The WNBA’s highly anticipated matchup between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky on June 7 has taken a hit-not just on the court, but at the box office.
Injuries to rising stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have led to a noticeable decline in ticket demand, a clear sign of just how much their presence drives fan interest and attendance.
Star power sidelined
Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever‘s rookie phenom, was expected to headline the game after a strong start to her debut season, averaging 19 points, 9.2 assists, and six rebounds per contest.
However, she sustained a left quadriceps strain during a recent game against the New York Liberty. The injury will keep her off the court for at least two weeks, removing one of the WNBA’s most marketable and exciting players from the marquee event.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, another high-profile rookie and college rival of Clark, is also out-sidelined for the season with a wrist injury. Reese had been making her own mark, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds, and was a major draw for the Chicago crowd.
The dual absence of these standout rookies has had a clear impact. Ticket resale platforms have shown a drop in prices and availability, with demand plummeting in the days following the injury announcements.
Fan anticipation fizzles without rookie rivalry
The Fever vs. Sky game was originally billed as a must-watch, set to continue the budding professional rivalry between Clark and Reese that began during their NCAA careers.
Their college matchups-particularly the 2023 NCAA championship game-drew millions of viewers and sparked widespread conversation. That excitement carried over into the WNBA, where fans eagerly awaited their first face-off on the professional stage.
But with both stars sidelined, the excitement has cooled. The drop in ticket sales reflects more than just a lack of availability; it shows how pivotal Clark and Reese have become to the league’s marketing and media narratives.
Fever head coach Stephanie White emphasized the importance of not rushing Clark’s return. “We’ve gotta make sure we’re not putting Caitlin at risk for injury. We want to make sure that we’re extra cautious and put her health and wellness first and foremost,” she said.
Clark herself expressed empathy for Reese’s situation. “It’s definitely sad whenever you see anyone go down with an injury, especially people that you came into this league with. She’s had a historic year, and she’s done some incredible things,” Clark said.
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