Over the past few years, it’s become customary for NBA players to show up to WNBA games in support, sitting courtside and receiving a massive ovation when they’re shown on the in-arena Jumbotron. During the New York Liberty’s 2023 Finals run, then-Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges was a sideline staple, while Kevin Durant immediately embraced the Phoenix Mercury after his trade to the Phoenix Suns last season.
Having famous NBA stars courtside — like Lebron James at the 2023 Finals — has served as a sort of litmus test for the league’s popularity, evidence that the people society revere most think women’s basketball is cool.
But, on Monday night, roles were reversed. Indiana Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell sat along the baseline of an Indiana Pacers preseason game, and it was them who received a rousing ovation from the fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse when the camera panned over to the high-scoring duo.
it is objectively cool to see this be a headline – two WNBA stars in the house for an NBA game and everyone is hype about it! for so long it’s been NBA players sitting courtside, it’s dope to see it go both ways https://t.co/gyQ4Jv1Nme
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) October 15, 2024
Clark, a recent winner of the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award, and Mitchell, a two-time All-Star, led the Fever to a playoff berth this past season, and emerged as the two leading guard scorers after the Olympic break. They formed a formidable backcourt that captured the hearts of
In her first season as a professional, Caitlin Clark brought tons of new fans and viewers to the WNBA — the Fever had the biggest attendance year in league history, averaging 17,036 fans per game at home. In contrast, the Pacers had the second-lowest attendance in the NBA last season, averaging 16,526 fans per game.
That’s not a knock on the Pacers; under the emergence of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers had a very successful season and made it to the Conference Finals as a No. 6 seed. But, the fact that the Fever actually had more spectators in attendance than the Pacers is a testament to Caitlin Clark’s profound impact on the basketball landscape, and a newfound and growing enthusiasm for women’s basketball.
It’s a small moment, but Clark and Mitchell sitting courtside — and commanding so much attention while doing so — is representative of a broader shift we’ve seen these past few years, where women’s basketball has evolved from a side show to the main attraction. And, it’s pretty cool to see.
