The undefeateds are no more. After they started the season 9-0, New York and Minnesota both suffered their first losses in dramatic fashion. Nine teams in league history have won their first nine games; six of the previous seven advanced to the WNBA Finals, but only half of those six ended up capturing the title. Therefore, even though the Liberty and Lynx have separated themselves in the standings, hope is not lost for the rest of the pack.

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Let’s start in Seattle, where the Storm have been among the most up-and-down teams in the league. They’ve gone 2-1 against the Phoenix Mercury and split with the Las Vegas Aces as well as with Minnesota. Seattle has scored in the 50s, 70s, 80s, 90s and the 100s through 11 games, winning with its defense and its offense. What it hasn’t been is consistent, which is worrisome in a long playoff series. But in a three-game set? Count out the Storm at your own peril.

Seattle accomplished a feat no other team has this season: flustering Napheesa Collier. She has shot below 40 percent in both of their meetings. She has been below 50 percent only once in her other seven games. Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga have been effective in disrupting Collier in isolation, Malonga especially so in the second half of the Storm’s win.

Seattle’s overall body of work doesn’t scream contender, and the Storm followed up their best win with a loss to the surging Golden State Valkyries. But their ceiling is high enough, as is the other team that played giant-killer this week: the Indiana Fever.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Caitlin Clark’s return sparked a return to form for Indiana. Considering how much Clark improved over the course of her rookie season, the heights she showcased against New York are potentially the baseline for what she can accomplish as a WNBA sophomore.

The Liberty were without starters Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich, which eliminated most of their margin for error, and the Lynx were without backup center Jessica Shepard. Jones’ impending return keeps New York atop the rankings for now, but with other teams starting to approach full strength — in addition to Clark coming back, Kahleah Copper made her season debut for Phoenix on Sunday — a shakeup in the near future seems more likely now than last week.

Here is this week’s ranking:

Three standout performances

1. Indiana’s small lineup as the path forward

One of the more befuddling outcomes of the offseason was the Fever choosing to fill out their roster with six bigs and five guards. This is a team that wants to play up-tempo and one that should run and spread the floor. That’s easier to accomplish when waves of players can come in and play at high energy for shorter stints, not unlike what Indiana’s NBA counterpart, the aptly-named Pacers, have accomplished.

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In their win against New York, the Fever elected to play starting power forward Natasha Howard for 14 minutes and leave one big on the court for most of the game. The Liberty were missing Jones and 6-foot-4 Fiebich, so they didn’t have the size to punish Indiana the way they’ve done to other opponents during the regular season, but most teams aren’t as big as New York anyway.

Instead, the Fever spaced the floor with Sophie Cunningham or Lexie Hull as the nominal four, forcing the Liberty to defend in space. Indiana attempted 35 3-pointers, its most of the season (the previous high was 28), and outscored New York by 33 points from beyond the arc. The Fever lost the points-in-the-paint battle by only eight and outrebounded the Liberty, making it a worthy trade-off. Indiana coach Stephanie White went with Sydney Colson off the bench instead of another frontcourt player, getting Colson her second-most minutes of the game, many of them next to Clark when she’d previously been a direct replacement for the star guard.

Sydney Colson uses the ball fake and hits her second triple of the day 🏹🏹 pic.twitter.com/a2Ifqtb1mP — Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 14, 2025

It should be clear that this identity works for Indiana, not a mashing, two-big unit that is more physical than its opponents. The Fever play fast and shoot early in the clock, and it would behoove the front office to balance the roster in that direction. They can trade a big for a small or simply sign another wing later in the season when they have the cap space for a 12th player. Even against a team as big as New York, Indiana should play to its strengths and not try to match those of its opponent.

2. Dallas gets in its own way

The Wings led the Aces 82-71 with less than four minutes to play in Las Vegas on Friday. They proceeded to commit 10 fouls and six turnovers (though some of those overlapped as offensive fouls) in the final 3:55, ultimately losing the game 88-84. The cherry on top of the disaster sundae was a possession with 22 seconds left, with Dallas down two. Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale made the same cut to come to the ball, and the Wings turned it over before even getting to attempt a game-tying shot.

