of Indiana Fever They ended the regular season in record-breaking fashion, just as they began it.
when Caitlin Clark Her WNBA debut in May against the Connecticut Sun was the most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years, with 2.1 million viewers tuned in to see the former Iowa star in action.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (No. 22) signs mini-basketballs for fans after a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
On Thursday night, the Fever set a new record in front of a crowd of 20,711, the largest attendance in WNBA history.
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This year's rookies have set a new standard in women's basketball, but Clark has led the way and her teammates have recognized the impact she has had on the basketball world.
“That's huge,” Nalisa Smith said of the crowd that watched Thursday's close loss. Washington Mystics.
“This is something we've always wanted. It's fun to play in front of these guys. [crowds]”You never get used to it. You just play in front of a sold-out crowd all the time. Thanks Kaitlyn. Thanks Kaitlyn. I'm so grateful for her.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (No. 22) celebrates after making a three-point shot during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Caitlin Clark's final game of her first season drew the largest attendance in WNBA history, capping off a historic season
Fever star Kelsey Mitchell echoed the sentiment before the game, saying Clark's popularity has led to even “casual” fans beginning to appreciate some of the biggest names in the sport.
“The reality is, what people don't know is [Caitlin Clark]So, I applaud Caitlyn. It's a reality. I think she's done an incredible job of connecting with her fans and the people who support her.”
Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell (left) shoots a shot over the head of Phoenix Mercury's Natasha Cloud during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Justin Castaline/Getty Images)
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Clark is definitely WNBA, But she also changed the dynamics of the franchise, as the Fever earned the No. 6 seed in the playoffs earlier this month and are in the postseason for the first time since 2016.
They begin their playoff journey with a three-game series against the Suns, starting with Game 1 on Sunday.
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