The Caitlin Clark Effect Turns to SOLD OUT WNBA DRAFT

At this point, it's a foregone conclusion that the Indiana Fever will select Caitlin Clark as the first pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Putting it bluntly, they would be crazy not to choose Clark with their first pick.

When the WNBA announced that the draft would be open to fans, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement that it would be one “fans won’t want to miss.” Well, she appears to have got that correct, as the tickets for the WNBA Draft sold out in just 15 minutes.

"We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won't want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

The WNBA draft is on Monday, April 15th, at 7:30 p.m. ET and will most likely shatter ESPN's previous ratings for its draft coverage.

THE CAITLIN CLARK EFFECT ALREADY IN ACTION
Even before officially joining the team, Clark is already making a significant impact. The Fever's representatives have noted a considerable increase in ticket sales as fans eagerly anticipate watching Clark play. While specific numbers have not been disclosed, the team confirmed the surge to ESPN. According to SeatGeek, resale tickets for home games are currently averaging $182. Additionally, the Fever received favorable scheduling as the WNBA released its broadcast schedule, with 36 of the team's 40 games set to be televised nationally.

Last season, the Indiana Fever ranked as the second-worst team in the WNBA in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, drawing an average of 4,067 fans per game. They were only ahead of the Atlanta Dream and fell approximately 40% below the league's average attendance record of 6,615 fans per game.

ESPN reports that the Fever has experienced a surge in ticket sales, although the team has not disclosed specific numbers. Indiana has been conducting a special "presale" of tickets, releasing two games at a time before general tickets go on sale.

THE UNDERRATED LINE
While Caitlin Clark has been fantastic in moving women's basketball into the spotlight, the real question is whether the WNBA will capitalize on her momentum, which will have a real long-term impact on the game's popularity and players' salaries, which are ridiculously low.