The 2024 rookie class has enchanted everyone with their confidence, skills, and overall wow factor. After getting the credit of being called the “GOAT Class” by many, they have continued to show their potential both on and off the court. Even after 6 weeks, the matchup between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese lured in a sold-out crowd and 3.3 million peak views. Hence, it is only normal for the league’s veterans to thank these powerful rookies.
In their media availability today, Dana Evans and Diamond DeShields express their gratitude. Praising Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, DeShields said in a media appearance, “It’s the version of basketball we all dreamed of playing when we were younger. So, you know, it’s a beautiful time to be a part of. Obviously, our games, especially against Indiana, are going to be like that. It’s a credit to two young players everyone’s talking about. We can’t leave that out.”
While they appreciate how the rookies have escalated WNBA’s growth, the two vets and Reese’s teammates were also aware of the negativity. However, the rookie class has also impressed them by not taking anything to their heart. DeShields mentioned how Caitlin Clark and the No.5 in Sky might find the crowd natural since they come from a similar environment.
The 6-ft-1 guard also applauded them by saying, “The way they handle it is a testimony to their maturity and who they are as human beings. They do a really good job, regardless of what is said, they’re two really really great people. So, we’re happy to have them here.”
Certainly, both the lottery picks have been like a gold mine for the league. Here is how they have changed the face of the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark and the rookies are on a mission to change the WNBA
The rookies have surely delivered more than the expectations. All this, in just six weeks of the 2024 season. Angel Reese’s matchup with the Fever acquired more than 3.3 million views this past Sunday. This was the peaked viewership which broke their own record from the second game that saw 2.3 million people tune in. Not to mention, the fanbases from Iowa, LSU, South Carolina, Stanford, and many colleges have also shifted to the WNBA with these hoopers.
But among them all, it is the first overall pick who continues to be the golden goose. She is bringing her A-game and leading the rookies with 16.3 points per game and 6.6 assists per game. Outside of the court, Caitlin Clark is slaying every sponsorship opportunity she can see. In fact, the WNBA Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo shared a story on her Instagram account mentioning her impact.
The WNBA legend wrote, “Caitlin Clark is a force like we’ve never seen when it comes to driving ratings & ticket sales in the @WNBA. ‘All other games’ (any that don’t involve the @IndianaFever) are still +1,100 over 2023. A rising tide lifts all boats. And this kid is a tsunami.”
USA Today via Reuters
The average attendance for Caitlin Clark’s home games is 16,757. The count for the road games is 14,858 on average. Contrastingly, all other games grab a viewership of 7,723 only. Moreover, six networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION, and NBATV have already set records. All these were created when they broadcast a Caitlin Clark game. So, when it comes to raising the bars and ratings, the rookie class certainly knows what it is doing.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.
