In the world of sports, star power and marketability often drive narratives, ticket sales, and TV ratings. Athletes who can capture the attention of millions become the focal point, not just for their respective teams but for the growth of the sport as a whole. The question of whether certain players or franchises are “good” for their sport is frequently debated. One such conversation has emerged around Caitlin Clark’s influence on women’s basketball and, on the men’s side, the potential of the New York Knicks to draw widespread attention. According to a rival NBA executive, “It’s all about eyeballs,” when discussing the impact that Clark and the Knicks have on their leagues.
There’s no denying that Caitlin Clark, the dynamic guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has become one of the most influential players in women’s basketball. Her incredible scoring ability, deep three-pointers, and clutch performances have turned her into a must-watch player, even for casual fans. Clark’s rise to stardom has been a significant factor in the increased visibility of women’s college basketball, as she has helped draw new fans to the game and elevate its presence on social media and national broadcasts.
Her impact extends beyond just her own games. Clark’s influence has contributed to a broader interest in women’s basketball, making high-profile matchups, like those against other top programs such as UConn and South Carolina, appointment viewing. This surge in interest is visible in the increased TV ratings, social media engagement, and packed arenas whenever she steps onto the court.
A rival NBA executive pointed out, “Caitlin Clark is doing for women’s basketball what some of the biggest names have done for the NBA—she’s drawing attention, creating buzz, and making people want to watch. That’s invaluable for growing the sport.”
Indeed, as the women’s game continues to expand its audience, stars like Clark play a crucial role in bringing in new viewers and showcasing the skill, intensity, and excitement that the game has to offer. Her style of play—marked by fearlessness and deep shooting range—mirrors that of the top NBA stars, making her appeal cross over to those who are fans of the men’s game as well.
When the conversation shifts to the NBA, the New York Knicks occupy a unique space in the basketball world. The Knicks have long been considered one of the league’s most valuable franchises, not just because of their history but due to their location in New York City, the media capital of the world. As a result, when the Knicks are competitive, it tends to have an outsized effect on the visibility and popularity of the NBA as a whole. Even with the frustrations that have accompanied their long stretches of struggles, a winning Knicks team generates a level of excitement that few other franchises can match.
“Like it or not, when the Knicks are good, it’s good for the league,” the NBA executive added. “New York is a massive market, and people around the country—even those who love to root against them—pay attention when the Knicks are relevant.”
This perspective is rooted in the reality that the Knicks command a massive fan base and have a media presence that few other teams can rival. Their games are often nationally televised, their storylines make headlines, and their successes (or failures) become talking points on sports networks. When the Knicks perform well, it energizes a market that the NBA heavily relies on for viewership and revenue.
The comparison between Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s basketball and the potential for the Knicks to influence the NBA is rooted in the idea that both have the ability to attract eyeballs—drawing in fans and raising the overall profile of their sport. In both cases, it’s about more than just wins and losses; it’s about creating moments that resonate with fans, building narratives that captivate audiences, and showcasing talent that can elevate the sport’s popularity.
For Caitlin Clark, her buzzer-beaters, scoring explosions, and highlight-reel plays have made her a household name among basketball enthusiasts. This, in turn, has helped bring a greater focus to women’s basketball, leading to increased media coverage, sponsorships, and opportunities for other players in the game.
For the Knicks, their potential impact on the NBA lies in their ability to bring big-market attention to the league. A successful Knicks team draws more viewers, creates more interest in marquee matchups, and fills Madison Square Garden—often referred to as “The Mecca of Basketball”—with passionate fans. In the words of the NBA executive, “People tune in to watch the Knicks, even if it’s just to see them lose. It’s the nature of the beast. And that’s why the league is always better off when New York is in the mix.”
While the executive acknowledged that there are fans who may not particularly like the attention that stars like Clark or teams like the Knicks receive, he emphasized that their presence is ultimately beneficial for the sport. “You need those polarizing figures, those teams that people love or love to hate. They’re the ones who bring in casual viewers and keep the sport in the conversation,” he explained. “Caitlin Clark is doing that for women’s basketball, and when the Knicks are competitive, they do that for the NBA.”
It’s a win-win situation for the leagues. Clark’s popularity helps grow women’s basketball, attracting fans who might not have watched before. Similarly, a competitive Knicks team can drive up viewership numbers and keep the NBA at the forefront of sports discussions, especially during critical parts of the season like the playoffs.
The impact of star players and storied franchises goes beyond the box score—it’s about creating an emotional connection with fans, delivering memorable moments, and keeping the sport in the spotlight. Caitlin Clark’s rise in women’s basketball and the potential for the New York Knicks to be a factor in the NBA both illustrate the importance of visibility and marketability in modern sports.
As the rival NBA executive pointed out, it really is “all about eyeballs.” For leagues looking to grow and reach new audiences, having figures like Clark and teams like the Knicks leading the way can make all the difference. While there may be those who question the attention they receive, the bigger picture shows that their ability to captivate audiences is ultimately a positive force for the growth of basketball as a whole.