Caitlin Clark’s college career ended Sunday with a loss to South Carolina in the national championship. But the popularity of the Iowa star will not go away.
“I know what’s next soon,” he said.
Eight days, to be exact.
That’s when Clark is in New York for the WNBA Draft, where she’s expected to be the No. 1 pick. 1 Indiana Fever pick. After rising to national prominence during his college career, there are already signs that he will make an impact in the professional league.
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What to know about the WNBA Draft
The draft will take place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York at 7:30 pm (ET) on April 15. ESPN will televise the draft and also stream it on Fubo.
Here is the first-round order of the draft:
1. Indiana fever
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Chicago Sky (via Phoenix)
4. Los Angeles Sparks (via Seattle)
5. Dallas Wings (via Chicago)
6. Washington Mystics
7. Minnesota Lynx
8. Chicago Sky (via Atlanta)
9. Dallas Wings
10. Connecticut Sun
11. New York Liberty
12. Atlanta Dream (via Las Vegas)
What kind of impact will Clark make on the WNBA?
Let’s start with the court. Clark has to work harder for his shot, of course. (Don’t think these veterans aren’t licking their chops to shut him down.) But his seemingly limitless range and amazing accuracy will still make him difficult to guard. Where he can make an immediate impact is his passing.
He was one of the best all-time passers in college, finishing his career with a Division I record 1,144 assists. Clark’s teammates at Iowa weren’t always adept at converting his passes. Now imagine what Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, will do with incoming keen passes from Clark.
In terms of marketing and star power, the WNBA had better be ready. The Fever is seeing spikes in ticket sales, and the Las Vegas Aces have already announced a move to a bigger arena to accommodate more fans when he comes to town. Last season, the Fever had the second-lowest attendance in the league, just ahead of Atlanta, which plays in a larger arena and averages 85 percent capacity. The Fever is probably one of the most popular destinations for fans.
Similar to his Iowa experience, the Fever’s road games should also see record numbers. The Hawkeyes have sold out all but two of their games this season — home, road or postseason. His fans are going nowhere.
Will she lose money going to the WNBA?
This narrative has been shot down several times, but it is still perpetuated by some who do not consider his endorsement power. Clark has the most high-profile endorsement deals of any college basketball player. (You’ve seen the State Farm ads, right?) Those won’t go away, and expect a great sneaker deal to come his way.
DEEP
Caitlin Clark’s business is booming. Here’s how her WNBA sponsorships line up
As presumptive No. 1 selection, he will be guaranteed $76,535 in his first season. (She did not earn a salary at Iowa.) She also could earn up to $250,000 in a league marketing agreement and up to $100,000 in a team marketing contract if she chooses not to play overseas next WNBA offseason. If he goes abroad, he can expect a lucrative contract from a team in Europe or China.
But with his marketing power, he will likely be signed to more endorsement deals.
Does Clark need to be a pro?
Nope. Like other seniors, Clark was granted an additional period of eligibility by the NCAA due to the disruption of the pandemic. He announced on Feb. 29 that he won’t be returning to Iowa City, raising the stakes to go out strong in the tournament.
Who else will be in the draft?
Find the The Athletic’s post-tournament mock draft coming in a few days. But other potential stars are expected to hear their names called.
South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, Stanford’s Cameron Brink and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson are expected to be early selections. LSU’s Angel Reese is expected to be taken around No.
DEEP
WNBA Mock Draft: Where will Angel Reese go? Who will be chosen after Caitlin Clark?
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(Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
