Entering 2025, the Indiana Fever knew where their strengths lay. Yes, they had checked every box they eyed during the off-season– experience, defense, depth. The team also saw the homecoming of people who had last seen the franchise in its glory– Stephanie White, Kelly Krauskopf, and Natasha Howard. But the Fever possessed something entirely new that the rest still had to catch up on. And while they proudly flaunted it, New Yorkers weren’t letting them have it easy.
It was the visibility. “Our road games sound like home games because our fans don’t ask for permission to dominate,” their ‘Now You Know’ campaign read. And for a good part of the season, that has remained true. The surge that started back in 2024, the moment Caitlin Clark touched down in Indianapolis, has seen no signs of slowing down.
Last season alone, their games averaged over 16,000 fans leaguewide. At home, they play inside the 18,000-seat Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and more often than not, those seats are sold out.
This season? It’s safe to declare that Kelly Krauskopf’s words are turning into reality. “I want this team to be the leader in the country and an enduring brand, like Apple or something,” she said. And here’s the proof with all the venue upgradations in 2025:
May 22 (Atlanta) From Gateway Center Arena at College Park (5,000) to State Farm Arena (17,057)
May 28, Sept. 7 (Washington) From CareFirst Arena (4,200) to CFG Bank Arena (14,000)
June 7, July 27 (Chicago) From Wintrust Arena (10,000) to United Center (20,923)
June 22 (Las Vegas) From Michelob ULTRA Arena (10,399) to T-Mobile Arena (20,366)
June 27 (Dallas) College Park Center (6,251) to American Airlines Center (19,825)
July 15 (Connecticut) From Mohegan Sun Arena (8,910) to Boston’s TD Garden (19,156)
It’s a rare franchise stat worth flexing, and the Fever did exactly that on their X account. The franchise posted “every game is a home game. we can’t wait to see you ,” while boasting the venue upgrades. However, is there one team that refuses to flinch, no matter how many fans follow the Fever to every arena? Yep, the Liberty. Rachel DeMita even called it out on her podcast: “I know the Indiana Fever’s campaign for this season was ‘Every game is a home game,’ but I feel like when they go up against the New York Liberty, that is the one place that it is not a home game for the Indiana Fever.”
And the reason is simple. “New York Liberty fans show up, and they show out.” That’s exactly what’s been up since the last two matchups at Barclays Center.
On July 17, New York throttled Indiana 98–77, winning every single quarter (32–24, 21–14, 21–19, 24–20). A week later, déjà vu. The Liberty posted another 98-point night, this time in a 98–84 win, and again? Indiana didn’t outscore New York in a single quarter (23–22, 19–24, 27–21, 29–17). Barclays belongs to the Liberty, and their fans make sure of it. And it’s not just Brooklyn where the energy is shifting.
Indiana Fever and Something Bigger
The latest example of their venue upgradation is their upcoming August 1 matchup against the Dallas Wings. It was originally scheduled to be held at the smaller College Park Center. But this week, both teams announced the game will now happen at the American Airlines Center (home of the NBA’s Mavericks). The league has yet again responded to the growing demands. “Venue update,” the Fever’s official social media account announced.
“Our game on August 1 at the Dallas Wings is moving to American Airlines Center.” The Wings hyped it up too, posting: “ENCORE. The Dallas Wings will officially host the Indiana Fever for another A Night in Dallas at American Airlines Center on August 1 presented by @albertapp! Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 11!” This move isn’t surprising. Caitlin Clark effect won’t stop growing anytime soon. Meanwhile, Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers who is also considered a generational talent is set to face Clark in a matchup the league clearly wants on a bigger stage.
The Fever recognize this moment is bigger than just one game. Recently, Pacers Sports & Entertainment revealed plans to start construction this summer on a $78 million, three-story, 108,000-square-foot practice facility for the team. It will be located within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the complex is expected to open before the 2027 season. “We’ve outgrown our current space; we know the footprint of the league is going to grow, and we want to stay relevant and ahead of the curve,” said Fever president of basketball and business operations Kelly Krauskopf.
The post All 11 WNBA Teams Lack the Advantage NY Liberty Holds Over Indiana Fever, Says Analyst appeared first on EssentiallySports.