Dallas had called a timeout with 28 seconds remaining in the game.

This would have been the Wings’ second win of the season. Instead, it was their seventh consecutive loss to fall to 1-11.

When a double-digit lead is blown so quickly, there are many contributing factors. In this case, Dallas getting outrebounded 6-0 by the Aces’ lineup of four guards and Kiah Stokes is the most damning, especially since the Wings were playing two bigs during that stretch. The first-shot defense was good enough to win the game, but Dallas didn’t box out, letting perimeter players make plays on the glass. The Wings attempted only one field goal during that stretch, excluding Bueckers’ meaningless jumper at the buzzer.

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From a point-differential perspective, Dallas hasn’t been terrible in 2025, especially when compared to Chicago and Connecticut. The Wings have been competitive in losses to Seattle, Minnesota and Atlanta. But Chicago and Connecticut have at least stacked a couple of wins alongside their blowout losses. The Wings, on the other hand, can’t figure out that part; a team trying to make the playoffs can’t have rookie Aaliyah Nye beating five players to an offensive rebound or leave Jewell Loyd open in the corner in the final minute.

3. Rickea Jackson as the Sparks X-factor

The young core in Los Angeles was quickly reduced to Jackson, and Jackson alone, to start the year. Cameron Brink was already out with a torn ACL and Rae Burrell injured her knee seconds into her season debut. And then Jackson suffered a concussion in the second game and was understandably not herself when she made her way back.

The problem is that the Sparks don’t really have a shot at success without Jackson playing well. They need another perimeter creator to take some of the defensive pressure off of Kelsey Plum, and Odyssey Sims and Julie Allemand are not that type of player, at least not consistently. L.A. also hasn’t done a great job of featuring Jackson; those habits can be learned only through more reps together.

The Sparks made every effort to feature Jackson early against Las Vegas on Wednesday, and they were rewarded for it. Jackson was confident in her jumper, attempting five 3-pointers in the first quarter and sinking four as L.A. built a double-digit lead. Jackson likes to work to get to her pull-up but fired off the catch when the defense gave her an opening for 14 first-quarter points. As the Aces worked to run her off the line later in the game, Jackson attacked the basket, scoring six paint points in the fourth quarter to close out the win. She ended with a career-high 30 points.

Rickea Jackson had her way vs. the Las Vegas Aces 😤 30 PTS (career-high)

7 REB

4 3PM

11-17 FG WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase pic.twitter.com/QePvcYMlAW — WNBA (@WNBA) June 12, 2025

“Rickea hit a couple 3s that made everybody feel really confident and that set the tone,” coach Lynne Roberts said. “Her confidence and aggressiveness, I think that everyone fed off of it.”

The Sparks laid an egg against Minnesota the next time out, but Jackson had another solid individual outing with 18 points and three 3s. L.A. needs her to maintain that level to stay afloat until Brink can return.

Rookie of the week

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Even in a bad week for the Wings, Bueckers still impressed in her return from concussion protocol, setting aside her late-game box-out failures against Las Vegas. In Phoenix, Bueckers looked like a seasoned All-Star, repeatedly getting to her sweet spots in the midrange against a top-five defense. She became the first rookie since A’ja Wilson to score at least 35 points on 65 percent shooting, per Across the Timeline. Only Bueckers and Cynthia Cooper have done so while making at least five 3s. Bueckers is third in the league in assists per game and seventh among guards in assist-to-turnover ratio.

On the other end of the court, Bueckers is collecting steals and blocks at nearly the same rate as in college. Dallas is having her defend multiple positions, and she’s held up reasonably well against guards. Look at how she sticks with Chelsea Gray on the three-time champion’s patented free-throw jumper.

The Wings have been much worse than expected, but Bueckers is coming in as advertised. Although the Washington rookies have taken the early lead in rookie of the year, Bueckers is right on their tails.

