The last couple of years have been amazing for the WNBA. It all started with Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the league. With the CC Effect in full force, the league grew like it never had before. With increased engagement from fans, the league has reached a new high. If the CC Effect was not enough, the entry of rookies such as Paige Bueckers has even boosted the monumental growth.
Even before Bueckers made her WNBA debut for the Wings, the demand for tickets soared by 351%. This was even more surprising considering the prices for Wings’ games also had increased by more than four times. Sure, part of it is the ever-growing Caitlin Clark wave, but it was much more than just that. Paige Bueckers’ impact was the real deal, as evidenced by a new viewership record against the Indiana Fever.
On June 27, the Dallas Wings faced the Indiana Fever. The hype around the game was unreal, with the game billed as the epic showdown between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. The two stars who’ll define this era of the WNBA. But all the hype melted away as quickly as snow in the sun, as CC was ruled out of the fixture due to a groin injury. Despite this huge setback for Clark and for the league, the game garnered an average viewership of 1.1 million views, breaking multiple records.
The Paige Bueckers Masterclass on June 27th was watched by an average of 1.1 million with a peak of 1.5m viewers. Highest game on Ion without CC playing pic.twitter.com/cuGTPAPO4j
— Brianna Mitchell (@Brianna39702494) July 16, 2025
Caitlin Clark, who? It was the Paige Bueckers effect. It was her gravitas and standing in the game that made fans watch this encounter, in spite of CC’s absence. While Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable, it is encouraging to see that even without her playing, there is enough firepower in the league to create history. And now looking back, all the hype around the Dallas star
Paige Bueckers lives up to the hype as a Record-Breaking Season Continues
Paige Bueckers’ arrival in the league was full of hype and expectations. Coming into the league as a national champion and a leader of her college team, the UConn Huskies, fans expected her to lead Dallas to a successful season. However, the season didn’t quite pan out as planned. Injuries and lack of experience seem to have caught the team out as they sit near the bottom of the league.
But while the team’s success may not be there, Paige Bueckers’ brilliance has been evident for all to see. Her season so far has included breaking numerous records, viral moments, and, of course, being named an All-Star starter. She became only the 10th player in the league’s history to be named an All-Star starter in her rookie year. But that wasn’t enough.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On her way to becoming the All-Star selection, she broke Caitlin Clark’s record of most votes received by a rookie. She broke the record with a huge margin of more than 100K votes. Paige Bueckers also broke the record by taking the fewest games to reach 200+ points, 50+ assists, and 50+ rebounds.
Already having multiple 20+ points explosive games, it is safe to say that Paige Bueckers is on a historic trajectory. Paige Bueckers is ready to carry the league on her shoulders when Caitlin Clark is not available.
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