Caitlin Clark’s Homecoming Ignites Record Ticket Surge in Fever Preseason Showdown”
Caitlin Clark’s return to Iowa for the Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Brazilian national team on May 4, 2025, was more than just a homecoming—it was a historic event that underscored her immense star power and the growing popularity of women’s basketball.X (formerly Twitter)+8New York Post+8Swish Appeal+8
A Homecoming to Remember
The Fever’s exhibition match at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Clark previously dazzled fans during her collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, was a sellout, drawing a crowd of 15,500. Fans were eager to witness Clark’s return to the court after an extended offseason. She did not disappoint, delivering a performance that included 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. A highlight of the evening was her remarkable 36-foot three-pointer from the logo, a nod to her signature deep shooting range that thrilled the home crowd .Swish Appeal+6New York Post+6Front Office Sports+6Swish AppealNew York Post+1talkSPORT+1
Record-Breaking Ticket Prices
The demand to see Clark in action led to unprecedented ticket prices for a WNBA preseason game. Average resale prices soared to $670, the highest recorded for any WNBA game since tracking began in 2015 . This figure surpassed the previous high of $440 for Clark’s senior night game at Iowa, where she set the NCAA’s all-time scoring record .New York Post+1Log in or sign up to view+1X (formerly Twitter)+6Log in or sign up to view+6Wikipedia+6Front Office Sports
The Caitlin Clark Effect
Clark’s influence, often referred to as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” has significantly impacted women’s basketball. Her presence has been linked to increased attendance and viewership, both at the collegiate and professional levels. During her senior season at Iowa, the team sold out all home games for the first time, and her games consistently set attendance records across various venues . In the WNBA, her debut season with the Fever saw the team set a franchise single-season attendance record, with the regular-season finale drawing a league-record crowd of 20,711.Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Fever prepare for the upcoming WNBA season, expectations are high. With Clark leading the charge, the team aims to build on the momentum generated by her return to Iowa. The Fever’s next exhibition game is set against the Atlanta Dream, followed by their season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17 .talkSPORT+1Front Office Sports+1The US Sun+6Swish Appeal+6New York Post+6
Clark’s return to Iowa not only celebrated her past achievements but also highlighted her ongoing impact on the sport. Her ability to draw record crowds and elevate the profile of women’s basketball continues to inspire fans and players alike.
