Caitlin Clark makes exciting WNBA statement despite fear of huge interruption

Caitlin Clark has defied fears over the future of the WNBA.

The WNBA’s newest star appears to be excited for the future despite the current uncertainty surrounding the league. Like Clark herself, women’s basketball’s marquee tournament has enjoyed a record breaking 2024, notching its highest total attendance in its 22 years of existence.

A reported total of 2,353,735 fans watched games, nearly double the amount that attended in 2023.

The league also boasted more than 54million viewers across all platforms, a 170 per cent increase on the previous year.

However, on Monday the sport was rocked when the WNBA players union announced its decision to pull out of talks over the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This development came after Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, considered one of Clark’s main on-court rivals, complained her salary barely covered travel expenses.

In a released statement, the the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) said they wanted “a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investments needed for long-term growth.”

If the two parties cannot come to an agreement by November 1, when the current deal expires, it could have a huge impact on the 2025 campaign. The potential blow comes at time when media interest in the WNBA is at an all-time high.

Clark with her WNBA Rookie of the Year award. (Image: Getty)

Clark, 22, is one of the primary reasons for the increased exposure. The point guard was phenomenal for the Indiana Fever during her debut year, securing the single-season rookie records for assists with 337 and three-pointers with 122.

As well as taking the Rookie of the Year award, she was also named in the WNBA All-Star team. And despite developments, she’s now told ESPN: “I feel like we are just scratching the surface on what the league and women’s basketball can be.”

The former Iowa College player has previously talked up the opportunities the league has given players. She’s also cited the increased attendances in being crucial to the development of the sport

The amount of people that have showed up in the stadiums, from the viewership numbers to people really wanting to wear a WNBA player’s jersey or buy their merch shows just how its evolved in such a short period of time,” she said. “It shows everyone there is real opportunities here.”

Clark is currently being reportedly targeted by Unrivaled, a new 3 v 3 league formed by the WNBA for the off-season. The competition gets underway in January, with the star thus far coy on whether she’s sign up.