Caitlin Clark Effect Illustrated by Indiana Fever's 2026 Valuation
Since Caitlin Clark joined the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, the team's franchise value has surged 522%, reaching $560 million by 2026 according to Sportico. Her impact has significantly boosted WNBA viewership and attendance, contributing to the Fever becoming the league's third most valuable team. Despite injury-limited play in 2025, Clark showed strong form in the 2026 preseason, scoring 21 points in 16 minutes against the Dallas Wings.
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By Matt AudiletContributing Sports WriterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Since Caitlin Clark's entrance into the WNBA as the Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall pick in 2024, the popularity of the league has skyrocketed.Clark burst onto the WNBA scene with a historic Rookie of the Year season, facilitating countless TV viewership and in-person attendance records wherever she went.And just before the start of the 2026 WNBA season, a new byproduct of the "Caitlin Clark Effect" emerged.The Fever's franchise valuation has jumped 522% since Clark joined the team in 2024, according to a recent study from Sportico.
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