Caitlin Clark‘s early impact on the WNBA has been undeniable, both on and off the court. But this week, her absence has made just as much noise.
With Clark sidelined due to a quad injury, ticket prices for Wednesday night’s matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics fell dramatically-revealing how central she already is to the league’s appeal.
As reported by longtime sports business journalist Darren Rovell, the “get-in” price for the game dropped to just $6, including fees.
That figure is a far cry from the inflated prices Clark‘s games have commanded since her debut, and fans quickly took to social media to point out the difference.
“Not a good night for the resellers,” one fan wrote on X. “Different world with CC vs. without CC,” said Andrew Brandt.
Another user posted bluntly: “Wow.” The sudden drop prompted several observers to underscore Clark’s unique influence: “They are literally taking money out of their own pockets by not embracing her.”
Clark’s injury changes the equation for fans and the league
Clark is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks after suffering a left quad strain, and the Fever will have to push forward without their biggest draw in the meantime. For the team and the league, her injury is not just a basketball loss but a commercial one as well.
Through four games, Clark averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a league-best 9.3 assists per game. She already had three double-doubles and was shooting 40.3% from the floor.
More importantly, she was the centerpiece of a renewed spotlight on the Fever and the WNBA overall, helping drive national attention and filling arenas-both at home and on the road.
The Indiana Fever are currently 2-2, with narrow defeats against the Atlanta Dream and the reigning champion New York Liberty. Though they’ve remained competitive, Clark has been the clear engine of their offense and the face of their resurgence.
Her ability to command the floor and excite crowds has played a key role in reviving interest around the franchise.
Without her, attendance and interest appear to be dropping, even for home games. And while no player is bigger than the league, Clark‘s case demonstrates just how much one star can elevate, or in her absence, deflate, a team’s draw.
It’s a sobering reality for resellers, league executives, and broadcasters alike. Clark‘s return is eagerly anticipated, not just for the Fever‘s hopes this season but for the broader momentum the WNBA has built in recent months.
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