Fever players owe Caitlin Clark’s popularity boost after record audience at the WNBA: “We thank her for that”

The Indiana fever finished the regular season as they had started it – with a record result.

When Caitlin Clark When she made her WNBA debut against the Connecticut Sun in May, the matchup set the record for the most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years: 2.1 million viewers watched the former Iowa star take center stage.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (No. 22) signs mini basketballs for fans attending a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

On Thursday night, the Fever set another record in front of 20,711 fans, the highest attendance in WNBA history.

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This year’s rookie class set a new standard in women’s basketball, but Clark led the group and her teammates recognized the impact she had on the game.

“It’s huge,” said NaLyssa Smith about the crowd that came out to watch Thursday’s narrow loss to the Washington mystics.

“This is what we’ve always hoped for. It’s fun to play in front of these (crowds). It’s something you never get used to. Just to keep showing up and playing in front of sold-out crowds, and I mean, a big thank you to Caitlin. A big thank you to Caitlin, we thank her for that.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (No. 22) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Dallas Wings during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

CAITLIN CLARK’S FIRST SEASON FINALE IS THE MOST ATTENDED WNBA GAME OF ALL TIME AND COULD BE A HISTORIC SEASON FINAL

Fever star Kelsey Mitchell echoed that sentiment before the game, adding that Clark’s popularity has now led to even “casual fans” beginning to appreciate the sport’s biggest names.

“I think the reality is that without (Caitlin Clark), people wouldn’t know. So, shoutout to Caitlin. That’s just the reality. I think she’s done an incredible job of obviously bringing her own fans and the people that support her.”

Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever, left, throws over Natasha Cloud of the Phoenix Mercury during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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Clark has undoubtedly changed the landscape the WNBA, but it has also changed the landscape of the franchise. The Fever secured the 6th seed in the playoffs earlier this month, making their first postseason appearance since 2016.

They begin their playoff journey with a three-game series against the Sun, beginning with Game 1 on Sunday.

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