Texas Women’s Basketball’s Director of Player Development, Sydney Carter, recently shared her insights on the rising stars of women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, during an appearance on ‘Way Up With Angela Yee.’ Carter highlighted the shifting landscape of women’s basketball and the increasing prominence of teams beyond traditional powerhouses like UConn and Stanford.

Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark prove women's basketball needs its own TV deal - Sports Illustrated

Carter emphasized the emergence of what she termed as “generational talents” in Clark and Reese, acknowledging their significant impact on the sport. She noted that while in the past, the spotlight was predominantly on teams like UConn and Stanford, now schools like Iowa, NC State, and Texas are also at the forefront, attracting top talent and garnering attention.

Reflecting on the recent viewership records, Carter highlighted the growing popularity of women’s basketball, citing the high viewership numbers for the women’s finals between Iowa and South Carolina. The significant viewership figures, surpassing those of the men’s finals, underscored the increasing interest in women’s basketball and its expanding fan base.

The influence of Clark and Reese, often referred to as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” extends beyond the college game into the WNBA. Ticket prices for matchups featuring the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, where Clark and Reese now play, have surged as fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the talents of these former college superstars on the professional stage.

Last year, tickets for similar matchups were available at relatively low prices, but with the arrival of Clark and Reese in the WNBA, ticket prices have skyrocketed. Fans are willing to pay a premium to witness these highly anticipated matchups, with ticket prices reaching as high as $300 for some games, underscoring the immense popularity and marketability of these two young stars in the women’s basketball world.