The Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark as their #1 overall pick yesterday in what was probably the most anticipated Draft in WNBA history.
JJ Redick went live on his YouTube Channel right after the conclusion of the first round of the Draft to reveal his thoughts on what he deemed to be a historic moment for basketball.
The former NBA star tried to record the impact that Clark’s superstardom has induced on Women’s basketball in the past two years or so.He also likened the arrival of the former Iowa Hawkeyes star in the WNBA to seminal events in the NBA that were triggered by the exploits of a select few superstars.
The 2024 WNBA Draft was a mere formality from Clark’s perspective because her fate had been sealed the moment she declared for this year’s Draft. However, Redick tried to inform his fans about the magnitude of the event they had just witnessed.
The 39-year-old believed that the 2024 WNBA Draft will be etched in basketball history alongside other memorable events that changed basketball forever.
He likened Clark’s arrival in the WNBA to the rise of the likes of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, who changed the direction of the NBA with their superstardom.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
“Caitlin Clark is a media driver. She is a ratings driver. I think about the NBA, post Magic and Larry, NBA post Michael Jordan…
There are certain athletes that drive the sport more than others…This is important for the WNBA,” Redick said.
The ESPN analyst underlined the fact that stars drive eyeballs to basketball despite the game being a team sport.
He pointed out that the immense popularity and appeal of some stars help the league to expand its business by attracting more attention.
Redick likened the situation of Clark to that of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, whose superstardom helped the league expand globally.
Therefore, Clark is also set to benefit the WNBA not only from a financial standpoint by bringing in more sponsorships and endorsements, but also by improving the product they have to offer to the consumer.
Redick also pointed out that the WNBA Commissioner announced the inclusion of two more teams in the WNBA just after Clark’s arrival in the league.
This is in line with the league increasing the number of teams after witnessing the meteoric rise of superstars like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
Caitlin Clark can end the pay issues in the WNBA
The WNBA has struggled to pay its players for as long as it has existed. While top NBA players rack up tens of millions of dollars per year, the highest-paid WNBA players still make less than a quarter of a million.
The disparity in pay is mostly attributed to the disparity in viewership between the two leagues.
Well, Caitlin Clark could very well break that glass ceiling.
The viewership numbers for the Iowa vs South Carolina 2024 NCAA Final game (18.9 million) surpassed not only the Men’s March Madness Final game (14.8 million), but the 2023 NBA Finals (11.6 million) as well, per Nielsen.
Therefore, as Redick pointed out, stars drive viewership numbers by excelling over their peers. And the WNBA just got a really big one.
News
NBA – The Lakers’ risky bet to attract a third star: “He wants a team…
NBA (DR) The objectives of the season having not been achieved, the leaders of the Lakers are currently increasing discussions internally and with competing franchises. Thus, rumors about the recruitment of a new star are circulating, even if the negotiations…
WNBA – In the midst of controversy, huge breakdown live on Caitlin Clark: “A White woman who…
Hawk Central (DR) Having just arrived in the WNBA as a phenomenon, Caitlin Clark is already linked to multiple controversies. And as if that wasn’t enough, a former US football star completely broke down on live TV when discussing his…
NBA – Bronny James to the Lakers with LeBron? A caption decides: “He still has a lot…
Fadeaway World (DR) / NBA (DR) Two weeks before the Draft, the potential arrival of Bronny James alongside his father LeBron with the Lakers is still debated. A franchise legend recently spoke about the prospect’s chances of landing in California….
Caitlin Clark Had The Coolest Reaction To Being Called A “White B****” By Pat McAfee
Caitlin Clark and Pat McAfee (Photos via Getty Images) Caitlin Clark has offered a reaction to being called a “White B-” by Pat McAfee, according to Pat Mcafee himself. The ESPN show host crossed a line on Monday when he referred to Clark as…
LeBron James Dropped A Very Interesting Comparison Between Himself And Caitlin Clark That Actually Makes A Ton Of Sense
LeBron James and Caitlin Clark (Photos via Getty Images) LeBron James understands firsthand the challenges that come with being a top-tier athlete facing racism and scrutiny. His own journey from a challenging background to becoming the No. 1 overall NBA draft…
Paris Olympics: LeBron James IG Post Causes Tremors , fans yearn for miracles to happen: “It’s coming…”
LeBron James will be returning to the court sooner than expected. Only this time, he will be representing his country at the Paris Olympics. It was less than a year ago when Team USA could surprisingly only secure the 4th rank at…
End of content
No more pages to load