Angel Reese “Goes Nuts” After Caitlin Clark Shatters WNBA Ticket Records

In an unprecedented moment for women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark has once again rewritten the rules of the game—this time by shattering WNBA ticket records and sending shockwaves throughout the entire league. The Indiana Fever’s recent preseason matchup against the Atlanta Dream was expected to be just another warm-up, but instead, it turned into a historic spectacle that has everyone, including fellow rookie star Angel Reese, buzzing with excitement and awe.

The feverish anticipation began days before tip-off, with tickets for the game selling out at lightning speed. On game day, a staggering 17,575 fans packed State Farm Arena, a number that not only broke the WNBA’s preseason attendance record but also rivaled the energy and atmosphere of an NBA playoff game. The scene outside the arena was electric: lines of fans wrapped around the block, children in Clark jerseys eagerly awaiting their chance to see the new face of the league, and a palpable sense that something special was happening.

Inside, Clark delivered as she always does—draining long-range threes, orchestrating the offense with her signature poise, and igniting the crowd with every move. But the real story extended far beyond her stat line. Clark’s presence has become a cultural phenomenon, turning every arena she visits into the hottest ticket in town and transforming preseason games into must-see events.

No one felt the impact more than Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s own headline-making rookie and a superstar in her own right. Reese, who has drawn impressive crowds throughout her college and early WNBA career, took to social media in disbelief as Clark’s ticket sales and fan frenzy reached new heights. “Sheesh, Caitlin got folks thinking this is the Finals!” Reese posted on her Instagram story, tagging Clark and adding a string of fire emojis. The friendly rivalry between the two young stars has been a driving force in the league’s new era, and Reese’s reaction captured the awe and competitive spirit that Clark’s meteoric rise has inspired.

While Reese’s own preseason debut drew a solid crowd of about 6,000 fans—a number that would have been celebrated in any other year—it suddenly seemed modest compared to the Clark effect. For Reese and the rest of the league, Clark’s drawing power is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to elevate women’s basketball to new heights and prove that the sport can command mainstream attention and sell out NBA-sized venues.

Clark’s influence doesn’t stop at the box office. Her homecoming game in Iowa against the Brazilian national team drew nearly 15,000 fans, another sellout that underscored her status as a phenomenon. Merchandise bearing her name flies off the shelves, and every city she visits sees a spike in ticket demand. NBA teams are reportedly studying her marketing magic, hoping to replicate her ability to turn games into cultural events.

The impact of Clark’s stardom is being felt far beyond the court. Media coverage of the WNBA has surged, with national outlets and sports networks dedicating more airtime than ever before. Young fans—girls and boys alike—are lining up for autographs, inspired by Clark’s fearless style of play and her ability to break barriers. The WNBA, long seeking to expand its audience and reach, is experiencing a renaissance fueled by Clark’s magnetic presence.

Of course, with all the attention comes new challenges. Opponents are bringing their best defense, eager to test the league’s new superstar. Physical play and heightened expectations are now part of Clark’s daily reality. Yet, she has handled the pressure with grace, determination, and a smile—continuing to perform at the highest level and embracing her role as the face of a new generation.

For Angel Reese, Clark’s record-breaking run is a call to action—a reminder that the bar has been set higher than ever before. The friendly rivalry between the two rookies is pushing both to new heights, and fans are the ultimate winners. As Reese herself said, “We’re changing the game together.”

In the end, Caitlin Clark’s ability to shatter ticket records is about more than just numbers. It’s about momentum, belief, and the power of one player to inspire a movement. As Angel Reese goes nuts watching her friend and rival rewrite the record books, it’s clear that the WNBA is entering its most exciting era yet—and the best is still to come.