Rivals Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese teamed up at the WNBA All-Star Game this past weekend in Arizona and did some work together.
Their presence as teammates was an odd look given the rivarly we’ve seen from the two dating back to their college days.
That was amped up during the first half of the 2024 WNBA season, with debate raging about Clark’s impact on the league and Reese’s stance seemingly pointing in another direction.
But one thing is clear. The WNBA brand is the most popular that it’s ever been. We’ve seen this play out when it comes to television ratings and fan attendance. Price increases for tickets have also been a hot-button topic recently.
As the WNBA Olympic break continues, we’re now getting more information on the impact Clark and Reese have had on the brand.
WNBA’s official partner, Fanatics, told TMZ Sports that it has seen a 500% surge in business during the first half of the season. Not only that, there has been a 1000% increase in player specific merchandise sales. Clark and Reese come in at No. 1 and No. 2 in that category, respectively.
Related: Caitlin Clark Gets Candid About What It’ll Be Like Teaming Up With Angel Reese
The Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Effect Is Real
A 1000% increase? That’s absolutely insane stuff right there. But it really shouldn’t surprise anyone at this point.
The WNBA just secured a $2.2 billion media rights deal with broadcast partners. Clark’s new signature shoe sold out within the matter of hours earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever star continues to break rookie and WNBA records on a near never-ending loop.
As for Reese, she did not enter the WNBA to as much publicity as Clark. But the Chicago Sky star is also breaking records in her own right.
Couple this with the star power of the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, among other teams, and the WNBA brand continues to grow.
But this latest information just goes to show us how much of an impact Clark and Reese have had on the league just a half season into their rookie tenures.
Read More: Caitlin Clark Impact On WNBA Now Felt In Las Vegas
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