Caitlin Clark’s collegiate journey culminated in a defeat against South Carolina in the national championship,marking the end of her college career. However, despite this setback, the Iowa standout’s influence is poised to endure.
“I anticipate what lies ahead will come swiftly,” she remarked.
In precisely eight days, Clark will find herself in New York for the WNBA Draft, where the Indiana Fever is widely expected to select her as the top pick. Having garnered national acclaim during her time in college, indications already point towards her making a significant impact in the professional realm.
What’s noteworthy about the WNBA Draft
Scheduled for April 15 at 7:30 p.m. (ET), the draft will be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. ESPN will broadcast the event, with additional streaming available on Fubo. The first-round draft order is as follows:
1. Indiana Fever
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Chicago Sky (via Phoenix)
4. Los Angeles Sparks (via Seattle)
5. Dallas Wings (via Chicago)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Chicago Sky (via Atlanta)
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Atlanta Dream (via Las Vegas)
What impact can Clark make in the WNBA?
Let’s delve into her on-court prowess. Undoubtedly, Clark will encounter tougher challenges in getting her shots off. Yet, her seemingly boundless shooting range and remarkable accuracy will continue to pose difficulties for defenders. Where she can truly excel immediately is in her playmaking abilities.
Having already established herself as one of the most adept passers in collegiate history, with a Division I record of 1,144 assists, Clark’s adeptness in distributing the ball could be a game-changer. Imagine the potential when her pinpoint passes find the hands of players like Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
In terms of marketing and star appeal, the WNBA should brace itself. The Fever are witnessing surges in ticket sales, while the Las Vegas Aces have announced a move to a larger arena to accommodate more fans when Clark comes to town. Last season, the Fever ranked second lowest in league attendance, just ahead of Atlanta, despite playing in a significantly larger arena with an average capacity of 85 percent. The Fever are likely to become one of the most sought-after teams for fans.
Similar to her collegiate experience, Fever road games are also expected to draw record attendance. The Iowa Hawkeyes sold out nearly all their games this season, whether home, away, or postseason. Clark’s fan base is steadfast.
Will transitioning to the WNBA impact her earnings negatively?
This notion has been dispelled numerous times, yet it persists among some who overlook her endorsement potential. Clark boasts the most prominent endorsement deals of any college basketball player. Those endorsements aren’t disappearing, and a lucrative sneaker deal is likely on the horizon.
As the presumed top pick, she would secure a minimum of $76,535 in her rookie season (a stark contrast to her non-salaried college career). Moreover, she could earn up to $250,000 through a league marketing deal and an additional $100,000 through a team marketing contract if she opts against playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. Should she choose to play abroad, lucrative contracts in Europe or China await her.
However, given her marketing prowess, she’s poised to ink even more endorsement deals.
Was it necessary for Clark to turn professional?
No, it wasn’t obligatory. Like other seniors, Clark was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA due to pandemic disruptions. However, she announced on February 29 that she wouldn’t be returning to Iowa City, opting instead to conclude her collegiate career with a memorable tournament run.
Who else can we expect in the draft?
Keep an eye out for The Athletic’s mock draft post-tournament, expected in a few days. Nonetheless, several other potential stars are anticipated to hear their names called.
Players like South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, Stanford’s Cameron Brink, and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson are likely to be selected early on. LSU’s Angel Reese is projected to be picked around the 8th spot.
