Clark, Reese excited about leap to WNBA

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and a deep WNBA draft class hope the momentum they created lifting U.S. women’s college basketball to new heights carries over to the pros.

“We’re not just basketball players, we’re super impactful to the community, the people around us, the little kids that look up to us, and being able to also be nationwide, everybody knows us everywhere we go,” Reese said after the Chicago Sky selected the former LSU star with the No. 7 pick. “Our lives aren’t normal. We might get a little bit of normalcy going into the league now, but I’m just excited to be a trailblazer. I’m excited to be a part of history, and just continue to see the future, and I know it’s bright.”

They’ll need to perform on the court for that momentum to continue at the next level and boost the league, which is coming off its own strong year. The WNBA just had its mostwatched season in 21 years, averaging 462,000 viewers per game.

The league also had its most-watched final in 20 years. Viewership was up 36 per cent from the previous season. The league’s attendance rose 16 per cent — its highest figure since 2018. Throw Clark into the mix and that number could grow exponentially.

The potential impact of this draft class wasn’t lost on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“It’s so clear this draft class is entering the WNBA at an incredible time,” she said.

Clark, who finished her collegiate career as NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, has helped bring millions of fans to the women’s game with her signature shots from the midcourt logo and dazzling passing ability. The Iowa star was a big reason why a record 18.9 million viewers tuned in to the NCAA championship game.