As the WNBA preseason heats up, two of the league’s biggest stars are generating massive buzz—and they couldn’t be on more different paths when it comes to ticket sales. On one hand, you have reigning MVP A’ja Wilson and her Las Vegas Aces, whose preseason tickets are selling for as little as $19. On the other hand, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have sold out their preseason game in record time, thanks to the immense popularity of the Iowa phenom.

The stark contrast in ticket prices and fan engagement highlights the growing influence of women’s basketball and the cultural impact these two players have had on the sport. Let’s break down what’s behind the differences in ticket sales, why A’ja Wilson’s Aces are creating waves, and how Caitlin Clark’s instant stardom is reshaping the landscape of women’s basketball.

A’ja Wilson and the Aces: The Dynasty in the Making

A’ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and 2022 WNBA Finals MVP, has already established herself as one of the best players in the league. Her leadership and all-around dominance helped the Las Vegas Aces clinch the 2022 WNBA Championship, and they are now seen as the team to beat in the 2023 season.

With the Aces sitting atop the WNBA power rankings and Wilson continuing to put up mind-blowing stats, expectations for the team are high. Yet, despite their continued success and superstar status, the ticket prices for their preseason games remain incredibly affordable, with some going for as little as $19.

This move to keep ticket prices low may come as a surprise to some, considering the Aces’ status as one of the most marketable teams in the league. But there is a reason behind it: the Aces’ management seems focused on building a long-term relationship with the fans in Las Vegas. By keeping tickets affordable, they’re allowing more people to come out and support the team, building a loyal fanbase that will stick with the franchise through thick and thin.

Wilson, for her part, isn’t bothered by the relatively low cost of tickets. In fact, she embraces it. She sees it as a chance to grow the game and make women’s basketball more accessible to fans from all walks of life.

“It’s important to give our fans an affordable experience,” Wilson said. “We want as many people as possible to come watch us play. I know we’re creating something special here in Las Vegas, and I want to make sure everyone has a chance to see it.”

With stars like Wilson, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, the Aces are built to be a dominant force for years to come. As the ticket prices suggest, the focus is on accessibility and creating a lasting connection with the community, rather than inflating the prices for preseason games.

Caitlin Clark and the Fever: The New Superstar Attraction

On the flip side, Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Iowa Hawkeyes star took the NCAA tournament by storm in 2023, leading her team to the national championship game and becoming the face of women’s college basketball. Her performances, including jaw-dropping three-pointers and clutch plays, have made her a household name in the world of sports.

When Clark was drafted by the Indiana Fever, the excitement was palpable. Indiana, a team that had struggled in recent years, instantly found a new face of the franchise in Clark. The Fever’s preseason game, which featured Clark’s highly anticipated debut, sold out in a matter of hours. The sheer demand for tickets shows just how much Clark’s presence has elevated interest in the WNBA.

While the Aces are maintaining affordable ticket prices, the Fever have capitalized on the immense star power that Clark brings to the table. The sold-out preseason game is proof of her marketability and the way she has captivated basketball fans across the country. Indiana has fully embraced Clark as the centerpiece of their franchise, and fans are eager to see her hit the court at the professional level.

“I think the fanbase we’re building in Indiana is incredible,” Clark said. “I’m just so excited to start this journey with the Fever, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here. The energy is going to be amazing.”

With the Fever’s sold-out game, Clark’s rookie season is already shaping up to be one of the most hyped debuts in recent memory. It’s clear that her star power has the potential to change the way people view women’s basketball, bringing a new wave of fans to the sport.

Why the Contrasting Ticket Sales Matter

The difference in ticket sales between the Aces and the Fever can be attributed to a variety of factors. For one, A’ja Wilson has been in the league for several years, building her brand and helping the Aces establish themselves as perennial contenders. While their ticket prices are affordable, the Aces have a well-established fanbase in Las Vegas that has supported the team through thick and thin. They are a known commodity, and the prices reflect an effort to make the games accessible to as many fans as possible.

On the other hand, Caitlin Clark’s rise to stardom has been incredibly fast and incredibly intense. Her college success has translated directly into an explosion of interest in the WNBA, and the Fever are capitalizing on that by creating a buzz around her debut. The sold-out preseason game is indicative of the kind of excitement Clark brings, not just to Indiana, but to the entire league.

What’s particularly significant is the overall growth of women’s basketball. While some may point to the pricing disparity as a sign of the Fever’s reliance on Clark’s stardom, it’s a reflection of how much the sport is growing in popularity. As more fans get drawn to women’s basketball, the demand for tickets will naturally fluctuate depending on who is playing and what kind of star power they bring with them.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Women’s Basketball

A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark represent two different sides of the women’s basketball landscape, but both are proving that the WNBA is on the rise. The Aces’ sustained dominance and affordable ticket prices demonstrate a long-term strategy to build a strong, loyal fanbase. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s early success has turned her into one of the most marketable athletes in sports, and her sold-out preseason game is a sign that the Fever are ready to capitalize on the excitement surrounding her.

In the end, this contrast highlights the diversity of the WNBA’s future. Both strategies—building a team-oriented, fan-focused brand with the Aces, and capitalizing on individual star power with the Fever—are viable paths to success. The key takeaway? Women’s basketball is evolving, and with stars like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark leading the way, it’s clear that the sport is here to stay.

As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these two powerhouses—along with the rest of the WNBA—continue to change the landscape of women’s sports. One thing is for sure: the game is growing, and the world is taking notice.