Caitlin Clark’s $1B WNBA Takeover Drags Tiger Woods into Ex-Fox Broadcaster’s Hard-Hitting Reality Check

“I went back, and I was thinking the Caitlin Clark phenomenon is one that I got wrong.” These words by national reporter Clay Travis are just an example of how Clark has taken the basketball world by storm. No one could have expected the kind of effect she ended up having on the NCAA and the WNBA, and honestly? The numbers are quite frightening. Ever since she got drafted, the Indiana Fever has been prospering–ticket sales, viewership numbers, jersey sales, they have all skyrocketed! And why wouldn’t they? There’s just something different about the former Hawkeye, and fans saw it early in college. 

But when we talk about a rookie coming in and changing the future of a league, we’ve seen way too many examples to forget. Even if we just look at the NBA, we can look at Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, or Michael Jordan–all of these players brought in an exceptional amount of popularity and money to the league. But what happens when we look beyond the sport of basketball? 

Well, Clay Travis, on an episode of OutKick The Show, came up with one name… Tiger Woods. “Looking at the numbers Caitlin Clark has brought to bear at the WNBA, I think it is extraordinary.” The ex-Fox broadcaster said. “And I was thinking what other sports analogies are out there that are in any way similar to the impact that one individual has had on a larger sporting universe… [and] one is Tiger Woods joining the PGA.”  And it’s true! When Woods joined the PGA tour in 1996, the financial growth of the PGA prize purses grew more than double! 

However, it was not easy for Woods. Golf was primarily a sport for Caucasian people, and someone of mixed-race like him was not welcomed immediately. But what happened when he was? “Tiger brought a whole host of new viewers, a whole host of new advertisers, new endorsement dollars. Every single golfer in the world, who was an elite golfer, regardless of where they were from, they benefited from the rising Tiger tide.” Travis pointed out. And through this, he issued a direct reality check to the WNBA.

Like Tiger Woods, Caitlin Clark has the ability to bring about a wave of prosperity and attention to the WNBA like never seen before. Because of her fan-following and popularity, the WNBA has prospered beyond anything we’ve seen before! Indiana Fever’s ticket sales have gone from 227,979 in 2023 to 643,343 in 2024, and the average attendance has gone up 44% for the league, their highest since the late 90s. Not to mention, Ryan Brewer, a professor at Indiana University Columbus calculated and found that Clark could help WNBA rake in almost $1 billion this season! His initial estimates, while talking to NBC News, were around $875 million, but the windfall could easily cross the ten-figure mark according to him. 

But even with all the prosperity that she has brought, the simple fact of the matter is that there is some definite push-back from players and legends alike. Caitlin Clark has dealt with bouts of hate from WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, and some of the current players. However, Travis’ point was quite simple–accept Caitlin, welcome her into the league, and everyone will have more bread on the table. 

Coming to the pushback that Caitlin Clark gets, it isn’t just about her. Things get nasty when she goes up against Angel Reese, as the fans get way too invested into a rivalry that both the players deny. Recently, one Indiana Fever fan took it way too far. But what exactly happened? Let’s find out!

The WNBA calls for action as Caitlin Clark fan makes racially charged comments at rival Angel Reese

Mere days after the WNBA unveiled a “No Space for Hate” initiative, a rather unfortunate incident took place during the season-opener between Indiana and Chicago. Tensions were quite obviously running high–it’s a Clark vs Reese special, after all! Not to mention, their on-court altercation truly spiced things up. However, as is often the case in rivalries, the fans took it way too far.

An Indiana Fever fan was heard making hateful comments towards Chicago Sky star and center Angel Reese. They were racially charged, and occured after the incident between Clark and Reese as per Indy Star reporter Chloe Peterson. Obviously, they have no place in the modern world, and especially the WNBA!

May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) fouls Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The league, however, had quite a swift response to the incident. “The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms–they have no place in our league or in society. We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.” And the players association? They called for strict action to be taken under the new “No Space for Hate” initiative. 

It was quite unfortunate to see such hatred being spread against Angel Reese. After all, a rivalry is meant to stay on court, not escalate into hateful notions and personal or racial insults. The WNBA must deal with such incidents strongly, so as to discourage further situations from happening entirely. 

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