Caitlin Clark Named Most Influential Woman in Sports: What This Means for Women’s Athletics

Complex has released its list of the 10 Most Influential Women in Sports, and Caitlin Clark has claimed the top spot, surpassing Angel Reese and even Olympic icon Simone Biles. The rankings have sent shockwaves through the world of women’s sports, sparking debate and discussion. But is this truly surprising? The numbers behind Clark’s influence suggest otherwise.

Clark has already been named the fourth most marketable athlete in the world by SportsPro, ranking ahead of both male and female superstars across various sports. With her dominance on the court and undeniable impact on the WNBA, she has single-handedly reshaped the conversation around women’s basketball. So, how did Complex determine this list, and what does it reveal about the changing landscape of women’s sports?

Breaking Down the Rankings

The Complex Top 10 Most Influential Women in Sports list isn’t based on trophies alone. The rankings factor in marketability, cultural influence, social media engagement, and overall impact beyond sports. Here’s how the rankings played out:

10. Coco Gauff

The 19-year-old U.S. Open champion, already a face of American tennis, surprisingly ranks at the bottom of this list. With over 2 million Instagram followers and multiple endorsement deals, her influence is undeniable, yet she sits behind college athletes.

9. JuJu Watkins

Despite never playing a professional game, Watkins’ influence is already substantial. A rising star in college basketball, she has captured attention through social media, brand deals, and her potential to reshape the sport in the coming years.

8. Cameron Brink

Another college basketball star making waves before entering the pros. Brink’s presence extends beyond the court, as she has used her platform to elevate women’s sports visibility.

7. Paige Bueckers

Despite injuries slowing her career, Bueckers remains one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. Her Nike endorsement and massive social media following place her among the most influential female athletes.

6. Sabrina Ionescu

Ionescu’s influence extends beyond the WNBA. Her participation in the NBA three-point contest against Steph Curry showcased her talent and further bridged the gap between men’s and women’s sports.

5. A’ja Wilson

The reigning WNBA MVP and champion, Wilson is one of the most dominant players in the game today. Beyond her on-court success, she has been a vocal advocate for pay equity and media representation in women’s sports.

4. Sha’Carri Richardson

The track and field star has transcended her sport, becoming a cultural icon through her comeback story and unapologetic authenticity. Her social media presence and influence in fashion and pop culture set her apart from traditional athletes.

3. Simone Biles

Arguably the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles has revolutionized gymnastics with her unmatched skill set. Her impact on mental health awareness in sports has made her one of the most important voices in athletics today.

2. Angel Reese

Reese’s impact stretches far beyond basketball. She has secured major endorsements, become the first female athlete to have a signature McDonald’s meal, and is set to release a signature shoe in 2026. She has also graced the cover of Vogue’s Winter 2025 Edition, cementing her place in fashion and pop culture.

1. Caitlin Clark

Clark’s dominance isn’t just on the court—it’s in the numbers. She has redefined what marketability means for a women’s basketball player. Here’s a look at her record-breaking influence:

WNBA attendance skyrocketed 105% when Clark was on the court compared to games without her.

Her rookie debut viewership increased by 200%—a level of attention never seen before in the WNBA.

Indiana Fever home attendance jumped by 265%, with 186,000 fans attending games—one of the highest in league history.

Fever’s total attendance in 2024 is projected to exceed 600,000, a number that dwarfs even the best-attended seasons in WNBA history.

WNBA team jersey sales increased by 1,193% year-over-year, largely due to Clark’s arrival.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

Clark’s influence goes beyond ticket sales. She is proving that women’s basketball can be just as marketable, profitable, and widely watched as men’s sports. When she plays, arenas sell out. Fans pay thousands for resale tickets, something unheard of in women’s basketball until now.

Her presence alone has fundamentally changed the economic reality of the WNBA.

The Clark vs. Reese Rivalry: More Than Just a Game

The rivalry between Clark and Reese has dominated sports headlines since their college days. Their clash in the NCAA championship game put women’s basketball in the national spotlight like never before. Now, with both players in the WNBA, the rivalry continues to fuel intense debates and fan interest.

Reese’s cultural influence is undeniable—she has become a fashion icon, a pop culture figure, and a brand powerhouse. But Clark’s on-court impact and ability to drive business growth in women’s sports is simply unprecedented.

The Future of Women’s Sports

What does this list tell us about the state of women’s sports in 2024?

Women’s sports are no longer an afterthought

 These athletes are dominating headlines, securing major sponsorships, and setting attendance/viewership records.

Marketability is evolving

 It’s not just about trophies anymore. Athletes who build personal brands and resonate with audiences off the court are redefining influence.

The business of women’s basketball has changed forever

 Thanks to Caitlin Clark’s historic impact, the WNBA is entering a

new era of profitability and mainstream attention

Conclusion: Influence Beyond the Game

The Complex rankings have made one thing clear—women’s sports are booming. Caitlin Clark’s influence is more than just a headline; it’s a tangible business transformation. Angel Reese’s brand-building efforts prove that marketability isn’t just about championships.

But at the top of it all stands Clark. Not just as the most influential woman in sports, but as a game-changer who has fundamentally reshaped the industry.

The future of women’s sports has never been brighter, and it’s athletes like Clark, Reese, and others on this list who are paving the way for generations to come. The question now is—who will be next to redefine the game?