Caitlin Clark, the star player of the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, has emerged as a global phenomenon, with her influence extending far beyond the basketball court. While her on-court achievements are unparalleled—her impressive scoring abilities, especially her record-breaking three-pointers, and leadership skills—what makes Caitlin truly exceptional is the impact she has had on people from all walks of life, transcending borders and redefining what it means to be a sports icon.

In a small refugee camp in northern Uganda, a group of young women gathered around a solar-powered monitor to watch Caitlin Clark play. These women, displaced by war and living in harsh conditions, had never seen a basketball game before, let alone heard of Caitlin Clark. But as they watched her on the screen, sinking three-pointer after three-pointer with grace and confidence, they were captivated. They could not only appreciate her athleticism, but also the way she carried herself—her poise, determination, and unwavering confidence. For them, Caitlin Clark became a symbol of hope and possibility.

The introduction of basketball as a therapeutic tool in the refugee camp, led by the nonprofit organization Child Voice, was initially met with skepticism. Many of the young women had never even touched a basketball. But as they began to watch Caitlin Clark’s games, something changed. What started as curiosity quickly turned into admiration. They mimicked her moves, practicing jump shots and crossovers in their free time. More importantly, Caitlin’s confidence and determination resonated deeply with them. Her success on the court showed them that their dreams were not limited by their circumstances. They could aspire to greatness, too.

The staff at Child Voice noticed the transformation firsthand. Richard Kinba, the head of the organization in Uganda, remarked that these girls, who had endured unimaginable hardships, began to carry themselves differently. They started to dream bigger, not just about basketball, but about their education, careers, and futures. Caitlin Clark had shown them that their past did not define their future.

What Caitlin had done in a remote Ugandan refugee camp is not unique. Her influence is also palpable back home in Iowa, where she has sparked an economic revolution. Over the course of her four-year career at the University of Iowa, Caitlin Clark has generated an estimated $82.5 million in community and state consumer spending. The phenomenon, now referred to as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” has transformed Iowa City into a bustling hub of activity, with local businesses reaping the rewards of her popularity.

Before Caitlin’s rise to stardom, Iowa City’s economy followed a steady, predictable rhythm. Local bars and restaurants were frequented by a loyal, steady customer base, with a few out-of-state visitors during games. However, as Caitlin’s profile grew, so did the number of fans flocking to see her play. In fact, out-of-state attendance at Hawkeye women’s basketball games skyrocketed during Caitlin’s senior year, increasing by more than 38,000 visitors. Local businesses that once had moderate traffic reported profits nearly tripling, especially during major events like March Madness. The demand for tickets surged, with secondary market prices reaching as high as $390—something virtually unheard of for a women’s sports event.

The ripple effect Caitlin has caused goes beyond bars and restaurants. She has turned Iowa City into a hotbed of activity, attracting fans and tourists alike, all eager to witness her historic performances. The local economy has benefitted from the influx of visitors, with fans spending money at local businesses before and after games, further contributing to Iowa’s economic growth. The phenomenon of the “Caitlin Clark Effect” is transforming not just the sports culture but the entire economic landscape of the state.

This dramatic shift in Iowa’s economy mirrors a much larger movement within the world of women’s sports. For decades, women’s sports, and especially women’s basketball, struggled to gain the same level of recognition and revenue as their male counterparts. Historically, the WNBA, for example, faced challenges in drawing consistent crowds and lucrative television deals. But Caitlin’s rise has turned this narrative on its head, paving the way for future generations of female athletes. In 2023, the WNBA saw a notable increase in both attendance and viewership, and by 2024, ticket prices for Caitlin’s debut game in the WNBA reached as high as $1,000, a staggering contrast to the league’s usual price range of $20 to $200.

Her success on the court has transcended beyond just her play to reshape the digital landscape as well. Social media engagement for women’s basketball has surged, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok seeing a 300% increase in interactions related to the sport. Caitlin Clark, with her growing social media presence, has surpassed many established WNBA stars, drawing attention to the sport from new, younger audiences. Television ratings for her games have also soared, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch her play. This surge in interest is reshaping the market for women’s sports and has even caused ticket sales for women’s basketball to outpace those for men’s games in some instances, marking a seismic shift in how women’s sports are valued.

Beyond the immediate impact on the WNBA and the broader sports industry, Caitlin Clark is also changing the way society views women in sports. Her ability to combine fierce competitiveness with humility and grace has made her a beloved figure both on and off the court. She uses her platform to support charitable causes, speak out on issues that matter to her, and advocate for equality in sports. Her influence extends far beyond the basketball court—she has become a role model for young people, particularly girls, who see in her not just a brilliant athlete but a kind, confident, and thoughtful individual.

As Caitlin’s star continues to rise, her potential to inspire change on a global scale only grows. From Ugandan refugee camps to the streets of Iowa City, her impact is felt everywhere. Caitlin’s success proves that sports can be a powerful tool for social change, offering not just entertainment but inspiration and hope. Her story shows that sports figures can challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and use their influence for good, making a difference in ways that transcend the game itself.

At the end of the day, Caitlin Clark’s legacy will not be defined solely by the records she has broken or the accolades she has earned. Her true legacy will be measured in the lives she has touched, the doors she has opened, and the dreams she has inspired. She has proven that the power of sports goes far beyond the scoreboard, changing lives and communities in ways we may never fully understand. Caitlin Clark is not just a basketball icon—she is a global force for good, and her influence is just beginning.