Caitlin Clark's arrival in the WNBA has undeniably ignited a surge in popularity for the league. Dubbed the "Caitlin Clark Effect," her presence has led to increased ticket sales, higher viewership numbers, and a renewed excitement surrounding women's basketball. However, this phenomenon also means that her absence is felt just as acutely, as evidenced by the recent fluctuations in ticket prices for Indiana Fever games following her injury.
On May 26, 2025, the Indiana Fever announced that Clark would be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks due to a left quadriceps strain. This marked the first time Clark would miss a game in her professional career, ending a streak of 185 consecutive games dating back to her college career at Iowa. The news sent ripples throughout the WNBA, and one of the most immediate impacts was on the secondary ticket market.
TickPick, a sports ticket resale marketplace, reported a staggering drop in ticket prices for the Fever's upcoming games. The most notable example is the June 7 matchup against the Chicago Sky at the United Center in Chicago. This game was highly anticipated, not only because of the rivalry between Clark and Angel Reese, but also because it was moved to the United Center, the largest arena in the NBA with a seating capacity of nearly 21,000, to accommodate the expected large turnout. Initially, the get-in price for this game was $86, but after the announcement of Clark's injury, it plummeted to just $25, a decrease of approximately 71%.
The decline in ticket prices isn't limited to just the Fever-Sky game. According to Front Office Sports, the average purchase price for the five Indiana Fever games up to June 10 has also dropped drastically, from $137 to $80, a 41.6% decrease. This includes two home games in Indiana. Similarly, the Fever's game against the Washington Mystics on May 28, which was moved to the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore to accommodate a larger crowd, saw its get-in price drop by 47%, from $41 to $22.
The fact that ticket prices are so heavily influenced by Clark's availability underscores her immense value to the WNBA. Her injury serves as a stark reminder of the "flip side" of the "Caitlin Clark Effect," demonstrating how much her presence drives fan interest and ticket demand.
It's important to note that while ticket prices have dropped for some games, particularly those scheduled during Clark's expected absence, demand remains high for games further out on the schedule. For instance, the get-in price for the Fever's June 10 road game against the Atlanta Dream remains elevated at $147. Also, there is still high demand for the Fever's first game at the Chase Center against the Golden State Valkyries on June 19 and the first game between Clark and Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings on June 27.
While Clark's injury is undoubtedly a setback for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. Fever coach Stephanie White expressed optimism about the team's depth and the chance for other players to find an identity in Clark's absence. Additionally, White believes that this time on the sideline will allow Clark to observe the game from a different perspective and return as an even better player.
