Just weeks after commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Caitlin Clark for “lifting” everybody up, the WNBA is reportedly on the verge of quadrupling revenue via a $2.2 billion media rights deal.
Yes, quadrupling.
The New York Times indicates the massive deal is for 11 years, averages over $200 million per year, and leaves the door open to earn more during that timeframe. It includes packages with networks similar to the NBA’s deal – including Disney, NBC, and Amazon.
The league’s current media deal nets them $50 million annually.
The revenue jump is thanks in large part to expanded interest brought about by rookie players Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and of course, Caitlin Clark.
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WNBA With A Big Revenue Jump
While Engelbert is surely pleased with the expected results, and an increase had to be assumed at some level, such a revenue deal for the WNBA goes beyond even her wildest predictions.
In April, she told CNBC that she hoped to capitalize on the popularity of the rookie class by “doubling” revenue.
“We hope to at least double our rights fees,” Engelbert said. “Women’s sports rights fees have been undervalued for too long, so we have this enormous opportunity at a time when … the media landscape is changing so much.”
Is it the media landscape? Or is something else at play here?
Better players and a higher quality of basketball, along with a once-in-a-lifetime talent in Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark might have a little something to do with it.
Not to mention the obvious interest of fans in Clark’s rivalry with Reese.
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Everything She Touches Turns To Gold
It seems like everything Clark gets her hands on is turning to gold these days. Money-making ventures with Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. Selling out signature basketball designs with Wilson.
Oh, and she’s even generating interest on the NASCAR circuit.
It’s no surprise though. Even Engelbert recognized the effect Clark was having on the game just a few weeks ago. When everyone was saying ‘the rookie class, the rookie class,’ she singled out one person.
“We’re obviously marketing around all of our players, but I think Caitlin’s lifting everybody,” Engelbert said. “Our arenas are packed, our viewership, I mean…”
I mean … quadruple the revenue for the WNBA.
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