Game to circle

Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday

Tuesday is the final day of Commissioner’s Cup games, and the WNBA has 12 of 13 teams playing, so for this week, there are a few extra games to circle. In the East, Dream versus Liberty is the cream of the crop. Atlanta controls its destiny and can earn a spot in the championship game with a win at New York. A loss puts Indiana in pole position, and the Fever can win the bid by beating Connecticut. If both the Dream and Indiana lose, the Liberty make the final for the third straight season.

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On the other side of the draw, reigning Cup champion Minnesota is in control, needing a win over Las Vegas to get back to the final. If the Lynx lose, Seattle can take the Western Conference bid with a victory in Los Angeles. If A’ja Wilson returns from concussion protocol by Tuesday, the Aces’ game in Minnesota will have top billing.

(Photo of Indiana Fever: Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Indiana Fever believe they get every other team’s best shot, and Friday night’s contest against the Atlanta Dream gave another glaring example.

“We have a huge target on our backs,” Indiana reserve Sophie Cunningham said in May before the start of the regular season. “I don’t think that’s a secret.”

Friday marked the second of three home games this week for the Fever with Caitlin Clark back in the lineup after missing five games with a groin injury.

On Wednesday, the Golden State Valkyries came into Gainbridge Fieldhouse and won 80-61. They were inspired by a career game from fourth-year guard Veronica Burton, who made a career-high five three-pointers in the win.

Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell combine for 57 points.

Caitlin Clark has another rough outing.

SEATTLE – Fever center Aliyah Boston scores a career-high 31 points as the Indiana Fever notched a victory over Seattle, 94-86, to cap their three-game Western trip.

The win puts Indiana back at .500 with a 7-7 record, and the Fever will head back home to Indianapolis to play the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.

Here are three observations:

Fever end Western trip on high note

After loses to Las Vegas and Golden State, Indiana finally got a win on this trip. And it came against the best opponent, on paper, of the trip.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Seattle came into the game at 9-5 and on a three-game winning streak, including one over the reigning champion New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces — a team Indiana lost to just two days ago.

Indiana led for most of the game, despite an off-night from Caitlin Clark. The Fever had a six-point lead at halftime, a 16-point lead at the end of the third quarter, and weren’t challenged in the fourth.

Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell carry Fever

Boston, despite early foul trouble, set a career high. She had to sit for much of the first quarter because of two fouls, but she didn’t pick up another foul the rest of the game.

She was the recipient of many Clark assists, grabbing the ball under the basket and shooting over perennial All-Star Nneka Ogwumike for easy layups. She made 9 of her first 10 from the field, and finished 13-of-18.

Kelsey Mitchell came in shooting about 28.6% from 3-point range on the season, an unusually low mark. But she found her shot.

She helped the Fever methodically build their lead, filling the Fever’s gaps from 3-point range. She finished the game with a 5-of-7 mark from 3-point range, accounting for over half of Indiana’s 3-pointers. Her 26 points were a season-high, shooting 8-of-14 from the field, 5-of-7 from deep.

Caitlin Clark struggles from field for third straight game

This trip has not been kind to Caitlin Clark.

She struggled from the field in three straight games, most notably from 3-point range. She only scored 2 points in the first half and had just 6 total for the second-lowest scoring game of her career on Tuesday night, going 3-of-13 from the field and 0-of-6 from 3-point range.

She didn’t make a 3-pointer for the second time in three games and the third time total this season. Before this season, Clark had only had one game without a 3-pointer in her five-plus years between college and professional basketball.

Stephanie White said following the Fever’s loss to Las Vegas that she wasn’t concerned about Clark’s shot, and that the coaching staff needed to work to “get her better looks, higher quality looks.” Clark called the slump “frustrating,” but said she focuses on other aspects of the game when her shot isn’t falling.

She focused on facilitating again on Tuesday night, notching five assists before halftime. She finished with nine assists.

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at capeterson@gannett.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67.

Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter.

The Indiana Fever and the WNBA knew the arrival of Caitlin Clark would have a massive effect on both the league’s and the team’s popularity. It’s why 36 of 40 games on Indiana’s schedule in 2024 were nationally televised and 40-of-44 games in 2025 are on national TV. It also led to skyrocketing attendance.

