Caitlin Clark’s stardom fuels WNBA growth ahead of Toronto Tempo’s arrival

The Caitlin Clark effect shows no signs of slowing down. The WNBA superstar has not only elevated the Indiana Fever to unprecedented heights but also outshone rivals like Angel Reese and even teams across the NFL, NBA, and MLB in one key area: audience engagement. Clark’s impact is driving a wave of enthusiasm for women’s basketball that continues to grow as the league prepares for its next chapter—including the arrival of the Toronto Tempo in 2026.

The WNBA enjoyed a record-breaking 2024 season, with regular-season attendance up by 48% and viewership on ESPN soaring by an incredible 170%. At the heart of this success is the 2024 rookie class, led by No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark. Of the 31 WNBA games that averaged over one million viewers, 22 featured Clark, with nearly every one of her games broadcast on national television. Her team, the Indiana Fever, saw a remarkable 320% rise in attendance, leading the league with an average of 17,000 fans per game.

This surge in popularity has translated into tangible investments in the Fever’s future. The team recently announced a $78 million state-of-the-art training center set to open in downtown Indianapolis in two years. The facility will include two full-size courts, strength and conditioning spaces, and advanced media production studios. These media-focused additions come as no surprise, given the Fever’s record-breaking performance on social media. In 2024, the Fever led the WNBA in social media engagement, video views, followers gained, and total followers.

This dominance also resulted in the team securing the most sponsorships in the league. What’s even more impressive is how the Fever’s reach extends beyond the WNBA. Between April and July 2024, the team’s video content garnered over 800 million views, outpacing every NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL team during that period. A report by brand analytics firm Zoomph highlighted the Fever’s total social value at $71.9 million and a staggering 635% growth compared to 2023. Four WNBA teams dominated the top five in social growth, with the Chicago Sky, featuring Angel Reese, ranking second. This surge in popularity isn’t confined to the United States. The WNBA’s growth has laid the groundwork for international expansion, with the Toronto Tempo set to join the league in 2026. As Canada’s first WNBA franchise, the Tempo is poised to capitalize on the league’s momentum and bring professional women’s basketball to a passionate new fan base. The prospect of Caitlin Clark playing in Toronto, whether as an opponent or even as a future member of the Tempo, has already generated excitement among Canadian fans.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the WNBA aims to sustain its record-breaking growth. The season tips off on May 16 with a highly anticipated rematch between Clark and Reese, who faced each other five times last year. Their rivalry, combined with Clark’s transcendent star power, is a driving force behind the league’s increasing visibility.

Caitlin Clark is not just transforming the Indiana Fever; she’s redefining what’s possible for the WNBA as a whole. As the league prepares to expand its footprint with teams like the Toronto Tempo, Clark’s influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire fans and players alike, proving that women’s basketball is a force to be reckoned with.

MS