Caitlin Clark's fanbase surge forces WNBA teams to change venues for several games

Since Caitlin Clark was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever, her fans can't wait to see her in the WNBA. That could be a good thing for the league and, at the same time, a problem for WNBA teams, who are expecting an influx of Clark's fanbase at their venues.

Indiana Pacers beat writer Scott Agness reported on X, formerly Twitter, that the Washington Mystics, after the Las Vegas Aces, will play their home game against the Indiana Fever on June 7 at Capital One Arena, which has 20,000 seats.

"Washington Mystics say "due to unprecedented demand" for their game against the Fever (Caitlin Clark) on 6/7, they've moved it from their arena (4,200) to Capital One Arena (20,000)," wrote Agness.

"Aces already did it, and fans in Chicago are petitioning for Sky to follow suit. #Caitlinomics"

With the WNBA already feeling the "Caitlin Clark effect," teams around the league are scrambling to secure a bigger venue to accommodate Clark's fans.

The demand for fans to watch the Indiana Fever rookie in action is no surprise. The WNBA is also looking to see a surge of fans watching regular-season games on TV and live streaming sites.

Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever jerseys top sales after WNBA draft

Caitlin Clark is now the most popular player in the WNBA. After being drafted number one by the Indiana Fever on Monday, April 15, Clark's number 22 Fever jersey was flying off the shelves.

Per NBC News, sportswear retailer Fanatics announced that Clark's Fever jersey is currently the bestselling jersey for a draft pick.

The first batch of Clark's jerseys was already sold on their website. Fans can still pre-order the jerseys but they're expected to arrive in August.

Nike is on the verge of signing Caitlin Clark for a sneaker endorsement deal

Indiana Fever superstar rookie Caitlin Clark is close to signing a lucrative sneaker deal with Nike.

Per The Athletic's Shams Charania, although the exact numbers weren't disclosed, Nike has reportedly offered an eight-figure endorsement deal to Clark and she's expected to sign the contract soon.

"Breaking: Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark - the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft - is nearing a lucrative, eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike, per industry sources. Clark is set to receive her own signature Nike shoe."

Despite her base salary of $76,535 in her first year in the WNBA, she could earn money not only from her anticipated sneaker deal but also from various endorsements such as Gatorade, Panini and State Farm.

Sneaker rivals Adidas and Under Armour also made a pitch to sign Caitlin Clark for a sneaker deal.

Should Clark sign the contract, she will join Nike's elite stable of sneaker endorsers like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoops, and Devin Booker, just to name a few.