Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s top draft pick, is gearing up for her preseason home debut with the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, facing the Atlanta Dream. Clark, notable for her stellar performance at Iowa where she led her team to consecutive NCAA championship games, has already demonstrated her prowess on the court by scoring 21 points in her preseason opener. The game is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd of 17,000, prompting the Fever to open the third deck of the venue to accommodate the increased interest in Clark’s arrival.

Clark’s entry into the WNBA has sparked significant excitement and raised the profile of the league, with 36 of the Fever’s 40 games scheduled for national television coverage this season. Moreover, her regular-season debut will make history as the first live sporting event streamed on Disney+.

Despite the positive fanfare, Clark faces the intense competition and challenging environment typical of the WNBA, a league known for its rigorous physical demands and high level of play. The rookie from West Des Moines must navigate these hurdles as she transitions from college to professional basketball.

The Fever and their fans are hopeful that Clark’s presence will not only fill seats but also invigorate the team and contribute to the ongoing growth of women’s basketball nationally.