Indiana Fever report increase in ticket sales and interest thanks to Caitlin Clark

The GIST: The Caitlin Clark Effect. Clarkonomics. The Iowa star’s game-changing influence on college basketball encompasses many terms, but thanks to her declaration for the 2024 WNBA Draft, there’s a new one: Caitlin Clark Fever. Clark is already reshaping the economy for her expected landing place, the Indiana Fever. It’s getting hot in here.

$140: The current average price of an Indiana Fever ticket on Vivid Seats, up 133% from last year’s $60 average. The Fever finished 10th out of 12 in the W and had the league’s second-lowest attendance in 2023, hence a lack in competitive pricing, but nothing’s changed besides Clark’s draft decision — and she hasn’t even officially been chosen yet with the Fever’s No. 1 overall pick.

$166: The current lowest available ticket price for the Fever’s May 14 season-opening visit to the Connecticut Sun. Another aspect of the Clark Effect is bringing in opposing fans who want to watch her play. Even the Las Vegas Aces, who led 2023 WNBA attendance and previously sold 8K season tickets, sold another 300 immediately after Clark’s announcement. A rising GOAT lifts all boats.

$487: The current get-in price for the Fever’s home opener against the NY Liberty on May 16th. Indianapolis has a unique home court advantage through its proximity to Iowa City — Fever fans are prepared to drive an average of 314 miles to watch games compared to 237 miles last year, a jump which could reflect the influx of Iowa fans ready to hop on the Indiana bandwagon.

180%: How much Fever home page traffic spiked overnight after Clark declared for the draft. The Fever also reported increased social media engagement following her announcement and have been fanning the flames in hopes the hype around Clark will catch on.

Lingering questions: For the past two seasons, Clark has brought record attendance and viewership to Iowa women’s basketball. We’ve seen fans respond to the news, but the bigger question is how WNBA infrastructure and women’s sports sponsorship will react — Clark will be the first to bring unprecedented collegiate NIL backing to the W. Watch this follow through.