How much money does the 'Caitlin Clark effect' generate for Iowa?

University of Iowa women's basketball player Caitlin Clark has brought millions of dollars into Iowa throughout her career. She's driven up season ticket sales, sold out arenas and shattered records.

But how much has the "Caitlin Clark effect" impacted Iowa's overall economy?

How much money does Caitlin Clark generate for Iowa?

Clark and Hawkeye women's basketball increased Iowa's gross domestic product by $14.4 million to $52.3 million during her career. The increase in consumer spending over the last three basketball seasons due to the "Caitlin Clark effect" generated an estimated $82.5 million, according to a study from Common Sense Institute Iowa, an economic research organization.

The report focuses on increased attendance at games in Iowa. It does not factor in the money Clark has made from sponsorship deals or increased revenue from televised games.

More:How to watch Iowa women's basketball vs West Virginia in the NCAA Tournament today

What is the 'Caitlin Clark effect'?

The Common Sense Institute study explained the monetary impacts of Clark's career due to spikes in attendance for Hawkeye women's basketball. For the first time in history, the University of Iowa's women's basketball team's season tickets sold out in August.

Attendance increased by 2.8 times during Clark's senior year compared to before she was on the team, according to Common Sense Institute Iowa. Ticket sales jumped from 125,000 to 350,000 this season.

More:'Caitlin Clark Effect' helps sell out Big Ten women's tournament for first time in history

The percentage of fans traveling from outside Iowa to see games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena increased from just over 10% before Clark became a Hawkeye to nearly 15% her senior year.

What could you do with all the money generated from 'Clarkonomics'?

According to the Common Sense Institute, Clark's economic boost to Iowa could:

• Pay for anywhere between 1,306 and 4,767 students' tuition at the University of Iowa.
• Buy every Iowan a ticket to the Iowa State Fair.
• Buy every fairgoer one to four funnel cakes.
• Cover the costs of the University of Iowa's planned hospital and clinic emergency department expansion.
• Pay for the newly opened University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.
• Purchase 1,418 to 5,176 acres of Iowa cropland.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.