Mutual respect is one of the, if not the best, things about professional sports. Let’s be honest, everybody supports and praises their own teammates. But when you hear a player appreciate your opponent, it brings in a new sense of respect for the game. In a recent example of the same, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham praised rival Angel Reese. However, despite her praise and acknowledgement, she also mentioned how her teammate Caitlin Clark’s impact has surpassed them all.

From the moment Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA, unprecedented attention followed. Her debut season was full of broken records both on and off the court. Ryan Brewer, associate professor of finance at Indiana University Columbus, analyzed Clark’s economic impact, concluding she was responsible for 26.5% of all WNBA economic activity during her rookie year. His analysis projects Clark’s impact could reach $875 million in the coming years as expansion teams begin competing.

Sophie Cunningham expressed her views in a podcast, praising Reese and talking about CC’s impact: “I don’t have an ego, so I’m able to just tell the truth, like if it was someone else, I’d be like, yeah, Angel Reese has also brought millions of fans. I mean, I think Caitlin has brought way more, but I also think she has too. I’m not just naive, and I might be blonde, but I’m not f—- dumb. So, people who say I’m a clout chaser, no, I’m just being honest about why the league is where it is at. Like, give the girls the flowers. Like, give it to them. They deserve it.”

The study by Ryan Brewer substantiates Clark’s outsized role in the WNBA’s growth. Angel Reese has contributed meaningfully to increased attention, but Clark remains unmatched when it comes to global impact and popularity. Although rookies like Candace Parker have had exceptional seasons — winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same year — Clark’s influence extends beyond on-court performance to the league’s business success.

Even in the current season, where Catilin Clark has only been able to play 13 games, her impact is clear to see. When it was announced that she would miss the All-Star game, the prices of tickets fell by almost half (48%). In an event where all the league’s best talent is assembled, a single player’s absence causing this much disruption on prices is a clear indication of how impactful that player is. Now with her return seemingly close, the Indiana Fever would want her impact can also help them on the court to make a deep playoff run.

Concerns Grow as Caitlin Clark Still Doesn’t Practice With Team Despite Progress

Since Caitlin Clark’s injury against the Connecticut Sun, it has been a frustrating wait for the Indiana Fever fans. First, it was the wait for an injury update, which took more than a week to arrive. Then, it was the wait for an update regarding her progress, after that came the surprise news of a ‘very mild’ bone bruise. And now, the wait has been for her to start practicing with the team. 

Over a week ago, Stephanie White had put forward her demands that need to be fulfilled for CC to be back on the court: Practice with the team. However, ever since the update about her participation, the hype around her return has increased. But with the latest update by Stephanie White, that hype has turned into a concern. As per the recent update, Caitlin Clark has yet to participate in full team training. 

With this update from the head coach, fans around the world are in a frenzy as Indiana’s loss against the Phoenix Mercury has made their playoff prospects even tougher. With their next three games against the Chicago Sky, the Washington Mystics, and the Minnesota Lynx, they need to win at least two to go through to the playoffs without the influence of any other results. 

Having already lost their last two matchups against the Lynx, the next two games for the Indiana Fever are must-win if they wish to compete in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs.