The Caitlin Clark effect is set to take shape once again next season: the Chicago Sky have already announced they’re moving both of their home games against Clark’s Indiana Fever from the Wintrust Arena (seats 10,000) to the United Center (23,500).
The Sky opted to face the Fever last year at the Wintrust Arena amid the budding Angel Reese-Clark rivalry, causing Clark to question the organization’s thought process.
“I saw the ticket prices [for our game] and I guess I’m just surprised we’re not playing at the United Center,” she said.
“I thought that would have been really good for the game and really good for all the women’s basketball fans in Chicago. Maybe there’s a conflict of some sort that I don’t know about, that’s a little bit above my pay grade.”
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Chicago will not make the same mistake this year. The team posted on social media: “TWO GAMES. UNITED CENTER. BE THERE.. VENUE CHANGE Our matchups against the Indiana Fever on June 7 & July 27 are moving to the United Center – make sure y’all pack the house!”
Team President and CEO Adam Fox cited the opportunity for Chicago to create a “special atmosphere” via a recent press release.
“Given the explosive growth in the WNBA, we now have a first-ever opportunity to invite more fans to experience this matchup at a larger venue of the United Center,” he said.
Clark and Reese are two of the biggest draws in the WNBA (
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Getty Images)
“Chicago Sky fans have consistently shown up for the team and the city, and we want to reward their passion and dedication by bringing this excitement to an expanded capacity. We know Skytown will help us create a special environment at the United Center this summer.”
The matchup pits Clark against arguably her biggest ‘rival’ in the league: Sky forward Angel Reese. Their June 2024 matchup was the most watched of last season (2.3 million viewers).
Reese got the better of her rival on the day, scoring 25 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Not to go unnoticed, Clark set a Fever franchise record with 13 assists.
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The pair are often pitted against each other, and Clark questioned why that’s the case in her December TIME Magazine interview naming her 2024 Athlete of the Year.
“I don’t get that at all,” Clark said of the rivalry. “We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another. Yes, we have had tremendous battles. But when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?”
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