Ticket Prices Plunge After Caitlin Clark Injury Update and Sophie Cunningham Benched

May 28, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN — What a difference a day makes. Following an injury update confirming that Caitlin Clark will remain sidelined, coupled with news that veteran guard Sophie Cunningham will not be starting in the Indiana Fever’s upcoming game, ticket prices for the Fever’s home games have taken a nosedive.

Online ticket platforms and secondary markets are reporting a dramatic drop in demand, with some resale prices plummeting by more than 50% within 24 hours. It’s a shocking shift for a team that just weeks ago was seeing sold-out crowds and sky-high resale values thanks largely to Clark’s massive star power and fanbase.

The Clark Effect — in Reverse

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and one of the most electrifying rookies in league history, has drawn record crowds, TV ratings, and national attention in her first professional season. But a recent setback — a minor ankle injury — has forced her to miss key games, with the Fever now confirming that she will sit out at least one more contest as a precaution.

While the injury itself is not considered serious, the absence of Clark — who averages 17.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game — has clearly impacted fan enthusiasm.

“She’s the reason we bought tickets in the first place,” said Fever fan Amber Lewis. “I’m still supporting the team, but I’m not paying top dollar if she’s not playing. Simple as that.”

Cunningham Left Out of Starting Lineup

Adding fuel to the fire, the team announced that Sophie Cunningham, the 6th-year guard known for her hustle, grit, and perimeter shooting, will not start in the next game. The coaching staff described the decision as “strategic,” citing a desire to explore new lineup combinations and give younger players more minutes.

Still, the timing couldn’t be worse. Cunningham, who has been one of the team’s vocal leaders, has a strong fan following of her own. Her benching has sparked debates online about whether the team is losing stability during a critical stretch of the season.

“I’m stunned,” wrote one fan on X. “Sophie brings intensity we desperately need. With Caitlin out, this isn’t the time to shuffle leadership.”

Ticket Market Takes a Hit

Data from platforms like SeatGeek and StubHub show the average ticket price for the Fever’s next home game has dropped from $118 to just $52 — and in some sections, tickets are now available for under $25. For a franchise that recently ranked near the top of league attendance, it’s a swift and startling decline.

“This is a direct result of two things: the uncertainty surrounding Caitlin Clark’s availability and the diminished star appeal of the starting lineup,” said sports economist David Byrne. “Fans are making emotional and economic decisions. If the product doesn’t reflect what they expected, they’ll walk — or at least look for discounts.”

Long-Term Implications

The Fever are currently trying to find their rhythm in a competitive Eastern Conference. With Clark sidelined and lineup changes shaking things up, the team’s on-court chemistry is under a microscope. However, head coach Christie Sides remains optimistic.

“We’re making adjustments that we believe are in the best long-term interest of this team,” she said. “Caitlin’s health is the priority, and as for Sophie, she continues to be a key part of what we do — whether starting or coming off the bench.”

Still, the message from fans and the marketplace is clear: the Fever’s star-driven appeal is fragile. With every injury update and roster change, the team’s bottom line — and its attendance — may hang in the balance.

For now, all eyes are on Caitlin Clark’s recovery and the Fever’s ability to adapt without her, both on the court and in the stands.