The city of Indianapolis, known for hosting major sporting events such as the NFL Draft Combine and NBA All-Star Game, will host the WNBA All-Star Game for the first time in the summer of 2025. This event will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, with the 3-point contest and skills challenge happening the day before. The announcement of the All-Star game comes at a crucial time when Indiana Fever, the state’s WNBA team, is witnessing a significant increase in popularity, leading in attendance for home and away games.
Indiana Fever has achieved a phenomenal increase in interest and support. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert attributes this fervor to the enduring passion for basketball amongst Indiana’s residents. The team has experienced a boost in all areas, including record-breaking single-game sales at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Team Store and a surge on social media with more than 1.3 million followers added since mid-April.
The performance of Indiana Fever’s broadcasts this season has been exceptional. Ten broadcasts set network viewership records, with a June 23 game against the Chicago Sky becoming the most-viewed WNBA game in 23 years. The franchise has also seen a 150 percent increase in appearance requests for their mascot, Freddy Fever. These feats are considered a historic moment for women’s basketball.
Despite a slow start with nine losses in 11 games, Indiana Fever bounced back with key players such as 2024 No.1 pick Caitlin Clark and 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston leading the charge. Veterans like two-time All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell and 2022 No. 2 pick NaLyssa Smith helped improve the team’s chemistry on the court. As the team enters the second half of the season, Clark leads in assists and is a top performer among rookies in points per game.
Caitlin Clark now ranks third in 3-pointers and seventh in total points in the WNBA, playing the second-most minutes across the league. Despite a rocky start, Indiana Fever is currently sitting in seventh place with an 11-15 record. The team will return to the court against the Phoenix Mercury, demonstrating the mettle and commitment that has won them their burgeoning fan base.
In conclusion, the announcement of the WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis symbolizes more than just a sporting event; it represents a historic moment for women’s basketball and the state of Indiana itself. Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines, declared: “Over several seasons, we have built a young, talented roster that fans are excited to support, and this is momentum that we will build off for years to come.”
