Story perspectives

Clark boosts attendance, merch; Thomas suspended, GOP demands accountability

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attendance rose from 6,615 in 2023 to 9,807 in 2024 after Caitlin Clark arrived.
Sellouts increased to 154 and merchandise sales jumped 601% in 2024.
On June 24, Alyssa Thomas earned a Flagrant-2 foul and a one-game suspension for striking Clark’s neck.
Eleven Republican lawmakers sent commissioner Cathy Engelbert a letter demanding accountability for Clark’s “hostile work environment,” prompting her to say league will use technology and policies to combat hate.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1997 debut—when the New York Liberty beat the Los Angeles Sparks before 14,284 fans and the league fielded eight teams—the WNBA has grown to twelve franchises by 2024. High-profile players such as Lisa Leslie and, most recently, Caitlin Clark have repeatedly boosted attendance and prompted political scrutiny, exemplified by Republican lawmakers’ letter to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

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Story summary

Attendance rose from 6,615 in 2023 to 9,807 in 2024 after Caitlin Clark arrived.
Sellouts increased to 154 and merchandise sales jumped 601% in 2024.
On June 24, Alyssa Thomas earned a Flagrant-2 foul and a one-game suspension for striking Clark’s neck.
Eleven Republican lawmakers sent commissioner Cathy Engelbert a letter demanding accountability for Clark’s “hostile work environment,” prompting her to say league will use technology and policies to combat hate.

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