Caitlin Clark hasn’t just joined the WNBA—she’s set it ablaze. From the moment she stepped onto the court for the Indiana Fever, Clark’s popularity have turned every game into a must-see event. The “Caitlin Clark effect” is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a seismic shift that’s brought women’s basketball into the national spotlight, drawing new fans and energizing the league’s longtime supporters. In fact, one out of every six WNBA tickets sold can be traced back to her impact. Suddenly, the WNBA isn’t just keeping up with the NBA in buzz—it’s starting to rival it in cultural relevance and economic power.

For the first time, the champion of the WNBA’s 3-Point Contest will earn as much in first-prize money as the NBA’s champion: $60,000. The increased investment—the prize for the event’s winner was only $2,575 last year(according to the CBA)—shows the league’s commitment to rewarding its stars and signals that women’s basketball is ready to share the stage, and the spotlight, with the NBA. The gap is closing, and the world is watching as the WNBA keeps pace with the game’s biggest league.

Fueling this shift is Aflac, $115,000 commitment boosted All-Star prizes. In 2024, Allisha Gray took home $110,000—62% of her salary—by winning both the three-point and skills contests. That kind of payout? Only possible because of Aflac’s backing. For 2025, they’re putting $60,000 directly toward the three-point contest, effectively leveling the playing field with the NBA. Interestingly, 72% of brands that put money into women’s sports in 2024 reported higher ROI than their investments in men’s sports. The business case is solid.

Still, a gap remains. The NBA’s 2025 All-Star Saturday Night will award $105,000 for the dunk contest and $55,000 for the skills challenge. The WNBA’s total prize pool? $115,000. But that $60K in the three-point event is a start. “We’re methodically closing gaps,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This is the first of several announcements that reimagine what’s possible.”

How Caitlin Clark effect driving the change

Clark’s rise didn’t just bring fans—it triggered real change. Ticket sales rose by 17% in her rookie season. Indiana Fever merchandise saw a 340% spike. But Clark didn’t just make it about herself. She used her spotlight to prioritize the WNBA three-point contest over the NBA’s version. “This isn’t just about me,” Clark stated. “It’s about showing young girls that their dreams have tangible worth.”

That statement rang out loud and clear enough for the league to take action. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend will be staged in Indianapolis, Clark’s home court — just one year after the NBA ran its version there. Coincidence? Not likely.

There’s more at play, too. The WNBPA’s decision to opt-out of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement hangs over the league, and as players and the league get ready for the hard push of negotiations, they’re also pushing harder than ever for sustainable pay. “Aflac’s investment proves our value isn’t hypothetical. We’re building a sustainable economic model,” said Union President Nneka Ogwumike.

That push is backed by rising numbers. Media rights deals are set to double, hitting $240 million annually by 2026. With that kind of growth, the WNBPA aims to secure a bigger share for players.

Nevertheless, challenges persist. The $60,000 prize may be groundbreaking for the WNBA, but it’s still only 0.08% of the NBA’s $7.4 billion revenue. For the WNBA, it represents 0.12% of its $180 million. The players’ union has a clear goal: tie 50% of league revenue to player pay by 2028—up from the current 30%.