The Caitlin Clark hype keeps getting bigger, and even her future opponents are cashing in.
The imminent debut of Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, in the WNBA has prompted opposing teams to make strategic adjustments. Some teams are relocating home games against Clark’s Indiana Fever to larger arenas, while others are ramping up promotional efforts to attract more fans to witness the basketball prodigy in action.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Fever in the 2024 draft, Clark is poised to sign a lucrative eight-figure deal with Nike and is anticipated to receive her own signature shoe—a rare honor for WNBA players.
Undoubtedly, the “Caitlin Clark effect” is already reshaping professional women’s basketball. Here’s how some WNBA teams are gearing up for the arrival of the league’s newest star:
Washington Mystics move game vs. Fever to Capital One Arena
The Washington Mystics made a significant adjustment to their plans for Caitlin Clark’s debut by relocating their game against the Indiana Fever on June 7 to Capital One Arena. This decision was prompted by unprecedented demand for tickets, a move applauded by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Shifting the game venue will enable thousands more fans to witness Clark’s debut in the nation’s capital. While the Mystics typically play at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, which has a capacity of 4,200, Capital One Arena—home of the Washington Wizards—can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.
In addition to accommodating more fans, the move to Capital One Arena will provide premium hospitality options, including suites and the all-new all-inclusive courtside Hennessy Lofts, as announced by the team.
Las Vegas Aces move game vs. Fever to T-Mobile Arena
The reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, are also relocating their July 2 game against the Fever to a larger venue. The matchup will now take place at T-Mobile Arena, which boasts a seating capacity of 20,000. In contrast, the Aces’ usual home venue, the Michelob ULTRA Arena, can accommodate 12,000 spectators.
Sparks, Sky arena issues vs. Caitlin Clark
The Los Angeles Sparks will be hosting the Indiana Fever on May 24, but due to ongoing construction at Crypto.com Arena, the game will be relocated to Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State. This venue has a significantly smaller capacity, accommodating around 4,000 spectators compared to the nearly 19,000 seats available at Crypto.com Arena. Consequently, ticket prices for this game have soared on the secondary market, with the lowest available price reaching $373 on TickPick as of Thursday evening.
Similarly, the Chicago Sky face a capacity constraint for their June 23 home game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena, which holds 10,387 seats. Despite efforts to relocate the game to the United Center, which boasts a larger capacity of approximately 21,000 seats, this is not feasible due to scheduling conflicts with a concert. As a result, ticket prices for the June 23 game have also surged, with the lowest available price standing at $311 on TickPick as of Thursday evening.
Phoenix Mercury build up Diana Taurasi-Caitlin Clark rivalry
The Phoenix Mercury are gearing up to face off against Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and a rising star in the league.
Leading up to the WNBA Draft, the team took to social media to promote single-game tickets for their matchups against the Indiana Fever. The advertisement featured a graphic depicting Diana Taurasi, known as “The Goat,” towering over a shadowy figure wearing Clark’s No. 22 jersey, aptly labeled “The Rook.”
The anticipation for this matchup has been building, fueled by remarks from Taurasi herself during an interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. When asked about what rookies like Clark can expect as they transition from college to the professional level, Taurasi emphasized the reality check awaiting them, hinting at the levels of competition in the WNBA.
Minnesota Lynx to honor Maya Moore vs. Fever
Clark will have the opportunity to witness her childhood idol, Maya Moore, make history in the WNBA.
The Minnesota Lynx have set the stage for Moore’s number retirement ceremony during their game against the Fever on Aug. 24. For Clark, who has openly expressed her admiration for Moore, this event holds special significance.
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