In 2023, the Fever had the second-lowest average home attendance in the WNBA at 4,067 tickets sold per game, according to BeyondWomensSports.com. While it marked a significant improvement over Fever attendance in 2022 (1,776 per game), it was still one of the least-popular WNBA teams.

All of that changed upon Clark’s arrival. Since Clark was drafted by Indiana with the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, ticket sales for the WNBA increased by 93 percent, other WNBA teams had to start relocating their home games against the Fever to bigger arenas. Meanwhile, Indiana saw record-setting ticket sales with massive interest in attendance at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which has a seating capacity of 18,000.

Below you can find a breakdown of attendance for the Fever in 2024 and 2025 along with WNBA attendance from last season for a comparison.

Indiana Fever attendance 2025

Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As we did during the 2024 season, we’ll be tracking the Fever’s home attendance in 2025 throughout Clark’s second season. We’ll also provide comparisons to how Indiana is faring compared to other teams in attendance this season.

Related: WNBA playoff predictions, WNBA Finals champion 2025

Game by game Fever attendance 2025

Date Opponent Attendance Saturday, May 17 Chicago Sky 17,274 Tuesday, May 20 Atlanta Dream 16,629 Saturday, may 24 New York Liberty Saturday, May 24

Attendance for Caitlin Clark’s road games

Date Opponent – Venue Attendance Thursday, May 22 Atlanta Dream – State Farm Arena 17,044

Related: Best WNBA players 2025, see where Caitlin Clark lands

Indiana Fever attendance by year with Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever attendance 2025:

Indiana Fever attendance 2024: 340,715 (18 games) 17,036 per game

WNBA attendance leaders 2024

Indiana Fever – 17.036 per game

17.036 per game New York Liberty – 12,729 per game

12,729 per game Las Vegas Aces – 11,282 per game

11,282 per game Seattle Storm – 11,184 per game

11,184 per game Los Angeles Sparks – 11,044 per game

11,044 per game Phoenix Mercury – 10,714 per game

10,714 per game Minnesotan Lynx – 9,292 per game

9,292 per game Chicago Sky – 8,757 per game

Comparing Indiana Fever attendance to NBA, MLB teams

Here’s a quick comparison to how Indiana Fever attendance in 2024 comes to attendance figures for some of the NBA and MLB teams with the lowest average attendance.

In 2024, the Fever averaged a higher attendance than 3 NBA teams (Wizards, Grizzlies and Hornets) and 3 MLB teams (Rays, Marlins and Athletics)

Phoenix Suns (NBA) – 17,071 per game

17,071 per game Indiana Fever (WNBA) – 17,036 per game

Washington Wizards (NBA) – 16,896 per game

16,896 per game Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) – 16,631 per game

16,631 per game Charlotte Hornets (NBA) – 16,448 per game

16,448 per game Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) – 16,595 per game

16,595 per game Miami Marlins (MLB) – 12,959 per game

12,959 per game Oakland Athletics (MLB) – 9,843 per game

Indiana Fever attendance 2024

Year Home Games Indiana Fever attendance 2022-’23 38 113,300 2024 20 340,715

How many sellouts do the Fever have this season?

The Indiana Fever sold out 16 home games this season, drawing a full capacity crowd of 17,274 per game in 16 of 20 home games.

Here, we’ll be tracking the Fever attendance for the 2024 season.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever break WNBA attendance record

In her final regular-season game before the WNBA playoffs, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever took part in a record-setting night for the WNBA. Thursday’s game between the Fever and Washington Mystics at the Capital One Arena set the single-game WNBA record for highest attendance with a count of 20,711 fans on hand to see the game.

Thanks in large part to Clark, WNBA attendance in 2024 was at an all-time high. The Fever were the biggest beneficiaries of the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’, leading the WNBA in attendance by a wide margin. The fan support surrounding Clark also showed up with other WNBA teams drawing their biggest crowds when Clark played.

