WNBA finalists use Caitlin Clark’s Fever game as sweetener to sell tickets to other games

Caitlin Clark's fame is forcing the WNBA, its teams and networks to focus all their attention on the Indiana Fever.

WNBA finalists use Caitlin Clark’s Fever game as sweetener to sell tickets to other games

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark led all her WNBA peers in drawing audiences both inside arenas as well as on television. In the aftermath, the Indiana Fever have become one of the most popular sports franchises having leapfrogged several NBA teams.

That has resulted in a massive surge in the demand for Fever tickets. Several teams have had to move their home games against the Fever to larger arenas to cater to that demand. That means, Caitlin Clark will play in NBA size arenas for much of her sophomore season.

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Even media houses have caught on to the demand and earmarked 93% of Fever games to be broadcast on national television slots. On the flip side, teams are struggling to sell tickets for games other than ones featuring the Indiana Fever.

Proof of that comes from a recent listing on the Minnesota Lynx’s website. They designed a package deal for fans wanting to purchase tickets to their home game against Clark’s Indiana Fever. Their website listing read.

Pick any 5 games that best fit your schedule + gain access to purchase tickets to our only home game against the Indiana Fever. Want more? Add a 7th game to your Plan and we’ll add on an 8th for FREE — Sept. 11 vs. Golden State Valkyries!

Minnesota Lynx wrote

They are last season’s WNBA finalists and were a few points away from clinching the title. On top of that, DPOY Napheesa Collier dominated Unrivaled League to establish herself as a leading superstar. However, this package deal suggests all of that has not been enough to sell tickets for their other games.

Hall of Famer denounces envy surrounding Caitlin Clark national TV coverage

The Minnesota Lynx just provided further proof that Caitlin Clark moves the needle. But even then, there are others in and around the WNBA who believe it was unfair of networks to assign that many games for the Indiana Fever. Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie on the other hand, does not understand the problem.

We can’t deny what Caitlin Clark has done for the women’s game. Have we ever had teams need larger arenas? No, we have not. Are we gonna get upset about 5, 6, 10 games less on tv? I don’t think we shou. We have access to these games now in a way that we’d never had before, and we have to appreciate that.

Lisa Leslie said

Leslie reiterated that the 23-year-old is an exciting basketball player. On top of that, she is as humble as they come. Therefore, she believes the spotlight on Clark will help the league grow. If networks are scheduling around her, other teams are also benefitting.

This is in line with what Napheesa Collier said on ESPN. However, she did advocate that the WNBA champions New York Liberty should have more nationally televised games than what was assigned. But she did say that it does not have to come at the expense of Clark’s games.

Lisa Leslie slams championship requirements in NCAA GOAT debate

Paige Bueckers is in her final season with UConn. Many believe one of the requirements to enter the college basketball GOAT debate is to win titles. USA Today Sports host Mackenzie Salmon asked Lisa Leslie if that requirement makes sense in the event Bueckers does not win one.

Absolutely not. I didn’t win an NCAA championship. I was national POTY, I won all the individual awards. It’s very hard to win a national championship. It doesn’t make a player who didn’t win less of an amazing individual player in the possibility to be in talks to be the GOAT.

Lisa Leslie said

Lisa Leslie is one of the greatest women’s basketball players ever. She clarified how difficult it is to win an NCAA championship. Many factors have to go into a team to become a champion. Therefore, if Paige Bueckers or Caitlin Clark do not win, that does not negate the impact they have had in the tournaments.