In a remarkable turn of events, the Indiana Fever of the WNBA have eclipsed their entire home attendance record for the previous year within the span of just five games this season. The surge in fan attendance is largely attributed to the electrifying presence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
During the 2023 season, the Fever managed to draw a total of slightly over 81,000 spectators across 20 home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as reported by Across the Timeline. This figure represented the second-lowest attendance across the WNBA and marked one of the franchise’s most dismal seasons in terms of ticket sales.
However, the current season has seen attendance figures soar past 82,000 in just five home games. This impressive spike is predominantly due to the influence of Caitlin Clark, whose impact has been nothing short of transformative. Clark’s unprecedented achievements, from shattering the all-time college basketball scoring record to setting a new benchmark for WNBA game ratings on ESPN, underscore her profound effect on women’s sports.
Clark, a two-time national college player of the year, was accustomed to packed arenas long before her entry into the WNBA. Yet, her recent draft by Indiana has amplified the excitement surrounding women’s basketball to unprecedented levels. “I’m just thankful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm,” Clark remarked, reflecting on the surge in WNBA’s popularity. “I believe this recognition is well-deserved by the league and its players.”
She is part of a stellar rookie cohort, including notable figures such as Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Cameron Brink. These emerging stars collectively contribute to the unparalleled support for women’s basketball. Cameron Brink commented, “I don’t see us as extraordinary; rather, we are highly skilled players. Our draft class is exceptional, but it’s also a testament to the women who paved the way before us.”
The meteoric rise in interest, as noted by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, extends beyond mere enthusiasm—it signifies financial growth. Engelbert expressed, “Three years ago, I might have doubted our readiness for this moment, but that’s why we secured additional capital.” She reflected on the league’s survival through the challenging pandemic era, which was a critical juncture for its future. “We not only survived but are now thriving.”
In light of the growing attention and investment, Engelbert announced in May that the WNBA would allocate $50 million towards providing full-time charter flights for all teams over the next two seasons, effectively ending the long-standing practice of commercial flights. She also expressed intentions to expand the league by four teams before the 2028 season.
Scripps Sports is again broadcasting WNBA games every Friday night on ION for a second consecutive season. Fans can tune in on Friday, June 7, to witness Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever clash with Ariel Atkins and the Washington Mystics at 7:30 p.m. ET. Later that evening, the Seattle Storm will face the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces at 10 p.m. ET. ION’s 14-week WNBA schedule is accessible to TV and streaming audiences nationwide, featuring over 40 national, regional, or local games through September 13.
