Well yes, but should she not be compensated for being a part of that increase in viewership? Let's be honest, she is the reason women's college basketball viewership is up. It is nice that because of her that other players will benefit, but she's a SUPER star, and thus should be rewarded as one. Caitlin is the GOLD standard.
I imagine a lot of SCar, UConn, and Iowa State fans are happy with this announcement.
I love it that Clark and the beloved former Scar legend Boston will be teammates. Scar fans will be conflicted.
I'm a big fan of Jackson myself and believe her game translates well into the WNBA. Not saying Holmes will, but I wouldn't be surprised she finds a niche at that level.
Ok Darren. Why so negative about someone's career choice? Perhaps she's done with college, wants to move on. Competitors will find a way to do so, no matter where they are. As someone with a daughter, wouldn't you want CC to participate in growing the women's game?
I had two daughters play basketball yet I would have to drag them kicking and screaming to a WNBA game. Not a problem with a UConn game. They were all in. Also, did I not say that I wish her well? There are certain financial constraints to the WNBA and while she may make more money due to endorsements (which she's doing now - thank you State Farm) she's going to have to travel abroad to make the major dollars. That and given when the season is there are plenty of other things for people to do. Right now all eyeballs are on the college game as we're post Super Bowl and pre Opening Day. She's got to major networks (Fox & ESPN) promoting her. When she gets to the next level it'll only be one. That being said, I wish her well and success in her new career.
Fair points.
She’s reportedly going to get $3m a year from a shoe deal, still keep all of her other sponsors (ball park guess another $1m, could be more when factoring in her exploding social media accounts if more deals are made), plus keep her WNBA salary, merch sales and any other bonuses that come with it. At the end of the day she’s likely making close to $5 million a year without going overseas.
One thing Holmes has that Gustafson didn't coming out of college is that she's a really good defender. Gustafson also having the range Holmes does. She doesn't have a consistent three yet, but she seems to be trying to make a good case to become a stretch four.
Which she should be compensated for. I'm hoping due to this, she will make upwards of 10 million dollars or more. Hopefully whoever is representing her will ask for TV revenue and gate receipts.
Something tells me the collective bargaining agreement won’t allow that.
Nor should they!
It just takes time. The league was and has been growing before her. It's not like she will hurt that trend.
Absolutely. I’m sure there will be an increase in fans, but I am just skeptical as to how much. And that isn’t a knock on Clark, obviously, just more of an indication of how difficult it is for the WNBA to grow.
I followed Boston and the freshies last year when they transitioned to the WNBA. I don't believe I watched more than 5 WNBA games before last year but last year I got the league pass and pretty much kept up with the Fever and Aces -- I watched like 30 or so games. I think Clark will have her fans that will make the transition. I don't believe it'll be a ridiculous amount but I think Iowa nation and some Clark fans will tune in.
I think you’re right, and I think your situation will certainly be similar to others. Every bit counts.
Yes every bit counts, but it's also generational. The audience that is now watching WBB and WNBA is much different than what we saw even a few years ago. Ratings are trending upwards consistently year after year. It's going to take time, no different than the NBA itself.I think you’re right, and I think your situation will certainly be similar to others. Every bit counts.
I admit I am part of the problem. I try to watch the WNBA, but I just can’t seem to watch it consistently. I have the same problem with the NBA too (though in my lifetime I’ve probably seen more WNBA than NBA). I just find college ball way more interesting.
The only difference is the NBA has tens of millions of fans so me not watching has basically zero impact.
It's the millionaires Drama Club to be exact!!!!
Re Toronto, considering who's behind it, I have a bit more faith. Larry Tannenbaum is well respected in NBA circles and is doing this without MLSE. Some pundits find it interesting and see it as a way to get back at one of the owners of Rogers who killed the original plan.
