A Pivotal Draft: Will the Arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Resse Usher in a New Era in the WNBA?

WNBA draft day is upon us!

Candace Parker once posed the question, “Who will be the Dr. Buss of the WNBA” and while great owners/executives with vision and the money to invest are crucial. Executives need pieces to move around!! And this draft class offers several new ones. With players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Resse making waves during their NCAA basketball careers, the anticipation for their impact on the professional level is through the roof.

Clark and Resse's success both on and off the court during their college careers has set a new standard for aspiring female athletes, with both women seeing significantly more from their NIL deals than some WNBA stars make in a season. Their skill, charisma, and marketability have sparked new discussions about the pay gap in women's sports and the potential for a more lucrative future in the WNBA.

So, could we be witnessing the dawn of a new era in women's basketball? Just as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revolutionized the NBA in the 1980s, Clark and Resse have the potential to elevate the WNBA to new heights. That’s just how big of an impact their rivalry and blatant competitive natures has had on audiences, and it’s sure to inspire other women athletes. 

For those of us who have been eager to see the WNBA reach new levels of competitiveness, the emergence of star players like Clark and Resse is cause for celebration. The marketing specialist in me is hopeful that the increased attention will force the league to address its team merch issue. Like I can’t get behind the majority of WNBA gear being unisex when history shows there’s a market for separate gear for men and women. I also hope all my PR girls recognize the need for strategic investments to build a strong revenue stream and elevate the league's profile in the sports world. 

The momentum is building, the excitement is so thick you can feel it, and the future of women's basketball is brighter than ever. The WNBA is on the brink of a new era, and the possibilities are endless. Get ready to witness history in the making as the league rises to greater heights.

You can catch the WNBA draft tonight at 7:30 on ESPN.