Caitlin Clark is revolutionizing women’s sports. Is Clark’s Impact on Women’s Sports Enough?
Caitlin Clark has caused a seismic shift in the realm of college basketball, yet remarkable female athletes have graced the stage before her. The true measure of progress towards genuine equality lies in recognizing when we’ve embarked on that path. Even for those uninterested in sports, the extraordinary developments in women’s basketball are hard to miss.
Enter the Caitlin Clark phenomenon, named after the University of Iowa guard who single-handedly transformed this season’s college basketball scene. Clark’s impact stretched far and wide: from drawing crowds across the nation to going viral each time she paused to sign autographs for eager fans, particularly children who idolized her. Alongside shattering numerous records—including the all-time scoring record for college basketball and Steph Curry’s previous single-season three-point record—Clark played a pivotal role in the historic surge of viewership for the women’s March Madness tournament, surpassing the men’s tournament by millions.
Just three years ago, during Clark’s freshman year, the atmosphere in women’s college basketball was starkly different. Viral images and videos exposed grossly unequal treatment between the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments in 2021. An independent investigation confirmed the NCAA’s prioritization of men’s basketball, perpetuating gender disparities. However, in the aftermath, the tide began to turn. The women’s tournament gained access to the coveted March Madness branding, media coverage increased, and games found their way onto television screens.
The stage was set for a transcendent athlete like Clark to remind us of the unifying power of sports. As Clark herself noted, opportunities in women’s sports continue to expand, from playing in front of thousands in stadiums to millions on television.
The buzz surrounding Clark’s impact extends beyond college basketball championships. Speculation abounds regarding her potential influence on the WNBA, despite not having played for the league yet. Ticket sales for Indiana Fever games, Clark’s expected destination as the number one draft pick, have soared to unprecedented heights, with two WNBA teams relocating games to larger venues to accommodate anticipated crowds.
The Caitlin Clark effect isn’t solely about one individual; it mirrors the legacies of trailblazers like Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, and the USWNT. It reflects the collective efforts of women in sports, building upon the progress of previous generations. Clark symbolizes a new era of female athletes who have grown up with the WNBA as a tangible career option.
In my book, “Money, Power, Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism,” I explore the transformative potential of women in sports. True equality encompasses more than just opportunities and pay; it hinges on equal excitement and cultural relevance. As Megan Rapinoe aptly put it, equality is about the shared enthusiasm and support both on and off the field.
While we’ve witnessed remarkable athletes and historic victories in the past, the Caitlin Clark effect feels distinct. It represents the culmination of decades of struggle and progress in women’s sports. This season of women’s college basketball serves as a beacon of possibility, but it’s incumbent upon us to sustain the momentum.
