting her growing popularity, the WNBA star made her debut on NBC’s pregame studio show. Clark signed on for two nights as a “special contributor”. The show did grab some headlines as one of the analysts of the show, and former player Reggie Miller, compared the WNBA sensation to Payton Pritchard. Her rivalry with Angel Reese has contributed to the growth of the league as well.

NBC President speaks on Caitlin Clark’s broadcasting debut

It was Clark’s debut as a broadcaster. With the WNBA in its offseason, she made her appearance at Madison Square Garden as the Los Angeles Lakers took on the New York Knicks on February 1.

Clark was the prime feature alongside host Maria Taylor and analysts Carmelo Anthony and Miller. Apart from the game, the four of them spoke about various other topics, such as Clark’s favorite basketball players, the WNBA CBA negotiations, and shared a few laughs.

Caitlin Clark and Reggie Miller
Caitlin Clark and Reggie Miller (Image credits – The Big Lead)

Following her successful outing as a broadcaster, NBC President Rick Cordella spoke with Front Office Sports, and Clark’s broadcasting debut came up at one point. When asked if the fans could expect to see more of Clark on NBC, Cordella said:

Yeah. I mean, look, she’s a spokesperson for Xfinity, and so already a part of the Comcast family. We brought her in through that overall deal. I think she had a good time. She played HORSE with Jamal [Crawford] the other night, which I think was a fun little segment. And for everything I understand, she enjoyed being on TV with our crew. And [I] hope to do it again soon.

Clark is scheduled to appear on NBC Sports on March 29, when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the New York Knicks.

Caitlin Clark cites Luka Doncic as NBA inspiration

There is no doubt that Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the league at the moment. Known for his offensive talent, Doncic is one of the best scorers and passers in the NBA today.

During the NBA broadcast, Clark was asked which NBA player she studies closely, and she was quick to mention Lakers star guard Doncic.

I think obviously he’s pretty incredible. He averages like a 30-point triple-double. He makes it look pretty easy, but I can promise you it’s not that easy. I think the way he can not only score the ball, but also the way he passes. And I think the thing about him is like, he’s not the fastest, he’s not the most athletic, but he can get a defender to move where he wants them to go.

Doncic currently leads the league in scoring and is averaging 32.8 points to go along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists. The two stars do have some similarities to their game as Clark is not known for her speed and athleticism either, but can manipulate defenses at her will.

Also Read: