The gravitational pull of Caitlin Clark on the WNBA continues to defy all expectations, rewriting the league’s record books with astounding regularity. Her impact, almost singular in its scope, is perhaps most tangibly demonstrated by her unprecedented dominance in the WNBA All-Star fan voting. With just under 1.3 million votes (specifically, 1,293,526 votes) for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, Caitlin Clark has not only surpassed the WNBA record for the most votes in All-Star Game history, but she has now done so for the second consecutive year. This latest achievement further cements her status as a generational phenomenon, a magnet for fan engagement, and a record-breaker in every sense of the word.
To understand the sheer magnitude of this accomplishment, one must look at the historical context. Prior to Clark’s arrival in the WNBA in 2024, the WNBA All-Star voting records were held by established veterans like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson, with vote totals typically in the hundreds of thousands. For instance, in 2023, the top-voted player was A’ja Wilson, with 95,860 votes.
Then came Caitlin Clark.
In her rookie season in 2024, Clark immediately shattered the previous records, receiving an astonishing 700,735 votes. This was a seismic shift, a clear indication of the “Caitlin Clark effect” and the unprecedented surge in popularity she brought to the league. It wasn’t just a slight increase; it was a near tenfold jump from previous top vote-getters.
Now, in her second professional season (2025), she has done it again, surpassing her own record by a significant margin. Her 1,293,526 votes represent a nearly doubling of her own record-setting mark from 2024 and an astounding 13-fold increase in fan vote volume for the league’s top player in just two years. This is not merely breaking a record; it’s demolishing it and setting a new, seemingly unreachable, benchmark.
Caitlin Clark’s ability to command such a massive volume of fan votes is a direct reflection of her unparalleled popularity and the profound impact she has had on the WNBA:
- Massive Fanbase from College: Clark entered the WNBA with a pre-existing, fervent fanbase cultivated during her record-breaking collegiate career at Iowa. She consistently drew unprecedented viewership to women’s college basketball, and that audience has largely followed her to the professional ranks. These fans are incredibly engaged and motivated to show their support.
- Transitional Star Power: Clark’s entry into the WNBA represented a rare moment of a collegiate superstar seamlessly transitioning into being the face of an entire professional league. Her name became synonymous with the league’s growth, even for casual sports fans who might not have followed the WNBA closely before.
- Marketing and Media Darling: The WNBA and its media partners have heavily leaned into the “Caitlin Clark effect,” prominently featuring her in marketing campaigns, broadcast schedules, and highlight reels. This constant visibility ensures she remains top-of-mind for voters.
- “Any Publicity is Good Publicity”: While her rookie season (2024) and early part of her sophomore season (2025) have been marked by intense scrutiny, physical play, and some on-court controversies, this has, ironically, only fueled greater interest. Fans, whether they are rooting for her or against her, are engaged, and that engagement often translates into votes.
- Accessibility and Homegrown Appeal: Her presence with the Indiana Fever, a relatively accessible market for many Midwest fans, and the fact that the 2025 All-Star Game is being held in Indianapolis (the Fever’s home court, Gainbridge Fieldhouse), further amplify her local and regional support, motivating fan turnout. She herself expressed excitement about the game being hosted in Indianapolis, stating, “It’s going to be really special to be able to do it here in this city.”
- “Shattering Yet Another Record”: The consistency with which Clark breaks records, even amidst injuries (she has missed seven games this 2025 season due to quad and groin issues) and a challenging start for the Fever, speaks to her undeniable drawing power. Her statistics (averaging 18.2 points, 5 rebounds, and a career-high 8.9 assists per game) are All-Star caliber, but her vote totals vastly outpace players with arguably better on-court performances this particular season, such as Napheesa Collier (who received 1,176,020 votes and is leading the league in scoring). This disparity highlights the fan-driven nature of the All-Star voting and Clark’s unique appeal.
It’s important to note that WNBA All-Star starters are determined by a weighted voting system: fan votes account for 50%, while current WNBA players and a media panel each account for 25%. While Clark absolutely dominates the fan vote, her standing in the player and media voting often presents a more nuanced picture.
For instance, in the 2025 All-Star voting, while Clark finished first in fan voting and third in media voting among guards, she was a “stunning ninth in player voting.” This meant that her weighted score (3.5) was actually edged out by Paige Bueckers (3.25), the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, for the top overall guard spot based on the combined weighted scoring. This dynamic fuels discussions about the disconnect between fan popularity and peer/media recognition, a common theme in sports.
However, the reality is that the fan vote, carrying 50% of the weight, is largely determinative for a player with Clark’s immense support. Her record-breaking fan vote total alone secured her spot as an All-Star starter and, critically, as one of the two team captains (alongside Napheesa Collier, who had the second-most fan votes). This captaincy grants her the responsibility to draft her own team for the July 19th game, a role she’s already hinted she’ll use to try and get her Indiana Fever teammates on her squad.
Caitlin Clark’s unprecedented All-Star voting numbers are not just a personal triumph; they are a direct reflection of the Caitlin Clark Effect on the WNBA as a whole:
- Record Viewership and Attendance: Her presence has led to significant spikes in TV viewership and game attendance across the league, transforming the WNBA into a mainstream sports topic.
- Increased League Valuation: The surge in interest and revenue driven by Clark has undoubtedly increased the overall valuation of the league and its franchises, leading to discussions about further expansion and higher player salaries.
- Media Coverage: The sheer volume of media coverage, both positive and critical, surrounding Clark has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, introducing the league to millions of new potential fans.
- New Faces, New Fans: Her popularity has also shone a brighter spotlight on other talented players and exciting rivalries within the league, attracting diverse fan demographics.
In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s 2025 WNBA All-Star fan vote record is not just another statistic; it’s a monumental indicator of her enduring and unparalleled popularity. For the second year in a row, she has shattered the previous WNBA All-Star voting record, accumulating just under 1.3 million votes. This achievement underscores her unique ability to galvanize fan support, solidify her status as a global sports icon, and continue to drive the WNBA’s unprecedented growth. Regardless of her performance in other voting categories, her fan base ensures her place at the top of the All-Star ballot, demonstrating that the “Caitlin Clark effect” is far from waning; it’s escalating to new, record-breaking heights.