The WNBA’s Venue Shuffle: Why Caitlin Clark’s Fever Are Playing Fewer Games in Bigger Arenas
January 26, 2026, 7:45 a.m. CT
The WNBA is expanding its horizons—literally. As teams gear up for the upcoming season, more games than ever are being moved to larger venues to accommodate growing fan interest. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the league-wide trend, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are actually playing fewer games in these bigger arenas compared to last year. Why? Let’s dive in.
During the WNBA’s highly anticipated schedule release on January 21, a whopping 19 regular-season games were slated for larger arenas—up from 15 in 2025. This surge is largely thanks to the league’s two newest additions, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The Tempo, for instance, are taking their show on the road, hosting five games outside their usual home at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Two of these will be at Montreal’s Bell Centre (capacity: 22,114) and two at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena (capacity: 19,700), showcasing the league’s ambition to reach broader audiences.
But for the Indiana Fever, the story is different. This season, only four of their games will be moved to larger venues, a sharp drop from the nine games last year. Here’s the lineup:
- July 5: Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena
- August 8: Chicago Sky at United Center
- August 18: Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena
- August 20: Dallas Wings at American Airlines Center
So, what’s behind this decrease? While there are multiple factors, one stands out: the impact of Caitlin Clark’s injury-plagued 2025 season. The former Hawkeye, who played just 13 games last year, saw her absence take a toll on ticket sales. It’s a harsh reality for a team that still managed to be the league’s top attendance draw, averaging 15,884 fans on the road. Ironically, the four Fever road games moved to larger arenas last year were sold out before Clark’s injuries sidelined her.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the WNBA missing an opportunity by not capitalizing on Clark’s star power? While many arenas plan their schedules months in advance, there’s still room for flexibility. Could the Fever’s 22 road games in 2026 see last-minute venue changes to bigger arenas if demand spikes? And more importantly, how much does the league’s scheduling strategy reflect its commitment to its biggest stars?
As the season unfolds, these questions will linger. For now, fans can follow the action closely. Stay updated by following HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for the latest Iowa news, insights, and opinions. And don’t forget to check out Scout’s coverage on X: @SpringgateNews.
What do you think? Is the WNBA making the right call with its venue strategy, or should they be doing more to leverage stars like Caitlin Clark? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
