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Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA continues to grow. As the Indiana Fever prepare for the 2025 season, the team will have a league-high 41 of their 44 games nationally televised. Several matchups have also been moved to larger arenas to accommodate demand. While this reflects Clark’s influence, not everyone is on board with the attention she’s receiving.
However, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has defended Clark from criticism. During an interview with USA Today, the Hall of Famer addressed concerns about the Fever’s national exposure and dismissed claims that Clark’s prominence overshadows other players.
“I think we have to understand that when one player eats, we’re all eating and we all get more opportunities. It just opens it up for everyone else,” Leslie said. “I love that she’s not the player that makes it all about her. She’s given love and homage to the players that have come before her. She shares the wealth with her teammates and she doesn’t have to do that.”
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier also weighed in on the debate, recently. While acknowledging that Clark deserves the exposure, she pointed out that other top players and teams should receive more national attention. “People want to watch Caitlin play,” Collier told ESPN.
lisa leslie on national tv games:
“we can’t deny what caitlin clark has done for the women’s game…have we ever had teams need larger arenas?…are we gonna get upset about 5, 6, 10 games less on tv?…we have access to these games now in a way that we’d never had before.”
“You have to put the people on TV that people want to see, but at the same time, there are stars all over the league, and you want good basketball as well. They will be a good team, but to not have the defending champions on TV more, I think, is crazy,” Collier continued. “You don’t have to take games away from Indiana, but you can raise the level of TV games for other teams as well.”
see also
Caitlin Clark’s new Indiana Fever teammate gives a three-word remark over her impact in the league
Bigger arenas for the Fever
Clark’s impact is evident beyond television ratings. Multiple teams have moved their home games against the Fever to larger venues. The Atlanta Dream will host Indiana at State Farm Arena on May 22, increasing capacity from 5,000 to over 17,000.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky’s June 7 and July 27 matchups will take place at the United Center, more than doubling the available seats. The Las Vegas Aces will also shift their June 22 game to T-Mobile Arena, expanding capacity to over 20,000.
Fever’s 2025 season opener
The 2025 WNBA season begins in May, and the Indiana Fever will tip off their campaign at home against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on Saturday, May 17. The game is set for 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN+, and Disney+.
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