Many fans entered the arena eager to watch the highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever. Before the game, hundreds of young girls wearing Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers merchandise cheered loudly for their favorite players, filling the area with excitement. 

The contest took place August 20 at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas, Texas in front of a sold out crowd of 20,297. For the Wings, playing in front of a crowd this large is a sign of what is to come. The team will move to the AAC full-time next season, leaving behind a venue that seats only 7,000 fans.

“For this organization to be able to now come to AAC next year full time, I think that just speaks volumes to the city, the way they love this team and the way they want it more,” VIS Mentor Alysha Clark said after the game.

“For this organization to be able to now come to AAC next year full time, I think that just speaks volumes to the city, the way they love this team and the way they want it more.”

VIS Mentor Alysha Clark

Players are Performing

The fans came to watch some of the league’s biggest stars, and the players gave them plenty to cheer about.

Records continue to be broken. During the game, Kelsey Mitchell had a historic night, setting a WNBA record with her 21st consecutive 20-point game.

“It all comes down to the work,” Mitchell said about her record-breaking night. She surpassed A’ja Wilson who previously held the record with 20 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. Mitchell also tied her season high with 37 points.

For the Wings, Awak Kuier set a new franchise record for blocks in a game with seven blocks. “They have really good drivers, so I just made sure I was on time.” Awak explained when discussing what worked for her defensively. She surpassed her previous franchise record of five blocks.

Wings Guard Arike Ogunbowale also became the third fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 points and 1,000 assists. “To be in the record books so far, and to do it with the franchise that drafted me is definitely special,” Arike expressed. Arike also scored a season-high 32 points in the Wings’ win.

Having to Expand

Since the league began, the talent on the court has increased the past few years and continues to draw in viewership. The previous matchup between the Wings and Fever on August 14 drew a record-breaking 2.2 million viewers, setting a network record for a WNBA game.

With the continuous talent coming into the league and the fanbases they are bringing in, the WNBA is now having to make space. Expansion teams are coming to Cleveland and Houston, developmental players are able to train with teams, and more roster spots are available. 

Young players like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark have contributed to the increase in fans of the league, while veteran players continue to advocate for a better league for future players.

Hard Work Pays Off

With the increasing fanbase surrounding these athletes, teams like Dallas are having to move from venues that hold 7,000 fans to ones that hold more than 20,000. It makes it undeniable that the league continues to grow.

Clark also expressed her thoughts on the league's growth and the payoff from the advocacy players have fought for. “I’m really proud of the work that we’ve always done as a league,” Clark said. “We’ve never been afraid to stand for what’s right.” One example this season is the new CBA, which increased players’ salaries while improving housing, travel, health and wellness benefits, and family planning support.

As a veteran, Mitchell also spoke about the large Fever fanbase at the game in Dallas.

“I’ll be in awe, I really do. I look up and am like there are a lot of people here,” Mitchell said when asked about attendance after the game. “I don’t think I will ever get used to it.”

She further explained how the WNBA has grown since her rookie year. 

“You always have to be grateful for the game and where it is going,” Mitchell said. “It is showing where the transition is coming from, but it is something you do not want to get used to. It is something you want to be grateful for.” 

For the Wings, that growth is now bringing them to a bigger stage. Next season, the AAC will no longer be just a place for a big game. It will be home.