As the WNBA experiences a surge in ticket sales with the professional debut of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum emphasized that the boost in attendance isn't solely due to the new draft pick. While acknowledging Clark's significant draw, Plum pointed out that the Aces' established stars and recent successes have also played a crucial role in attracting crowds.
“We’re not rolling out any red carpet. We’re here to be a business and sell a lot of tickets. Kudos to her, but we also have done that in previous years in big games as well,” Plum said, per Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press. “There are a lot of people that play basketball. People are coming to watch A’ja Wilson. People are going to watch Chelsea Gray … That’s not a slight on anyone, but I’m saying that’s not for her. We played in Chicago last year. We sold it out last year.”
The Aces and other teams have been adapting to the increased interest by moving some games to larger venues. For instance, the Aces' upcoming game against Clark and the Fever on May 25 has been relocated to the 18,000-seat T-Mobile Arena from their usual 12,000-seat Michelob Ultra Arena. The shift reflects not only the anticipation surrounding Clark's entrance into the league but also the Aces' draw as the two-time reigning WNBA champions.
Clark, the No. 1 pick from Iowa, has been a significant influence in boosting ticket sales based on her college career, where she drew large crowds and set attendance records. Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledges Clark's impact: ““She helps ticket sales, so I think it’s a really great time to have eyes. She’s going to be an elite player.”
“She has been in college. She’s done stuff in college that nobody else has. She’s going to be a great player in the W. There’s no doubt about it. So the more people we can pack into the building to cheer against her, we’ll take it,” Hammon said, “although I don’t know if they’ll be cheering against her … I guess they might be cheering for her.”
Clark is set to make her preseason debut in a sold-out game against the Dallas Wings Friday night.
Other WNBA teams moving venues for games against Caitlin Clark, Fever
The June 7 game between the Washington Mystics and Indiana was moved to Capital One Arena, which can accommodate over 20,000 fans, compared to their usual venue, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, with a capacity of 4,200.
While nearly half of the WNBA teams already play in NBA arenas, others, such as the Chicago Sky, are feeling pressure to shift games to larger venues. Although fans have petitioned for the Sky's first home game against Indiana to be held at the larger United Center, a conflicting concert on June 23 makes the move impossible.
The Los Angeles Sparks, facing venue conflicts due to construction and other playoffs, will host their first five home games, including a match against Indiana on May 24, at a 4,000-seat arena in Long Beach. While they've previously played at USC, no official plans to move the Indiana game have been confirmed.
In Atlanta, the Dream play at a smaller venue with a 3,500-seat capacity and host Clark and the Fever on June 21. The team has not yet indicated plans to seek a larger venue for this game.
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