The WNBA has found its hidden gem, and she’s running the city of Indiana. Last year’s draft class ushered in some amazing talent to this league, but none more recognised and cherished than Caitlin Clark. Two All-Stars and an All-WNBA first team appearance while still being in her sophomore year speak volumes about the Indiana Fever guard’s talent. But, she hasn’t been hooping unopposed either, as some of her classmates have given her real competition!

Case in point? Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. The two stars first started beefing in the NCAA title game, and Reese came out ahead. Both members of this exciting rivalry have been making big moves both on and off the court. However, it seems like Caitlin Clark might take the edge in terms of branding and marketability.

Don’t get us wrong, Angel Reese is a beast in terms of commercial opportunities!  The six-foot-two center has earned brand deals with Reebok and Hershey’s, and she even had a McDonald’s meal named after her! However, CC has just been moving differently and catching eyeballs that no one else in the W is. Just think about it… How many WNBA stars were offered a $5 million contract Big3? We’ll save you the googling; it was just Clark.

From starring in Super Bowl ads to hearing talks of her signature shoe, Caitlin Clark has been a blessing for the sport. Since her arrival, viewership, ticket sales, and merchandise have gone up dramatically! Indiana is averaging about a million viewers a game, and it’s all because of CC. Some celebrities have outright stated that Caitlin Clark is the most marketable person in the WNBA, while some have implied it. Let’s talk about five such celebs that are completely in favor of the Caitlin Clark effect!

1. Ice Cube

Is there much to be said? The American rapper and businessman founded the Big3 League in 2017, which is headed into season number 8 this year! Back in March last year, Ice Cube offered Caitlin Clark a contract that women’s basketball had not seen before–$10 million for two years. In comparison, CC’s rookie contract was about $76,000 for her first year.

When recently asked why Angel Reese was not offered the same amount, Ice Cube was completely candid. “She’s a great player. Y’know, the thing with Caitlin Clark was to unlock millions of dollars for the league because of her stardom… what our sponsors were telling us. They didn’t tell us the same thing about Angel Reese.” He said to a TMZ reporter.

2. Jim Jackson

Known for his 14-year NBA career, Jim Jackson has been hosting a podcast in which he talks about everything from ball to business. And while talking about the Iowa alum, he had nothing but high praise! “It’s certain people — I don’t care if you’re Black, White… it doesn’t matter — that have it. That draws something. And Caitlin is one of those…A’ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, but Caitlin is more marketable because people tend to resonate.” The six-foot-six combo guard talked about the underlying race aspect as well, but focused his attention on CC’s feats and accomplishments, putting her forward!

3. Dave Portnoy

The founder of Barstool Sports has been an avid Caitlin Clark fan ever since her Iowa days. Dave Portnoy, in response to an image of a fan wearing a Number 22 Iowa jersey to a EuroBasket game, had this to say about the Fever guard. “Caitlin Clark is the most marketable American athlete in the world. Nobody can convince me otherwise. If I could rep any athlete, it would be her. She has by far the most upside and revenue-generating ability. Not particularly close either.” And it makes sense! Since her arrival, viewership has spiked by 156% for the W.

4. Colin Cowherd

Cowherd is one of Fox Sports’ best broadcasters, and it seems like he’s also one of Caitlin Clark’s biggest fans! Recently, he had a hot take to give about the Indiana star, likening her to Taylor Swift and Tiger Woods! “It’s not anti-Beyonce to say that Taylor Swift’s tour changed the economy. It is not anti-Angel Reese of the WNBA to acknowledge she is the Tiger 20 years ago on the tour, like the ratings disappear. It’s nothing against the WNBA, she literally is changing the entire league economy, and I don’t think that’s a knock on the league.” He said, urging Cathy Engelbert and her executives to appreciate the Fever star and give her the flowers she deserves!

5. Renee Montgomery

A former WNBA star and the co-owner of the Atlanta Dream, Renee Montgomery, had three important words for Caitlin Clark and her marketability, which she contributed to the Times’ 2024 Athlete of the Year post. “She’s box office.” This means a lot coming from such an astute businesswoman, because this means that CC moves the needle in her mind!

The Indiana Fever athlete has proved to the world that she has the game to back up every single round of endorsement and sponsorship. We can’t fault these celebrities for appreciating Caitlin Clark’s marketability because her image is truly elite in the field of business! She has people writing books about her journey, and companies approaching her team with offers every single day. But the main impact she has is on the court, and sadly, the young phenom hasn’t really been fit this year. We can’t wait to see her recover and get back to playing as soon as possible!