Indiana Fever Make Request Before Caitlin Clark's 3rd WNBA Season
The Indiana Fever are gearing up for the 2026 WNBA season, and anticipation is already building around Caitlin Clark and the team's return to the court. Following last year's impressive run to the playoff semi-finals, fans have been waiting all offseason for opening night, which is set for May 9 at home against the Dallas Wings.
The matchup is expected to draw major attention, and will feature four recent No. 1 overall draft picks. Two-time All-Star Caitlin Clark and three-time All-Star Aliyah Boston will match up against the 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and the 2026 No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd.
Ahead of the highly anticipated opener, the Fever sent a clear message to fans about the atmosphere they want inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The team shared a countdown photo of Clark showing the back of her No. 22 jersey, along with the caption: "Caitlin Clark days away from the regular season let's pack the house on May 9."
Caitlin Clark days away from the regular season
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 17, 2026
let's pack the house on May 9: https://t.co/L9M1i97ACspic.twitter.com/cavzeLJt2v
The excitement around Clark has already transformed attendance in Indiana. During her rookie season in 2024, the Fever drew 340,715 fans at home, setting a new WNBA single-season attendance record and leading the league. Multiple home games sold out, and the energy around the franchise reached levels the organization had not seen.
The buzz carried into 2025, even with Clark limited to just 13 games because of injuries. Despite her absence for much of the season, Indiana still ranked second in home attendance behind the Golden State Valkyries, drawing 364,325 fans across 22 home games: an average of 16,560 per game (h/t Across The Timeline).
Whether the Fever can set another attendance mark in 2026 remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest fan enthusiasm remains as strong as ever. The May 9 opener against the Wings will offer the first glimpse of that support in action.
Related: Caitlin Clark Reacts to Indiana Fever's $78 Million Decision Before WNBA Season
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 2:21 PM.