Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, has made a significant impact on WNBA betting, with the regular-season opener between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun drawing more bets than any game in the entire season. This game received six times more bets than the previous high-water mark in WNBA betting, which was last season’s Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. The popularity of Caitlin Clark has led to an increase in betting interest in the WNBA, with preseason games seeing a substantial rise in both the number of bets and the total amount of money wagered compared to the previous year.
Caitlin Clark has quickly become a favorite in WNBA MVP odds, taking 63% of MVP bets and 46% of MVP money at Caesars Sports. Despite the Fever’s loss in their season opener, they are still drawing significant attention in the betting realm, with 23% of all WNBA championship bets at Caesars. However, the Fever face tough odds, with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces being the favorite to win the title. The addition of Caitlin Clark to the roster has generated excitement among fans and bettors alike, leading to increased interest in WNBA futures such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and championship winner.
The rise in popularity of WNBA betting can also be attributed to a strong rookie class entering the league, with players like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink joining the ranks alongside Caitlin Clark. This influx of talent has created a buzz around the league, with betting interest expected to continue growing throughout the season. Clark, Brink, and Reese are the top three favorites in Caesars’ WNBA Rookie of the Year odds, with Clark being the early favorite at -700. Fans looking for bigger payouts may consider placing bets on Brink at +900 or Reese at +2500 for potential higher returns.
Overall, the addition of players like Caitlin Clark, along with a talented rookie class, has sparked a surge in interest in WNBA betting. The league’s preseason games saw a significant increase in wagers compared to the previous year, indicating a growing trend in WNBA betting. With records being broken regularly and prime-time TV spots increasing visibility for the women’s game, it is expected that WNBA betting will continue to gain momentum throughout the season. Bettors can look forward to an exciting season ahead with plenty of opportunities to wager on their favorite teams and players.
