The Caitlin Clark effect on the WNBA and the sport, in general, cannot be understated. The Indiana Fevers star has brought in an unprecedented number of viewers to the league. To top it off, she has been worth the hype because of her record-breaking performances.
Even opposing arenas have seen a significant uptick in attendance whenever Clark comes to town. The phenomenon has led some people to compare her to Julius Erving for his impact on the ABA in the 1970s, and George Karl clearly agrees.
The face of the ABA
When the ABA was founded in 1967, it aimed to compete with the NBA to either surpass the more established league or merge with it eventually.
While the ABA invited many fans because of its arguably more exciting product, the lack of support or attendance threatened its existence. However, the arrival of Erving in 1971 and an impressive rookie campaign with the Virginia Squires helped bring more interest to the league.
The following years saw Dr. J be involved in a dispute among various parties after he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him in 1972. He continued playing in the ABA, becoming its most important figure until its merger with the NBA in 1976. Like Clark, Erving was a beloved personality who probably had more fans on the road than his opponents.
The aspiring face of the WNBA
It might be too early to say for sure, but the former University of Iowa standout has the potential to be the face of the WNBA, considering how huge of a draw she has been in only her first year in the professional scene.
Take the Fever's regular-season series finale versus Chicago Sky, for example. Despite going up against rival and fellow rookie Angel Reese in the Windy City, it seemed like there were more cheers for Clark than the home team. It wasn't difficult to root for her, though, especially after her career night even drew LeBron James' attention .
Still, the point guard has a long way to go before she reaches the level of the likes of Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie, Breanna Stewart, A'Ja Wilson, and others who went before her.
But Clark is on the right track and could strengthen her case further if she manages to steer Indiana to a playoff appearance, which didn't seem likely earlier in the season.
Related: "She's definitely getting used to it" - Sue Bird says Caitlin Clark adapting to the WNBA's physicality spells trouble for her opponents
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