Caitlin Clark's Fever impact is so massive even the government had questions

The Caitlin Clark effect is real, something that's been proven time and time again. From increased game attendance to WNBA viewership to the sheer amount of money fans are pouring into the league, a lot of the WNBA's rapid growth in the last year can be attributed to the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick. And, as it turns out, the growth has been so fast that even the IRS had to investigate what exactly was going on.

On Thursday "The Right Time" host Bomani Jones revealed that the Fever sold so much Caitlin Clark merchandise that the IRS stepped in and audited the organization — a wild feat for an athlete who is only in her second year of play in the WNBA.

As Jones and Travonne Edwards pointed out, the next question is clear: just how sustainable is the interest in Clark, the Fever, and the WNBA as a whole? This year's season is still young but is already providing answers: fans are still showing up at games (even while Clark is out) and buying merch, and they're also still tuning in via ABC, ION, or ESPN.

Based on the numbers we've seen so far, things are only going to keep getting better for the WNBA. The Fever's game against the Sun — the team's first without Clark on the court — brought in a record 851,000 viewers for ION, a first for the network a strong sign that fan interest in the league isn't slowing down anytime soon.

When Caitlin Clark will be back on the court for the Fever

Of course, that doesn't mean fans don't want to see Clark back on the court as soon as possible. Clark spoke to reporters following the Fever's practice Thursday and offered a glimpse into a possible timeline.

While she admitted she isn't exactly sure when she'll return to the game, Clark noted she will be reevaluated this weekend. She also added that the injury does have a silver lining: Clark has been able to support her teammates in a way she's never had the opportunity to do so before.

The hooper also added that she's putting her effort into being a great teammate. "More than anything, I think just focusing on being a really good teammate. Being there for my teammates, being a voice for them. That’s what I am for them when I’m playing so you have to be that consistent voice," she said.

The Fever have battled a lot lately

Clark isn't the only member of the team who has gone down with injury of late. Both Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham were injured during the Fever's May 30 game against the Sun, and Cunningham didn't play in the next game against the Mystics.