The WNBA made historical past with a brand new collective bargaining settlement this offseason, with gamers making more cash than ever earlier than.
The league is increasing, and for the primary time in a protracted whereas, they’ll thrive reasonably than simply survive.
That may not all be due to Caitlin Clark, who simply burst onto the scene after being the No. 1 decide within the 2024 WNBA Draft, however her influence on the newfound curiosity and the league’s exponential progress cannot be neglected.
That is why WNBA legend Lisa Leslie made positive to provide her her flowers. Talking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Leslie shared her trustworthy ideas on Clark’s influence within the league.
Lisa Leslie gushes about Caitlin Clark’s influence
“This can be a cash enterprise, and the cash is about Caitlin Clark,” Leslie said. “By no means within the historical past of the WNBA have we had a participant drive groups to get into bigger arenas. I’ve by no means seen that occur. In the event you’re the GM, you’re clearly speculated to be bringing in cash. That’s income. I’m going with Caitlin Clark.”
After all, this would not have been potential with out all of the pioneers who have been there earlier than her.
Trailblazers like Daybreak Staley, legends like Diana Taurasi and even A’ja Wilson, arguably the most effective participant on the earth, additionally deserve all of the credit score for planting the seed.
Nonetheless, Clark has change into a media phenom since their days in school, and watching the Indiana Fever play in packed arenas and draw essentially the most nationally televised video games within the league speaks volumes about her influence.
Whether or not she’ll go down as the best to ever do it’s one thing solely time will inform. However no matter how her profession seems, give credit score the place credit score is due.