Wayne Gretzky Declares Caitlin Clark a Generational Phenomenon — While the WNBA Struggles Without Her

When Wayne Gretzky, the undisputed greatest hockey player of all time, speaks — the sports world listens. And his latest praise isn’t directed at a hockey player but a 22-year-old basketball star who has taken America by storm: Caitlin Clark.

“She’s taken over the country — maybe even the world,” Gretzky said, echoing what millions already believe. He praised her not only for her skill but for inspiring an entire generation of young girls to play sports — from basketball to soccer to volleyball.

This isn’t just an endorsement — it’s a passing of the torch.

The “Great One” knows what it means to change a sport. He didn’t just play hockey — he transformed it. And now he sees the same rare energy in Clark.

Clark has not only boosted ratings, ticket sales, and merchandise revenues — she’s carrying an entire league on her back.

According to industry insiders, Clark has driven over 26% of all WNBA economic activity this year. From TV viewership to game attendance to jersey sales, she is the product.

But the WNBA may be learning this lesson the hard way.

After Clark suffered a quadriceps strain and was ruled out for several games, the league felt her absence immediately. Ticket prices for games she was supposed to play in dropped over 300%. One game’s tickets fell from $86 to $25 within 48 hours of her injury.

TV ratings took an even more shocking plunge.

A game featuring the Indiana Fever with Clark recently drew 2.2 million viewers on CBS. But without her, a Fever matchup against the Mystics barely reached 357,000 — a catastrophic 38% drop.

And it’s not just isolated to one game. Across the board, games without Clark average 394,000 viewers. With her? Over 1.17 million.

That’s a 199% increase, directly tied to one rookie player.

Wayne Gretzky’s public praise came at the exact moment the WNBA was being forced to confront how dangerously reliant it has become on a single athlete.

Yet instead of rallying around her, the league has faced criticism for allowing Clark to be physically targeted game after game — with minimal protection or disciplinary action.

Flagrant fouls, cheap shots, and hard body checks have become routine. Clark continues to get up, play hard, and deflect the drama. “It was just a basketball play,” she said after one particularly controversial foul.

That kind of composure is championship-level maturity.

Despite that, resentment from some WNBA veterans and commentators is growing. Some claim she’s overhyped. Others say she hasn’t earned her place.

But the numbers — and the fans — say otherwise.

When Clark plays, arenas sell out. When she sits, stadiums are half full. Sponsors, broadcasters, and viewers are voting with their dollars and remotes.

And yet, the league risks squandering what could be a billion-dollar opportunity.

According to projections, Clark could generate up to $875 million in economic activity this year alone. She’s not just a basketball player — she’s a cultural force.

Wayne Gretzky didn’t just recognize her greatness. He recognized her value — to the sport, to young athletes, and to the entire business of women’s basketball.

The WNBA has been handed the rarest of gifts: a superstar capable of transforming the league’s future.

Now the question is: will they protect her, support her, and build around her — or will they watch the moment slip through their fingers?

Caitlin Clark’s greatness is undeniable.