She was a shoe-in at number one overall, and the Indiana Fever had jerseys ready to be sold ahead of their big pick.
Then again, not even they had anticipated just how popular the pick would be, with the jerseys selling out in under an hour after the pick was made.
Clark sold out arenas with her mere presence during her college days, and she is already having that impact for the Fever at professional level.
The impact is something 2022 number two pick NaLyssa Smith has detailed in a recent comment, saying: “We used to play in a barn with six fans.
Now we’re going to be playing in sold-out arenas.”
It’s not just the Fever who will benefit from Clark arriving in the WNBA.
Many of the Fever’s opponents have already moved their games against Indiana to a bigger venue to cash in on increased ticket sales.
The new season tips off on May 14, and the Fever will be part of the opening day broadcast.
Clark and her new teammates are expected to make plenty of noise this season, and they could make plenty of money along the way.
Moreover, Taurasi’s barbed comments directed at new fans of the WNBA drew criticism, with many questioning the necessity of disparaging individuals who are contributing to the growth of the league.
In an era where inclusivity and expansion are paramount, Taurasi’s remarks struck a discordant note, underscoring the challenges of navigating the delicate balance between tradition and progress.
Despite attempts to downplay the intensity of the rivalry, it’s evident that the underlying tension between Taurasi and Clark remains palpable.
As the WNBA braces for the clash between these two formidable competitors, the stage is set for a showdown that promises to captivate fans and add another chapter to the annals of women’s basketball history.