The Indiana Fever have become the most followed team in the WNBA, and a lot of that attention comes from the star power of Caitlin Clark. Despite having the biggest fanbase, the team is still having trouble selling tickets.
That situation caught the attention of Jason Whitlock, who went on a passionate rant in a video posted across his social media platforms. He argued that the league’s surge in popularity is largely because of Clark, but feels the Fever’s recent decisions suggest they are choosing not to embrace her as the face of the franchise.
Whitlock believes that shift is hurting both his interest in the team and, more broadly, the excitement around the league. He pointed to roster decisions and the team’s draft choices as signs that Clark may not be positioned as the clear centerpiece moving forward.
“I’ve watched the Indiana Fever build a team around Caitlin Clark that diminishes Caitlin Clark,” Whitlock said. “It’s like the Indiana Fever are preparing for the end of Caitlin Clark and to get rid of Caitlin Clark and not have her be the star of that team, the unquestioned star of that team. If the Indiana Fever are out on Caitlin Clark, and by the looks of their draft – drafting Raven Johnson – loading up their roster with a bunch of guard, they’re preparing to move on from Caitlin Clark or to de-emphasize Caitlin Clark.”
The season opener between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings is filled with star power, featuring Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, and Azzi Fudd. However, ticket sales for the must-watch contest have been slower than expected. According to many fans, the prices are simply too high, making it tough for people to attend a matchup this exciting.
Caitlin Clark and the Fever set to have all 44 games nationally televised
Heading into the 2026 WNBA season, news broke that all 44 Indiana Fever games will be nationally televised. Fans will be able to watch across major platforms like ABC/ESPN, USA, Prime Video, ION, NBC with Peacock, CBS, and NBA TV.
The league’s decision captures what people have been calling the “Caitlin Clark effect.” Even though Clark missed much of the 2025 season with a groin injury, the demand to watch her play hasn’t gone anywhere.
The Fever will kick things off this Saturday with a preseason matchup against the New York Liberty. That game will not be part of the national TV lineup, though, so interested fans will need to stream it through the WNBA App.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
