About the whole Caitlin Clark effect on the WNBA? Some thought it might die down several weeks into the record-breaking guard’s first season as a professional.
We saw it with another generational talent in that of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA last season. That is to say, the effect wearing off in short order.
Would this be the case with Clark as the WNBA prepares to pause its season for the Summer Olympics in Paris? Not a chance on God’s Green Earth.
According to TickPick, Clark’s popularity is growing even more.
Bounding Into Sports is able to report that the Indiana Fever’s road date against the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces set for Tuesday night now includes some absolutely ridiculous ticket prices.
The current get-in price for said game is $92.00. That’s 667% more expensive than the Aces next home date against the Washington Mystics on the Fourth of July. Said get-in price for that holiday matchup is a cool $12.00.
The biggest purchase for Tuesday night’s game was $2,584 for four tickets ($646.00) each ticket. You have got to be kidding us?
Related: Caitlin Clark Picks Up Prestigious Award, Joins Elite Company Of Female Athletes
Caitlin Clark Takes Her Show To T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas
Taking into account Clark’s record popularity, this game was moved from the Aces’ normal home of Michelob ULTRA Arena inside Mandalay Bay to T-Mobile Arena, the home of the NHL’s Las Vegas Golden Knights. Those who frequent Sin City might also know the venue for hosting some of the biggest concerts the United States has to offer.
Michelob ULTRA Arena has a capacity of 12,000 compared to 20,000 for T-Mobile Arena. Just let that sink in for a second. Regardless of how some might feel about Clark (or her fans), it’s not even debatable. Her role in the growing popularity of the WNBA can’t be denied.
Related: WNBA Commissioner Praises Caitlin Clark for Impact On Ratings, Ticket Sales
Las Vegas Aces Have Also Played A Role in Growing Popularity Of The WNBA
Let’s not mistake the Clark effect for only praising her as the WNBA brand grows. For the first time in the history of the league, a team sold out all of its home games. Obviously, that came in the form of the Las Vegas Aces this season.
Led by A’Ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the Aces helped grow this entity while Clark was still playing college ball at Iowa. Wilson is the best player in the WNBA. It’s not close.
- A’Ja Wilson stats (2024): 26.9 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1.9 SPG, 51% shooting
Those who want to see the WNBA continue to grow can’t discount what Wilson and the Aces have done.
With Clark now set to take on these Aces at 9:30 PM ET Tuesday night on ESPN, the two biggest forces in the league will join forces.
We’re highly intrigued.
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