The Caitlin Clark impact on the WNBA is unimaginable to disregard.
The Indiana Fever rookie has not solely attracted file viewership however can be delivering performances that justify the hype surrounding her arrival.
Clark’s influence on attendance is especially noteworthy.
Opposing arenas expertise important spikes in ticket gross sales when the Fever come to city, paying homage to the thrill generated by basketball legends of the previous.
This surge in curiosity has led to comparisons with Julius Erving’s transformative impact on the ABA within the Nineteen Seventies.
Former NBA coach George Karl echoed this sentiment, responding to a tweet highlighting the stark distinction in WNBA attendance figures: “Average Fever games: 16,084. Average non-Fever games: 8,552. (That’s an 88% difference. That’s Caitlinmania.)”
Coach Karl drew a parallel, stating, “Caitlin Clark may be the Julius Erving of the WNBA. He had that impact on the ABA then NBA!”
Caitlin Clark often is the Julius Erving of the WNBA. He had that influence on the ABA then NBA! @JuliusErving @abathrowbacks https://t.co/gvXtimLTZV pic.twitter.com/JdxWTlchgs
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) September 21, 2024
The ABA’s launch in 1967 aimed to problem the NBA’s dominance, providing a extra dynamic model of basketball.
Nonetheless, low attendance threatened its sustainability till Dr. J’s arrival in 1971.
Erving’s electrifying rookie season with the Virginia Squires sparked a renewed curiosity within the league.
Regardless of a quick contract dispute involving the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks in 1972, Erving remained the ABA’s premier star till its merger with the NBA in 1976.
His capacity to attract followers, even in away video games, mirrors Clark’s present influence on the WNBA.
Whereas it might be early to make definitive comparisons, Clark is already positioning herself as a possible face of the WNBA.
Her rookie season has captured the creativeness of basketball followers, probably indicating a brand new period for girls’s skilled basketball in america.