Caitlin Clark effect having a massive influence on attendance, Indiana Fever revenue

While Caitlin Clark didn’t represent Team USA in the Paris Olympics, it did provide her with a chance for a break after playing basketball from October through early July. During the Olympic Break, it was announced that Clark’s arrival in Indiana led to a historic spike in a number of areas. Here are those numbers from the WNBA’s mid-season report.

1193 percent increase in jersey sales

264.6 percent increase in ticket sales and total attendance

38 games broadcasted on national television

10x increase in fan interactions on the WNBA app, team website

1.3 million followers gained

225 percent increase in corporate partnerships

740 percent increase in draft beers sold

Largest number of team sponsors in the WNBA

4 times set the single-game team store sales record

800 million social media views (April through July)

Clark’s first home game back for the second half of the WNBA season continued the trend, with the Gainbridge Fieldhouse selling out with 17,274 in attendance. With Clark, the Fever now have sold out six consecutive home games this season.

Caitlin Clark, Fever blowing past attendance marks at Olympic break

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever head into their break period, thanks to the 2024 Olympics, there’s a lot for the rookie and her team to celebrate. As Indiana battles for a WNBA playoff spot, it also boasts the highest WNBA attendance this season and it’s blowing past previous marks.

In the first 11 home games of the season, the Fever drew 185,878 fans or averaged 16,898 per game. For context, the Las Vegas Aces led the WNBA attendance in 2023 and they narrowly cleared 190,000 spectators in 20 regular-season games. The Fever nearly reached 190,000 in almost half the time. Indiana is on track to have the highest average attendance in WNBA history thanks to Clark. This, of course, doesn’t even account for the “Caitlin Clark effect” when she is playing on the road. You can find a little on that below.

Indiana Fever dominating WNBA attendance

Past the halfway point of the 2024 season, the Indiana Fever have the highest WNBA attendance. Across 10 home games this season at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Fever attendance is sitting at 16,680 per game.

Indiana has recorded four consecutive soldout crowds and has the highest average attendance in the WNBA by more than 4,000 fans per contest. For context, the average Fever attendance in 2024 (16,680) means they average more fans per game than two NBA teams (Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets). With Indiana in playoff contention, the team’s attendance should keep climbing this summer.

Indiana Fever attendance by game 2024 (home games)

Thursday, May 16 – vs New York Liberty – 17,274

17,274 Monday, May 20 – vs Connecticut Sun – 17,274

– 17,274 Tuesday, May 28 – vs Los Angeles Sparks – 16,013

16,013 Thursday, May 30 – vs Seattle Storm – 15,022

15,022 Saturday, June 1 – vs Chicago Sky – 17,274

17,274 Thursday, June 13 – vs Atlanta Dream – 16,651

16,651 Sunday, June 16 – vs Chicago Sky – 17,274

17,274 Wednesday, June 19 – vs Washington Mystics – 17,274

17,274 Saturday, July 6 – vs New York Liberty – 17,274

– 17,274 Wednesday, July 10 – vs Washington Mystics – 17, 274

17, 274 Friday, July 12 – vs Phoenix Mercury – 17,274

17,274 Friday, August 16 – vs Phoenix Mercury – 17,274

17,274 Sunday, August 18 – vs Seattle Storm – 17,274

17,274 Wednesday, August 28 – vs Connecticut Sun – 17.274

17.274 Wednesday, September 4 – vs Los Angeles Sparks – 16,645

16,645 Friday, September 6 – vs Minnesota Lynx – 17,274

17,274 Sunday, September 8 – vs Atlanta Dream – 17,274

17,274 Wednesday, September 11 – vs Las Vegas Aces – 17,274

17,274 Friday, September 13 – vs Las Vegas Aces – 17,274

17,274 Sunday, September 15 – vs Dallas Wings – 17,274

Through June 20, the Indiana Fever lead WNBA attendance in 2024. Indiana leads the WNBA in average attendance (16,757) and became the first WNBA team in 2024 to eclipse 100,000 in total attendance. Unsurprisingly, per AcrosstheTimeline.com, the Fever also lead the WNBA in road attendance (15,141 per game) through 8 contests.

