On Friday, Magic Johnson sparked widespread discussion by defining a superstar as
“someone who can go on the road and sell the building out.”
His remark immediately became a hot topic within the basketball community, prompting varied opinions on what truly makes a player a superstar.
Gilbert Arenas Names Caitlin Clark Among Basketball’s Elite
During an episode of Gil’s Arena that same day, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas weighed in on the debate. He identified only three players who meet Johnson’s standard: Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Caitlin Clark. When asked if Clark qualifies as a “mega star,” Arenas firmly affirmed,
“Yes… There are a few megas, but she’s a mega.”
Caitlin Clark’s Rise from Collegiate Excellence to WNBA Stardom
Caitlin Clark, a guard for the Indiana Fever, rose to prominence after an exceptional college career at Iowa, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she quickly made her mark in the league. In her rookie season, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, securing Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the first WNBA rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to earn All-WNBA recognition.
Clark’s Impact Extends Beyond the Court, Boosting Ticket Sales and Attendance
Now in her second season, Clark continues to deliver strong performances, averaging 19.9 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds despite having missed games due to injury. Her influence is perhaps most evident off the court, as the Fever have seen a dramatic increase in fan engagement. Since Clark’s arrival, ticket sales surged 93% compared to 2023, with the team becoming the WNBA’s top trending franchise. According to StubHub, ticket sales were 13 times higher than the previous year, while average ticket prices jumped 80%, reaching around $175 for away games—significantly above league averages.
Record-Breaking Crowds Highlight Clark’s Star Power
Reflecting her drawing power, a record crowd of 19,496 packed the United Center on June 7 when the Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, setting a franchise attendance record for the venue. This milestone underscores Clark’s ability to energize fans and sell out arenas on the road, fulfilling the “building sell-out” criterion Johnson described.
Superstar Status Beyond Championships
While some argue that superstar status should be based on championships or MVP titles, Clark’s market impact presents an equally persuasive case. As Arenas stated,
“The definition of superstar has nothing to do with your team’s success. Superstar is you.”
This perspective shifts the focus to individual influence and fan engagement as key measures of true stardom in today’s sports landscape.