GRATITUDE: Indiana Fever Owner Approves $7.6 Million Caitlin Clark Statue to Celebrate Her Impact and Unprecedented Ticket Sales Boost

The Indiana Fever have officially immortalized one of the most transformative players in the history of their franchise—and possibly the entire WNBA. In a historic and heartfelt gesture of appreciation, Fever owner Herb Simon has approved a staggering $7.6 million project to build a life-sized bronze statue of Caitlin Clark outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis. The statue will stand as a permanent symbol of Clark’s monumental contributions to women’s basketball, her remarkable popularity, and the unprecedented ticket sales boost the Fever have experienced since her arrival.

Caitlin Clark’s journey with the Indiana Fever has been nothing short of extraordinary. Drafted No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark came to Indiana with sky-high expectations following her record-breaking collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Known for her jaw-dropping shooting range, fearless playmaking, and fierce competitiveness, Clark quickly became the face of the Fever franchise—and arguably the entire WNBA.

But her impact off the court has been just as profound as her excellence on the hardwood. Since Clark’s debut, the Indiana Fever have experienced an unprecedented surge in ticket sales, national media attention, and merchandise revenue. In fact, the Fever have sold out every home game since Clark’s arrival, with attendance figures reaching levels previously unseen in the team’s history. The demand for tickets has become so overwhelming that secondary market prices for Fever games have soared, rivaling those of NBA games in the same arena.

It is against this backdrop of success, growth, and overwhelming fan support that the Fever’s ownership decided to honor Clark in a way befitting her unparalleled impact. The $7.6 million statue, set to be unveiled ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, will be constructed outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home arena of both the Indiana Fever and the Indiana Pacers.

For Herb Simon, the decision to greenlight the statue project was both business-savvy and deeply personal. “What Caitlin has done for this franchise, this city, and women’s sports as a whole cannot be measured purely in numbers, but the numbers are staggering,” Simon stated at a press conference announcing the project. “She has filled this arena, electrified this city, inspired millions, and shattered barriers for women in basketball. We believe this statue is a fitting tribute to the legacy she’s already building.”

The statue will be crafted by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, known for her iconic sports statues, including works honoring Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and other basketball legends. According to early design concepts, the statue will depict Clark in her signature shooting pose, launching one of her famous deep three-pointers—an image that has become synonymous with her game-changing style of play.

The location of the statue outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse carries significant symbolism. It’s not just a tribute to Clark’s on-court heroics but a visible reminder to every fan, young athlete, and passerby of the power of perseverance, confidence, and breaking boundaries.

Caitlin Clark, known for her humility and laser focus on the game, expressed both gratitude and disbelief when asked about the statue plans. “I’m honestly speechless,” Clark shared. “It’s never been about statues or recognition for me—it’s about playing the game I love, competing with my teammates, and giving it my all every night. But to know that my journey has impacted so many people, especially young girls dreaming of their own basketball careers, is something I’ll cherish forever.”

Clark’s influence on the Fever franchise and the city of Indianapolis is evident beyond just ticket sales. Merchandise bearing her name and jersey number has routinely sold out, and local businesses have reported increased foot traffic on game days. Hotels near the arena are often booked solid when the Fever play at home, and restaurants see a noticeable uptick in business. The so-called “Clark Effect” has even extended nationally, with WNBA television ratings experiencing record highs, especially for games featuring Indiana.

But it’s not just fans and businesses benefiting from Clark’s presence—her arrival has sparked a renewed energy within the Fever locker room. Teammates have praised her leadership, work ethic, and ability to elevate the play of everyone around her. Fever head coach Christie Sides described Clark as “the ultimate competitor and teammate,” emphasizing that her impact goes well beyond her own stat sheet.

“Caitlin makes us better every single day,” Sides remarked. “She pushes herself, pushes her teammates, and sets a standard for what this franchise can achieve. The way she’s embraced the responsibility that comes with her talent and popularity is remarkable.”

Clark’s rookie season with the Fever has been filled with memorable moments—game-winning shots, record-breaking performances, and viral highlight reels—but it’s also been marked by her relentless drive to keep improving. Despite the media attention, fanfare, and now the announcement of a statue in her honor, Clark remains singularly focused on winning.

“I came here to compete for championships,” Clark emphasized. “Everything else—the packed arenas, the fans, the media—it’s incredible, but it starts with doing the work, getting better, and striving for greatness with this team.”

The Fever’s decision to invest $7.6 million into Clark’s statue is not just a nod to her current impact but a bet on the future. The franchise, which has endured its share of rebuilding seasons, now finds itself as one of the league’s hottest tickets and most talked-about teams. Clark’s arrival has accelerated the Fever’s resurgence, attracting new fans, sponsors, and global attention to a team eager to return to the pinnacle of the WNBA.

City leaders have also lauded the move, seeing the statue as an investment in both sports and community pride. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett praised the Fever’s commitment to honoring one of the city’s newest icons. “Caitlin Clark has united our city in ways few athletes ever have,” Hogsett said. “Her play inspires, her presence uplifts, and her story motivates countless young people across Indianapolis and beyond. This statue will be a beacon of that inspiration for generations.”

Construction of the statue is set to begin later this year, with a public unveiling ceremony scheduled ahead of the 2026 season opener. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans, media outlets from across the country, and numerous basketball luminaries.

For Fever fans, Clark’s statue is more than a monument—it’s a celebration of how far women’s basketball has come and a glimpse of where it’s headed. The WNBA continues to ride a wave of momentum fueled by stars like Clark, whose talent and charisma are changing the landscape of the sport.

As for Clark, she remains grounded amid the whirlwind of success, accolades, and now, a statue in her honor. “At the end of the day, I’m still that kid who fell in love with the game,” she said. “I’m grateful beyond words for the love this city has shown me, and I hope to keep earning it—one game, one play, one shot at a time.”

In Indianapolis, the legend of Caitlin Clark is being etched in bronze—but her story, and her impact, are far from finished.