Caitlin Clark’s return to Iowa — this time as a professional in an Indiana Fever jersey — delivered exactly what fans hoped for: magic on the court, love from the crowd, and a full-circle moment for one of the most celebrated athletes in women’s basketball history.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever win fourth straight at home

The game, a preseason WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings, was held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena — the very same court where Clark rewrote NCAA records and turned women’s college basketball into a national phenomenon. And on this night, the arena was packed once again, completely sold out, with over 15,000 fans wearing Hawkeye gold, Fever red, and even handmade shirts bearing her name and number.

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From the moment she stepped onto the floor, the crowd was on its feet. Every pass, every shot, every movement brought a roar. But it wasn’t just nostalgia — Caitlin showed she’s already adjusting to the pro level. She finished the night with 21 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds, including several logo-range threes that reminded everyone she’s still that player.

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“This place will always be home,” Clark said postgame. “To be back here, with this kind of support, it honestly brought tears to my eyes.”

It wasn’t just a game. It was a celebration — not only of Clark, but of what she represents: a new era of women’s basketball. From college to the pros, she’s taken the momentum with her, and fans are clearly following.

Caitlin Clark's face drops when Fever teammates put her in her place - The Mirror US

Her Indiana Fever teammates embraced the moment, too. Even opposing players from the Dallas Wings acknowledged how special it was.

“You don’t see this kind of crowd in preseason,” said one Wings player. “That’s the Caitlin Clark effect.”

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While the event felt like a homecoming party, there were real basketball implications too. The Fever are in the middle of finalizing their roster, and two notable players — Bree Hall and Jillian Alleyne — were waived in the days surrounding the game. Clark’s presence has reshaped the team dynamic, and her rise means every spot on the roster matters even more.

 

Still, the spotlight remained on the hometown hero. And if this night proved anything, it’s that Caitlin Clark is ready for the WNBA, and the fans — especially in Iowa — are ready to go wherever she leads.