Indiana Fever attendance: Sky vs Fever rematch draws sellout at home

Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

A rematch between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky drew another sellout, with the Gainbridge Fieldhosue hosting more than 17,000 fans for the fourth time during the 2024 regular season. As a result, Fever attendance in 2024 (116,000) is now higher than it was in the last two seasons combined (13,300).

Team blowing past 2023 figures, leads WNBA attendance

A nail-biting 91-84 win on Thursday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis came in front of 16,651. With Caitlin Clark having an off night from the field, fans got to see Aliyah Boston tie her career-high (27 points) and witnessed Kelsey Mitchell make a game-saving steal and bucket in the closing minutes to secure Indiana’s fourth win of the season.

The Fever have the highest WNBA attendance this season, averaging 3,000 more fans per game than the New York Liberty in second place. Indiana is also poised to become the first team to hit 100,000 in attendance this year, doing it in just seven games. For context, Fever attendance in 2023 was 81,336 (4,066 per game) and 31,964 (1,776 per game) in 2022.

Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Sky, a rematch against Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter on CBS, will draw a sellout crowd. With 17,724 in attendance for Sunday’s game, the Fever will have had more fans attend their first 7 games in 2024 than total attendance in the last two years (113,300).

Caitlin Clark’s first home win comes with another sellout

Credit: IndyStar-USA TODAY Sports

Clark and the Indiana Fever hit the court on Saturday afternoon for their third consecutive home game, holding a 1-8 record with their lone victory coming on the road. All of that changed in front of an outstanding crowd at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

In what might be the start of a potential rivalry against the Chicago Sky, Indiana came out on top 71-70 in front of a sold-out crowd. With over 17,000 fans in attendance, Clark (11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists), NaLyssa Mitchell (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Aliyah Boston (10 points and 8 rebounds) put Angel Reese and the Sky away in the closing minutes. Heading into next week, the Fever lead WNBA attendance.

Struggling Fever still draw massive crowds

The Fever suffered another loss on Tuesday night, losing 88-82 to the Los Angeles Sparks at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The defeat dropped the Fever’s record to 1-7 on the season, the second-worst record in the WNBA. However, Clark played extremely well and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse pulled in another massive crowd.

Clark set career-highs in points (30) and blocks (3), also tacking on 6 assists with 5 rebounds and 3 steals in the most complete performance of her WNBA career. Meanwhile, Fever attendance on Tuesday night hit 16,013, or 88.96 percent of the stadium capacity at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Through three home games this season, the Fever are averaging the highest WNBA attendance in 2024.

Sellouts continue, WNBA record set by New York Liberty

The WNBA is experiencing everything it hoped for and more following Clark’s arrival. In their second home game of the 2024 season, the Fever recorded consecutive sellouts with more than 17,000 in attendance for Monday’s game against the Connecticut Sun. While it’s only two home games so far, Indiana is already among the leaders in WNBA attendance and is averaging more than 13,000 fans more per game than in 2023.

Meanwhile, Clark helped another team set a WNBA record. In her first game at the Barclays Center, the New York Liberty became the first WNBA team to generate more than $2 million in revenue in a single game. Meanwhile, other franchises continue to relocate their upcoming matchups against the Fever to larger arenas to account for ticket demand to see Clark play live.

Caitlin Clark’s regular-season home debut draws crowd

Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

While her team is struggling early in the 2024 WNBA season, Fever attendance is not. Following her WNBA debut on the road, Clark took the court for her first official home debut in Indiana’s home opener in the second game of the regular season.

It was a sellout crowd of 17,274 in attendance at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever matchup in downtown Indianapolis. For comparison, Fever attendance for the home opener in 2023 was 7,356.

Plus, more WNBA teams are making adjustments to their schedules by relocating home games to bigger arenas due to massive ticket demand for some of the Fever’s road games this season. Unsurprisingly, Clark is also having a massive influence on the league’s television ratings.

Preseason home opener – 13,028

Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Making her home debut in Indiana’s preseason finale on Thursday night against the Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark’s presence brought a record-setting crowd to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a WNBA game.

