Caitlin Clark, the standout Iowa basketball star, is making waves in the WNBA even before officially joining the league. As the expected first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, Clark is already influencing ticket sales and market interest, particularly for the Indiana Fever, who hold the first pick.
Last season, the Fever had one of the lowest attendance rates in the league, averaging only 4,067 fans per game. However, with the anticipation of Clark’s arrival, the team has seen a significant uptick in ticket demand. The Fever responded to this increased interest by initiating an unprecedented presale of single-game tickets, covering two games per day over a 15-day period leading up to the draft. These presales have been very successful, with most tickets selling out quickly, especially for high-profile matchups against teams like the Seattle Storm and Dallas Wings.
Ticket prices have also surged. According to Vivid Seats, there has been a 91% price increase for the Fever’s season opener on the road against the Connecticut Sun, and a 50% increase for their home opener against the New York Liberty. On SeatGeek, the average resale price for home games has jumped to $182, marking a 136% increase from last year, an upswing typically seen in the NBA with major player moves.
Chris Leyden, director of growth marketing at SeatGeek, noted, “This is definitely the most significant example I can think of on the women’s side.” He explained that ticket demand is driven by team popularity, performance, and star players, all of which are influenced by Clark’s impending draft.
The buzz around Clark has extended beyond Fever games. The Las Vegas Aces shifted their July 2 game against Indiana to the larger T-Mobile Arena to accommodate the expected higher demand. Additionally, the Seattle Storm introduced a mini-plan featuring games against the Fever, anticipating strong sales.