The Caitlin Clark effect is real, and it's spectacular – at least if you're an online sportsbook.
According to a report by Optimove Insights, betting on women's games in the 2024 NCAA basketball tournament was up 540% over last year, and the credit goes directly to Clark.
This would seemingly indicate betting on WNBA games – the season tips off Tuesday night with four games, including Clark's Indiana Fever on the road against the Connecticut Sun – is also set for a betting boost.
“As the WNBA season is about to tip off on May 14, it is doing so with a generational player,” said Rony Vexelman, the VP of marketing at Optimove. “The substantial boost in overall interest in women's basketball catalyzed by Caitlin Clark is extraordinary. Her influence on boosting betting, TV viewership and more is already starting to drive a new women's basketball economy in the trillions.”'