Boardroom Ranks Caitlin Clark Third in WNBA Marketability Behind A'ja Wilson and Paige Bueckers

Caitlin Clark has drawn criticism from opponents and media since entering the WNBA. Fellow players like DiJonai Carrington have called her fans racist. ESPN's Monica McNutt said her white skin explains why fans fill arenas to watch her. ESPN ranked Clark sixth among rookies early in her season. An anonymous media member gave Angel Reese a solo first-place vote for rookie of the year, denying Clark a unanimous win.

On Friday, Kevin Durant's sports media company Boardroom released its ranking of the most marketable WNBA players entering this season. Clark landed third, behind reigning MVP A'ja Wilson and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers. Angel Reese ranked fourth.

A Covers WNBA Marketability Index from a few days earlier put Clark first with a score of 83 out of 100. Reese followed at 80.

All 44 Indiana Fever games air on national TV this season because of Clark. A'ja Wilson, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers do not draw comparable interest.

Clark drives most WNBA buzz and profitability. She helped the players association secure higher pay. Teams began flying private two seasons ago because of her. She pushes teams to NBA arenas, which sell out.

A'ja Wilson and Angel Reese released signature shoes. Clark's Nike Kobe 5 Protro Rookie of the Year shoes sold out in a minute. They fetched over $350 on the secondary market, with one pair at $642.

The Indiana Fever sold 90 times more tickets on StubHub in Clark's rookie season than in 2023.

Clark's sports cards outsell others. Her one-of-one rookie Flawless WNBA logowoman card went for $660,000. Reese's top sale, a one-of-one rookie Immaculate WNBA logowoman, fetched $30,000.

Clark won rookie of the year, as did Bueckers. Both had strong college careers, though Bueckers dealt with injuries. Bueckers appears in Gatorade and CarMax ads.

Boardroom's list has drawn online backlash. Reese appeared on the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover instead of Clark. Reese and Wilson graced the Wall Street Journal cover after Clark's rookie of the year win.