Caitlin Clark‘s impact on Indiana basketball continues to reach unprecedented heights-so much so that it triggered an audit of the Indiana Fever‘s team store.
According to Indiana-based journalist Travonne Edwards, the demand for Fever merchandise has skyrocketed since Clark‘s arrival, overwhelming the team’s retail operation to the point of a financial review.
Speaking on The Right Time with Bomani Jones podcast, Edwards revealed that the surge in merchandise sales was so extreme that the Fever‘s store had to be audited to rule out any irregularities.
“I’m going to just put this in context – the quota has been reached for team sales in the store to a point where they got audited,” Edwards explained. “(They sold) so much (gear).”
A college atmosphere in the WNBA
Clark‘s presence has transformed Fever home games into events that rival college basketball in intensity and atmosphere.
Attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse has soared, routinely surpassing that of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
“You can’t get a seat,” Edwards added. “You need giveaways. It’s been sold out since it was announced. You can’t get in the building. The Pacers only fill it up like that when it’s playoffs. You can’t get in the building. It’s the hottest ticket. It’s an experience, bro. It’s the closest thing to college.”
The numbers back up the hype. The WNBA is experiencing its best attendance figures in more than two decades, with 2024 marking the league’s highest turnout since 2002, according to the Associated Press. Leading the way are the Fever, averaging 17,035 fans per home game-a league record.
However, Clark‘s recent left quad strain has already shown just how much her presence drives demand. Scheduled to return by mid-June, her absence has had immediate effects.
Ticket prices for the Fever’s June 7 clash with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have nosedived, dropping 71%-from $86 to $25-according to data from TickPick shared by Front Office Sports.
The game had been moved to the United Center, home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, to accommodate the expected surge in attendance. Now, without Clark, demand has cooled significantly.
Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed the situation earlier this week, telling reporters there is still no timetable for Clark‘s return.
Since her injury, the team has gone 1-2, highlighting just how vital the rookie sensation is not only to the Fever’s success, but to the league’s growing momentum.
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