Caitlin Clark Elevates Women's Basketball with Record-breaking Performances

When Caitlin Clark began her college basketball journey, she found herself playing in empty venues due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During March Madness, stadiums were filled with thousands of cardboard cutouts, including a larger-than-life image of Clark's dog, Bella.

What a change three years can bring. The superstar guard is now showcasing her skills in packed arenas at the women's NCAA tournament this year. Ever since her Iowa Hawkeyes triumphed over the LSU Tigers to secure a spot in the Final Four, ticket prices have been on the rise.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 08: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after making a 3-pointer to break the NCAA single season 3-point record for any gender during the second half of a Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament quarter finals game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Lady Lions at Target Center on March 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark #22 from the Iowa Hawkeyes broke the NCAA single season 3-point record for any gender during a game against the Penn State Lady Lions at the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament quarter finals in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The record-breaking moment happened in the second half when Clark made a 3-pointer. The game took place at the Target Center on March 8, 2024. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

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On Tuesday, the average listing price for the all-day session of the women’s Final Four in Cleveland was $2,642.24, according to TicketIQ. The get-in price was listed at $901. The most expensive ticket for Friday’s games is $11,166. The cheapest tickets jumped 118% after Iowa beat LSU. The high demand is partly due to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse having a capacity of 19,500.

“Caitlin Clark has had a significant impact on our game,” said NC State head coach Wes Moore on Tuesday. He mentioned that ticket prices for the Final Four doubled after her performance. If you had some tickets at face value, they might now be worth a lot more.

22-year-old Clark holds the record for the most points scored in NCAA Division I history for both men and women. Her incredible talent and impressive three-point shooting make her a must-watch player for fans.

Clark celebrates with her teammates after Iowa defeated LSU in the Elite Eight.

Clark celebrates with her teammates after Iowa defeated LSU in the Elite Eight.

Hans Pennink/AP

Iowa’s Elite Eight victory over LSU, a rematch of last year’s title game, attracted 12.3 million viewers, peaking at 16.1 million viewers, making it the highest-rated women’s college basketball game ever, as reported by ESPN.

Looking ahead to Iowa’s Final Four matchup with the No. 3 UConn Huskies, Hawkeyes head coach Lisa Bluder praised Clark for her significant influence on the women’s game, both on and off the court.

Bluder expressed, "When people see Caitlin in national commercials, it boosts her star power, right? It adds credibility and visibility, further enhancing the image of a great basketball player."

Clark's impressive performance comes at a time when interest in women's college basketball is on the rise. Even before this year's March Madness began, regular season games were attracting an average audience of 476,000 on ESPN platforms, marking a 37% increase in viewership.

Due to advancements in TV coverage, women's college games are now being broadcasted on major networks during prime time slots. Additionally, young female athletes have been able to capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to secure sponsorships and earn income.

Clark gestures to the crowd during the second round of this year's March Madness.

Clark gestures to the crowd during the second round of this year's March Madness.

Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Bluder believes that the increase in popularity is mainly due to receiving more media attention. She explains that when a team is not well-known, it is difficult to gain fan support and enthusiasm for the program. However, with the team now being featured on national television and receiving more spotlight as a women's basketball sport, there is more discussion and recognition of the quality of the game. This exposure allows people to become familiar with the players and appreciate their talent.

Clark is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Before that, she is determined to lead Iowa to their first national championship in basketball after coming up short against LSU last year.

She has been on fire this season, scoring a total of 1,183 points at an impressive average of 32 points per game. In a recent game against LSU in the Elite Eight, she put up an outstanding performance with 41 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists.

How can an opposing team contain Caitlin Clark? UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has a straightforward answer: "We don't." He humorously adds, "We don't plan on stopping her because I tried calling all the other coaches that have stopped her, and none of them answer the phone."

“So we’re going to have to find a different way to win than stopping Caitlin Clark.”

CNN’s Jill Martin, Kevin Dotson, Alex Leeds Matthews and Ben Morse contributed to reporting.

Editor's P/S:

Caitlin Clark's impact on women's college basketball is undeniable. Her exceptional talent and record-breaking performances have captivated fans and elevated the sport to new heights. The soaring ticket prices and increased viewership for the Final Four are a testament to her star power and the growing popularity of women's basketball.

Clark's influence extends beyond the court, as she has become a role model for young female athletes and an advocate for gender equality in sports. Her success has paved the way for other talented players to shine and has inspired a new generation of fans to embrace the women's game. As she prepares for the WNBA draft and aims to lead Iowa to a national championship, Caitlin Clark continues to blaze a trail and inspire countless others.