As Indiana Fever took on the Atlanta Dream tonight, the Caitlin Clark effect was visible on all fronts. The 22-year-old rookie’s presence added yet another record to the WNBA’s 2024 list and this one, not in the name of her franchise. The game, being held at the Dream’s home, State Farm Arena, saw a new record for the largest home crowd attendance even after ticket demand reached sky-high. Clark’s influence seen therein, was also met by Philadelphia 76ers icon Allen Iverson in the stand.

The 2001 MVP was one among the 17,575 fans at the Atlanta Arena. He wore the iconic Chicago Bulls jersey of Michael Jordan, which the fans were appreciative of. When was the last time you saw a legend like Iverson rep the jersey of another legend in a public appearance? Iverson has the heart for it. However, the point of focus here is how Clark managed to put on a show in front of The Truth. 

Clark went on the court and dropped 16 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, shooting an efficient 50% from both the field and the three-point line. The Indiana Fever also defeated the Dream, 91-79, to mark their fourth straight win. Well, it looks like fans predicted that Clark would put on a show today. 

The crowd tonight was Atlanta’s biggest ever. The last time the franchise recorded a number huge enough to reminisce it was back in 2008 when 11,609 fans came to witness the inaugural match against Detroit Shock. This attendance was a result of the league’s move over a month ago.

WNBA’s prediction helps Atlanta Dream set franchise record

When Atlanta Dream was set to battle against Clark and the Fever, the league expected a live attendance more than usual. The game today was initially set to be played at the Gateway Center Arena in Georgia. However, there was only a total of 3,500 seats. 

On May 16, the WNBA announced that they would be shifting the venue of the Indiana vs Atlanta game to the State Farm Arena, which has a total capacity of 19,000. As expected, 17,575 seats were filled, and now the Dream has set its record.

Clark has previously also helped several other franchises set the attendance record. Starting with Liberty at Barclays Center with 17,735, Seattle Storm with 18,343, Los Angeles Sparks with 19,103, and 20,333 seats for Washington Mystics. As a result of the latter of the lot, there has even been a change in the venue for the upcoming game on Sept. 19.

“You want to perform for them, you want to do great for them,” Clark said. “And a lot of people spent a lot of time and money to come watch our team and enjoy the experience and because we’re playing great basketball a lot of them are going to come back and thats a good thing.” The league has continued to witness the records since the start of the season and it isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: