In a significant development within the WNBA, Chicago Sky’s decision to move two home games against the Indiana Fever to the United Center, which boasts a capacity of nearly 21,000, has sparked controversy and frustration, particularly from Angel Reese. The Sky announced that these matchups, scheduled for June 7 and July 27, 2025, will take place at the larger venue, a move that seemingly highlights the stark contrast in marketability between Reese and her counterpart, Caitlyn Clark.
Reese expressed her bewilderment over why only games featuring Clark are being upgraded to a bigger arena. “Why are only Caitlin Clark’s games being moved?” she questioned, voicing her discontent to reporters. The Sky’s decision, however, appears to be grounded in economic reality rather than personal sentiments. Last season, the Indiana Fever set a record for home attendance, drawing nearly 341,000 fans, while the Sky struggled to match those numbers.
This decision has prompted discussions about star power and marketability within the league. While both players are undoubtedly talented, the data suggests a significant disparity in drawing crowds. The Fever’s games have consistently attracted larger audiences, often exceeding attendance figures that the Sky has achieved, even with Reese on the roster. In fact, the Fever averaged over 17,700 fans per game, while the Sky’s attendance hovered around 9,000.
The Sky’s president, Adam Fox, stated that the move aims to reward loyal fans by providing them with an opportunity to see exciting matchups in a larger venue. Yet, the selection of only the games featuring Clark raises questions about the underlying reasons for this decision. Fans and analysts alike have noted that the economic implications of Clark’s presence are undeniable, with ticket sales and merchandise revenue spiking whenever she is on the court.
The discourse surrounding this decision has been lively on social media, with some fans arguing that Reese’s own contributions to women’s basketball should warrant similar treatment. Critics have pointed out that if Reese were truly a comparable draw to Clark, more of her games would be moved to larger venues. The data certainly suggests that the WNBA’s economics are currently favoring Clark, whose impact on the league has been profound, contributing to a significant increase in viewership and attendance since her debut.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Teams across the league are recognizing the financial benefits of featuring Clark in larger venues. The Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun have also made similar venue adjustments for games involving the Fever, signaling a broader trend that prioritizes economic viability over emotional narratives.
While Angel Reese remains a key figure in the league, her star power has yet to translate into the same level of commercial success that Caitlyn Clark has achieved. As the WNBA continues to grow, this scenario underscores a crucial aspect of sports: the undeniable influence of star power on business decisions. The upcoming games at the United Center promise not only to showcase elite basketball talent but also to highlight the evolving dynamics of marketability within women’s sports.
As the countdown to these games begins, the conversation surrounding ticket sales, fan engagement, and the future of the WNBA will undoubtedly continue to evolve. For now, the focus remains on how the league navigates the complex intersection of talent, economics, and fan loyalty in an ever-competitive sports landscape.
