In a seismic shift for women’s sports, USA Basketball announced today that the women’s national team has shattered its all-time jersey sales record, surging 1,500% year-over-year following the unveiling of its star-studded 2026 roster. At the epicenter? Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark, whose No. 22 jersey flew off digital shelves faster than a logo three-pointer, accounting for 68% of total sales within the first 24 hours.
The announcement came during a glitzy press event in New York, where Clark—fresh off a WNBA MVP nod and her second straight All-Star appearance—was revealed alongside veterans like A’ja Wilson and rising phenoms such as Paige Bueckers. “Caitlin’s not just a player; she’s a phenomenon,” said USA Basketball CEO Carol Callan. “Her inclusion has galvanized fans, blending college nostalgia with pro dominance.” Pre-orders topped 250,000 units, eclipsing the 2024 Olympic edition’s figures by double, per Fanatics data.
This “Clark Effect” mirrors her WNBA impact, where her jerseys ranked second overall in basketball sales last year—trailing only Steph Curry—and sparked a 236% league merchandise boom. Fans from Iowa heartland to global markets snapped up limited-edition gold-trimmed jerseys emblazoned with Olympic rings, fueling projections of $200 million in team revenue for 2026.
Beyond sales, Clark’s roster spot signals deeper cultural momentum. Women’s basketball viewership hit 2.1 billion globally in 2025, up 40% from prior cycles, with attendance at U.S. qualifiers averaging 15,000 per game. “It’s validation,” Clark beamed post-unveiling. “We’re not chasing records; we’re rewriting them.”
As the team eyes Paris gold redemption, this sales frenzy underscores a truth: women’s hoops isn’t rising—it’s soaring. Sponsors like Nike and Gatorade are already doubling down, eyeing endorsements worth $50 million. For Clark, it’s personal: “Wearing USA red? That’s the dream I scribbled in second grade.”With training camp looming, expect more fireworks. The record? Just the opening tip.
