The speculated rivalry between WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has caused ticket prices to skyrocket for their upcoming rematch on Sunday when the Indiana Fever face off against the Chicago Sky.
According to the online ticket marketplace TickPick, the average price for a seat at the highly anticipated game was over $270 as of Friday afternoon, with the “get-in” price — the cheapest ticket — around $200. If these numbers hold up, it would make the Fever-Sky rematch the most expensive game in WNBA history.
Related Story: Games starring Caitlin Clark have broken WNBA viewership records for 6 TV networks this season
In their last encounter, there was no shortage of drama on the court as Reese drew a flagrant foul in the third quarter by hitting Clark with her elbow, causing the Fever star to tumble to the floor. Post-game, Reese expressed dissatisfaction with the foul and refereeing decisions.
“I think we were playing really hard. I think we went up really strong a lot of times and we didn’t get a lot of calls,” Reese told reporters. “And going back into looking at the film, I’ve seen a lot of calls that weren’t made. I guess some people got a special whistle.”
Clark, on the other hand, took a more neutral stance.
“It is what it is, you know, she’s trying to make a play on the ball and get the block,” Clark said after the 91-83 win. “I mean it happens.”
Related Story: Angel Reese says WNBA popularity is about more than just Caitlin Clark: ‘It’s because of me too’
Whether the rivalry between Clark and Reese is real or manufactured by the media, one thing is certain — the WNBA is reaping the benefits from the narrative. Last week’s matchup between the Fever and Sky drew an average of 2.25 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game across all television networks in the past 23 years.
However, it’s not just Clark and Reese propelling the WNBA into the spotlight. They are part of a stellar rookie class that includes players like Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson — all contributing to the unprecedented support for women’s basketball.
Scripps Sports is set to broadcast WNBA games every Friday night on ION for a second season.
Tune in this Friday, June 21, to watch Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever take on Rhyne Howard and the Atlanta Dream at 7:30 p.m. ET. Alternatively, catch the Connecticut Sun facing off against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at 10 p.m. ET.
ION’s 14-week WNBA schedule is available for TV and streaming viewers nationwide and includes over 40 national, regional, or local games that will be aired through September 13.
Click here to see the complete upcoming schedule for WNBA on ION.
ION is a subsidiary of Scripps News’ parent company, E.W. Scripps.
