The Indiana Fever’s season came to a disappointing end after a first-round loss to the Connecticut Sun in the 2024 WNBA playoffs. Despite the abrupt exit, the future looks incredibly promising for the Fever. Led by Caitlin Clark, the league’s Rookie of the Year and the No. 1 overall pick, Indiana has shown exponential improvement throughout the season, making them a team to watch next year.
Clark more than lived up to the hype in her rookie campaign, becoming the face of the franchise and setting the league on fire with her dynamic play. Her impact was felt not just on the court but also off of it, as the “Caitlin Clark effect” led to record-breaking attendance at games, both at home and on the road. Fever fans, and basketball enthusiasts in general, are hopeful that with Clark leading the charge, Indiana will be a strong contender in the seasons to come.
However, it’s not just the team roster that could see some changes in the offseason.
The Fever’s front office will also look different as Allison Barber, who has served as the team’s President and COO since 2019, announced her decision to step down at the end of the season. Barber played a key role in shaping the organization during her tenure, and her departure marks a significant shift for the franchise.
Before concluding her time with the Fever, Barber made an appearance at the Economic Club of Washington D.C.’s event, where she shared a previously unknown story about the team’s rookie phenom, Caitlin Clark. While Clark’s popularity and on-court performances were widely discussed throughout the season, Barber revealed an even deeper side of Clark’s character during the off-the-record conversation.
According to Barber, the “Caitlin Clark effect” was undeniable. Clark’s presence significantly boosted attendance at away games, where stadiums typically packed with a few thousand fans suddenly swelled to sold-out crowds. “When we would go to away games, they were always sold out. Unbelievable,” Barber shared at the event. “Atlanta [Dream] would normally have 3,000 or 4,000 people, now they have 17,000 people,” she explained, noting that the frenzy didn’t even account for the standing-room-only tickets sold.
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But what truly stood out was Clark’s response to the financial windfall these sold-out games brought to WNBA teams. After noticing the surge in revenue from her appearances, Clark approached the league with an unexpected and selfless request. “After a few away games, Caitlin asked the WNBA if they would pay spot bonuses to the away team players,” Barber revealed. “She said, ‘We’re making all this new revenue, and I would like the away team to benefit from that. Could they get a spot bonus?’”
This gesture of wanting her opponents to share in the financial success speaks volumes about Clark’s character. Despite being a fierce competitor, Clark showed empathy and a broader understanding of the game’s impact. “That’s the heart of Caitlin Clark,” Barber said. “That’s a classy, amazing person.”
Although the WNBA ultimately declined her request, citing the collective bargaining agreement, the mere fact that Clark advocated for something like this is remarkable. It highlights her awareness of the financial struggles some players in the league face and her desire to elevate the WNBA as a whole.
As the Fever look to next season with renewed optimism, Caitlin Clark’s leadership—both on and off the court—will be a key factor in their success.
With her drive, talent, and sportsmanship, it’s clear that she’s not just a star for the Fever, but a rising force in the entire league.
And while Allison Barber may be stepping down, her story about Clark will likely serve as a lasting testament to the young player’s character and impact on the WNBA.
