The 2024 WNBA season wrapped up over the weekend, with the New York Liberty grinding out a title-clinching win in a thrilling Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx. The finals posted strong viewership numbers, which was especially encouraging since the teams didn’t feature too many high-profile stars aside from Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Sabrina Ionescu. But the ability of great players, who may be lesser known than those three, to generate views is a fantastic sign for the league.

Despite the strong numbers, the league will probably be hoping next year’s WNBA Finals feature some of the very top stars that drive fans to games and to screens. A return to the finals for A’ja Wilson would be great, but getting the likes of Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese there would be a godsend for the league. Clark, in particular, would be a huge boon for everyone if she were to make it that far with the Indiana Fever; even more so than Reese.

Stephen A. Smith proves the effect and reality of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA after her elimination

Caitlin Clark ranked ahead of Lionel Messi in “Most Marketable Athletes” list

The reason for that is because Clark is now considered one of the Top 5 most marketable athletes in any sport. SportsPro published its Top 50 list, which has been around for 15 years, that takes into account several metrics in order to decide a player’s marketability. Clark came in 4th, even ahead of global soccer superstar Lionel Messi.

Simone Biles – 96.16 marketability score

Vinicius Junior – 91.52 marketability score

LeBron James – 91.26 marketability score

Caitlin Clark – 90.26 marketability score

Lionel Messi – 89.67 marketability score

Reese came in at 26th on the list, with her “brand strength” score being well behind Clark’s. Reese definitely continues to build her brand in a smart way, even launching her own podcast recently.

But it’s been clear that despite many comparing the two, Clark is the better player with more market value.