WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is happy with how the league is growing, thanks in part to rookies Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. And, she recently took the excitement to a whole new level after announcing three new franchises coming in a couple of years.
But it’s not only the commissioner who talks highly about her league and players, the investors are getting into it, too. With new views and attendance records, the Dallas Mavericks CEO spoke about the impact of CC and PB on the league. He even credits past efforts for the league’s current state.
Mavericks CEO Praises Caitlin Clark & Paige Bueckers For WNBA Growth
Everyone talked about the ‘Caitlin Clark Effect” and how it transformed the WNBA for good. The league is reaching new highs in sales, viewership, and commercial deals. Everyone associated with the ‘W’ is now reaping the fruits of success.
The Dallas Mavericks CEO, Rick Welts, also praised the players and singled out CC and the Wings’ rookie for their positive impact on the league and fans. The 72-year-old executive played a pivotal role in launching the WNBA. Since then, he has been following the league and knows the commercials inside out.
“I love everything that’s happening right now. This isn’t something that just happened. And I’m so happy for the players, executives, and coaches who for 28 years have built a foundation that has allowed Clark and Bueckers to come in now and spark the interest and enthusiasm surrounding the WNBA,” Welt said in an interview.
The WNBA has moved the Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever to the Mavericks’ arena due to high demand, per @ScottAgness
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 7, 2025
Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark 🍿 pic.twitter.com/nSp5JNNh6r
Last season, 22 games were available on broadcasting networks, receiving around 1 million views. The number is now up, with only the Indiana Fever’s 40 games available on the network in 2025. Sponsors and broadcasters are now pouring more money into the league, with signs of profit from the ‘W’.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Paige Bueckers Acknowledges Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Popularity
When drafted into the ‘W’, the 2025 rookie faced many questions. It also included comparison with CC and her thoughts on the Fever guard. The wings’ guard had nothing but praise for her competitor, and the Iowa star also showed mutual respect in her interview. When talking about its popularity, PB mentioned that the 23-year-old star has more pulling power.
“Caitlin’s been dealing with this ever since high school, where every single game is going to be sold out. Everybody’s coming to watch Caitlin, and it’s just brought so many more eyes to the game. People are coming into it for Caitlin and end up fans of so many other athletes,” Bueckers told the reporter (Via X/drafts95452567).
Paige: “Caitlin’s been dealing with this ever since highschool where every single game is going to be soldout. Everybody’s coming to watch Caitlin and it's just brought so many more eyes to the game. People are coming into it for Caitlin and end up fans of so many other athletes” pic.twitter.com/bqu363DkYd
— drafts (@drafts95452567) June 28, 2025
Both star guards have played against each other multiple times since college. The 2024 rookie is undefeated in four mega matchups, but the UConn prodigy had better stats in those games and the season. In ‘W’ also the 2025 rookie is breaking multiple records CC has set in her rookie season. While both players are still improving, the league is benefiting from their presence and rivalry on the court.