Related: WNBA games today

The final Fever attendance on Thursday night came in at 13,028 people for the preseason matchup. For context, the highest attendance Indiana had last season for a regular-season game was 7,365. For even greater comparison, only two WNBA teams – Las Vegas Aces (9,551) and Phoenix Mercury (9,197) – had an average attendance of over 9,000 last year.

It’s the highest attendance for a Fever game since Sept 18, 2016, according to Across the Timeline, when 17,704 fans showed up to watch Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings play the final home game of her legendary career with Indiana.

Related: Caitlin Clark salary, WNBA contract details

Prior to Thursday’s game, Clark made her WNBA preseason debut on the road against the Dallas Wings. In a Fever vs Wings matchup held at the College Park Center – stadium capacity of 7,000 – recorded a sellout for a preseason game.

This is just the beginning of what’s to come. By the end of the 2024 season, the Fever will likely be among the WNBA attendance leaders in 2024 by a wide margin. Bookmark this page for updates throughout the regular season.

Caitlin Clark comes face to face with Sabrina Ionescu after smashing fellow No. 1 pick’s WNBA landmark

Caitlin Clark has launched an all-out assault on the WNBA record books since arriving in 2024.

A Rookie of the Year campaign saw the Indiana Fever guard establish herself as one of basketball’s biggest stars, and she is expected to hit new heights in her second season.

5 Clark is expected to continue breaking WNBA records in her second season Credit: Getty

In fact, it took just two games of this campaign for Clark to set another record in the pros.

She finished with 27 points and 11 assists as Indiana were beaten 91-90 by the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday.

That was Clark’s sixth career 25-10 game, which is a new WNBA record.

The 23-year-old broke a tie with Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, who has also achieved that on five occasions.

It took Clark just 42 games to reach the new milestone, while Ionescu achieved her fifth 25-10 game in her fourth season.

As fate would have it, the pair are set to face-off this weekend, when the Fever host the defending WNBA champions Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.

Clark heads into the game having shown her competitive fire in recent days, after clashing with rivals Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard on the court.

The Fever picked up wins in both of those games, comfortably seeing off Reese’s Chicago Sky 93-58 in their opener last weekend, before beating Atlanta 81-76 on Thursday night.

A defeat to the Dream was sandwiched in between those two results, meaning Indiana head into this weekend’s action with a 2-1 record.

The Liberty, meanwhile, are 2-0 this season after comfortable victories against the Sky and the Minnesota Lynx.

5 Clark shattered one of Ionescu’s WNBA records just two games into the 2025 season Credit: Getty

5 Ionescu will come face-to-face with Clark on the court this weekend Credit: Getty

Ionescu has also previously spoken highly of the opponent she will face in Clark this weekend.

The Liberty star, who was the first overall WNBA Draft pick in 2020, said back in February: “She’s an amazing player, I think everyone knows that.

“She took her visit to Oregon when I was there, so I got to meet her and her dad, her family as a whole.

“I always supported her through her college career, and wanted to be someone she can come to and ask any questions entering the league.

“Obviously, she has a target on her back, like a lot of us do, in terms of understanding what it is you’re trying to accomplish in the league.

“She’s been helping us push this league forward, bringing new eyes to the game. Everywhere she goes, she sells out arenas.”

5 Ionescu has spoken highly of Clark in recent months Credit: Getty

5 The pair both featured in the WNBA All Star game last year Credit: Getty

While Ionescu has shared warm words for Clark, praising her $136million effect on the league, the Fever star has already been targeted by other opponents in the first week of the WNBA season.

Late in the first quarter between Indiana and Atlanta, Clark and Howard exchanged words and had to be separated after the latter was whistled for a foul at half-court.

The two bumped into one another before players from both teams stepped in, and Clark appeared to shout, ‘I’m not scared of you’ in Howard’s direction once back at the bench.

That flare up came days after Clark clashed with Reese, in which the Sky star had to be held back by a referee after being fouled.

As Clark faces off with Ionescu this weekend, Reese and Chicago will play against the Los Angeles Sparks.