The WNBA has experienced a significant increase in betting activity during the 2024 season, with BetMGM attributing some of it to the impact of rookie stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
The popularity of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is soaring to unprecedented heights, fueled by a surge in betting activity and the arrival of captivating rookie talents like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. BetMGM, a leading sportsbook, has witnessed a staggering increase in WNBA betting, showcasing the growing appeal of the league among fans and bettors alike.
According to Michael Ranftle, BetMGM's Senior Sports Trader, the surge has been remarkable: "BetMGM has already taken as many bets for the first half of the 2024 season as we did for all of 2023."
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Fuel Historic WNBA Betting Surge
This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of player prop offerings and the "Caitlin Clark Effect." Clark, a dynamic point guard from Iowa, has captivated the league with her electric play and has emerged as a betting favorite.
Another significant contributor is the rivalry between Clark and Reese, a standout forward from LSU. The two rookies have emerged as the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, generating substantial betting action.
"With half the season left to play, at FanDuel Sportsbook, they're the only two athletes on the board for Rookie of the Year," said a FanDuel spokesperson. "Clark is the heavy favorite at -2000; Reese has considerable ground to make up at +700."
The impact of Clark and Reese extends beyond their respective teams. Sports commentator Colin Cowherd has acknowledged their influence on the league's popularity.
"It's a Magic-Bird thing," Cowherd said. "What made Magic and Bird last is neither truly won the ‘who’s better’ [battle]. Remember, people chose sides for years."
"At one point, Magic was on top … and then Bird was on top. It just went back and forth. [Clark and Reese] are both excellent … but I think if [Clark] gets snubbed for Rookie of the Year, it just empowers her fan base and creates a true, real rivalry that's unbelievable for the league."
The betting surge on Clark is evident in her dominance of the player prop market. According to BetMGM, Clark has nearly five times more player prop bets than any other WNBA player during the first half of the season.
Clark's Indiana Fever are also making waves in the championship market. Despite their current seventh-place standing, the Fever have attracted the most wagers (21.6%) at BetMGM to win the title.
When it comes to MVP odds, Clark's ranking varies across sportsbooks. However, at BetMGM, she has the highest ticket percentage (54.9%) and handle percentage (43.9%) to claim the top honor.
The rise of Clark, Reese, and the WNBA has not gone unnoticed. ESPN recently featured the league's surge in popularity in a segment titled "The WNBA is Hot," highlighting the increased viewership, attendance, and betting activity.
The impact of Clark and Reese on the WNBA is undeniable. Their captivating play, coupled with the league's growing popularity, is driving a historic betting surge that is transforming the landscape of women's basketball.
