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3 Ways Paige Bueckers Could Replicate ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’ in WNBA
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark set the tone when it comes to a singular player that can have such a transformative impact on a league that it sets it up for tremendous growth. This season, many believed Paige Bueckers would help continue the growth and lead the league into a new profitable era.

All the way from high school into their freshman season in college, the Minnesota native was considered to be the better overall player and the bigger star. When injuries sidelined the UConn guard, Clark took her place as the best player in college.

Her development as an elite point guard helped matters, and the freedom she received from her coaches unleashed the extremely popular logo threes. That pushed her to a level of superstardom that was unparalleled in women’s sports.

When Clark decided to move to the WNBA, that stardom followed and the league instantly started to see its benefits. In year 2, she continues to draw sold out arenas, the most merchandise sales, as well as the viewership in the millions.

Some might believe Bueckers has not reached that level yet. But the response from All-Star fan votes, and the packed arenas watching her play, suggest she is about to replicate the ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’ in the league.

Paige Bueckers has a massive fan following of her own

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are part of the golden era of college athletes who have millions of followers of their own from their times in college. Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Hailey Van Lith, JuJu Watkins, and Flau’jae Johnson are also part of this golden era.

They all have millions of social media followers and usually command the attention of fans whenever they are in public. Clark had talked about this when recommending that the Dallas Wings should lease the larger American Airlines Center for the 2nd of their home games against her Fever.

She reiterated that her college rival and close friend has enough fans to justify such a move, and it would only be beneficial for her team’s revenue. After the rookie started off rough in her initial three games, she has caught fire, delivering impactful performances.

Her fame and those performances have ended up packing College Park Center in their past few games. If this continues, the Wings might have to permanently lease the larger arena to cater to her fans. Bueckers has that kind of pull.

Fans love watching Paige Bueckers dominating as a rookie

When Caitlin Clark came into the WNBA, many explained how her exciting style of play was the primary reason for hordes of fans to start watching Indiana Fever games. Paige Bueckers might not be pulling up from the logo like her friend, but her game is exciting in its own way.

The way she shoots efficiently from anywhere, defends intelligently, and sets her teammates up with high IQ schemes, sets her apart. Her performances go on to reinforce the fact that, like Clark, Bueckers and the golden generation play in ways that excites fans.

It is different from the bland, ‘high-school layup-style basketball’ WNBA fans have been accustomed to seeing throughout its existence. Such exciting plays are what fans want to see, and Bueckers is delivering that as a rookie against established elite veterans.

Paige Bueckers’ humility is greatly respected

When the Caitlin Clark phenomenon hit the WNBA, it divided its fans among those who are right leaning, as well as those who are liberal. The former believe she represents what most of America and the world are.

The liberals did not say much, but their vague criticisms felt like they were jealous of all that fame. When it comes to Paige Bueckers, there seems to be no such division. Even though she is a staunch liberal, fans from both sides admire her for what she is.

Her humility is what makes her the quiet superstar that all fans would like. She does not brag about her abilities or what she has achieved. Instead, her constant gratitude grows on fans, and they respect her for what she has done.

Fans admire such grounded superstars, and along with her already elite game as a rookie, Paige Bueckers is gaining more fans by the day. This in turn will have the ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’ that the WNBA wants to use in its efforts to become a profitable and growing league.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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