In a move that has sparked massive fan backlash, Kevin Durant's sports media company Boardroom released its 2026 marketability rankings, placing WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark at No. 3 — behind A'ja Wilson at No. 1 and Paige Bueckers at No. 2. The ranking has left fans scratching their heads, given Clark's undeniable star power and commercial success.
Let's be clear: Caitlin Clark is a force both on and off the court. She has her own signature Nike shoe and apparel line, and all 44 of her games this season are slated for national television. Fans are flocking to arenas just to see her play, and her influence has been a major driver of the WNBA's surging popularity. So why the disconnect?
Boardroom's list isn't the only game in town. The Covers WNBA Marketability Index, which uses search volume data, paints a very different picture. In that ranking, Clark sits comfortably at No. 1 with a score of 83, followed by Angel Reese at No. 2 with an 80. Reese, a social media powerhouse with over 12 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and X, leveraged her savvy personal branding to land at No. 4 on Boardroom's list for the Atlanta Dream.
This isn't the first time Clark has been undervalued by media rankings. Back in June 2024, early in her rookie season, ESPN's analytical model placed her at No. 6 among WNBA rookies — a head-scratcher then, too. Around the same time, a media member even voted for Reese over Clark for Rookie of the Year, preventing a unanimous decision, though the voter's identity was never officially revealed.
The conversation around Clark's marketability often touches on deeper themes. In June 2025, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith called Clark a "golden goose" and a "rising tide that's lifting all boats," while acknowledging that her immense popularity sometimes stirs resentment within the WNBA. Analyst Monica McNutt went further, telling BBC News in April 2025 that Clark's background plays a role in her appeal: "She was a white girl from the middle of America… and so she represented" a certain demographic that has resonated widely.
Whether you agree with Boardroom's ranking or not, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is a generational talent whose impact on the WNBA — and the sports apparel market — is undeniable. For fans and brands alike, she remains the player to watch.