A few years back, Caitlin Clark’s dad told Kate Martin something simple but powerful: if she and Caitlin could “make this work,” maybe they’d win a Big Ten Championship. Well… they didn’t just “make it work.” They rewrote the history books. Two Final Fours. Back-to-back national title game appearances. And a sisterhood that still has fans all teary-eyed. What they built at Iowa was never just about basketball. It was about belief. Trust. And showing up for each other – always…throughout the college years and beyond.
Now, they’re in the WNBA, wearing different jerseys, playing for different cities. But the bond is still unbreakable. The two were the heart and soul of Iowa’s legendary run these past few years. Sure, they didn’t lift a national championship trophy, but they cemented themselves as icons of the program. Over her five seasons in the black and gold, Kate Martin racked up 1,299 points, 756 rebounds, and 473 assists in 163 games. Then she got drafted 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces.
And we all know what Clark did. NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and the no. 1 overall pick. As the biggest name in college hoops history, she lit the world on fire and landed with the Indiana Fever. Different paths, sure, but the same fierce love and respect for one another. Even now, at the pro level, Martin’s never been shy about how much Clark means to her.
“She’s hyped me up just like she did at Iowa,” Martin shared. “I’ve had my down moments and she’s been there.” And they’re not just talking hoops. These two are chatting about outfits and earrings in between games. So, naturally, on Martin’s birthday, Clark dropped a heartfelt Instagram Story, calling her by the nickname “Kater” and writing, “Happy birthday Kater.” But the part that had fans grinning ear to ear was a sweet five-word message that said, “See you v soon ily.”
Iowa guard Kate Martin (20), Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Iowa guard Gabbie Marshall (24) pose for a photo after the Big Ten Tournament championship game at the Target Center on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minn.
Right now, Martin’s rocking the hardwood with the new Golden State franchise, and Caitlin is temporarily sidelined with a left quad strain. But the reunion might be closer than we think as Indiana’s set to play Golden State later this month. And you better believe the cameras will be ready for another Clark-Martin hug fest before tip-off.
Last year, when they met for the first time as WNBA opponents, it was all kinds of emotional. Martin was with the Las Vegas Aces then, and they beat Indiana 99–80. Kate dropped 12 points and seven boards in 22 minutes off the bench. Clark added eight points, seven assists, and five rebounds. The game itself was competitive. But the real headline was the warm, fuzzy reunion before it started.
No doubt we’ll get round two of that later this month. For now, they continue sending love to each other. As Caitlin’s currently out, Kate is also cheering her on. She opened up about how tough it must be for CC to sit on the sidelines. “I know how much of a go-getter she is, so anything like this is going to stink,” she said. “She just wants to be out there with her team… So hopefully she can rest up and heal soon.”
As for that healing, there’s hope, but no set return date. Clark told reporters on Thursday that while she’s made a lot of progress, she won’t rush it. “I’ll miss this weekend’s game, but after that it’s day-by-day,” she said. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress and I feel good. I’m not gonna rush coming back, it’s just not worth it.”
The Fever are eyeing June 10 against Atlanta as a potential return date, but nothing is locked in. So for now, the Fever keeps pushing forward. Their last game against the Sky had all the buzz thanks to the much-hyped Clark vs. Angel Reese clash. But this Saturday, with Clark out, the vibe’s a little different.
Caitlin Clark’s absence sends Sky-Fever ticket prices crashing down
It’s no surprise that Caitlin Clark missing two weeks with a left quad strain is a tough blow – not just for the Indiana Fever, but for the entire WNBA. When Clark’s on the court, the energy’s different, the interest skyrockets, and so do ticket prices. Her impact is that massive.
One of the most anticipated matchups of the season was any time the Fever face off against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. That rivalry goes way back to college and still fuels the hype. But with Clark still out as of June 7, fans are bracing for a different vibe. The latest proof is ticket prices for the upcoming Sky vs. Fever showdown have taken a major nosedive.
According to Vivid Seats, the cheapest ticket for the June 7 game is currently just $14. That’s nearly a 71% drop in price, directly tied to Clark’s absence. It’s yet another example of how deeply the “Caitlin Clark Effect” runs through the league. Now, fast-forward to the next time the Fever play the Sky – July 27, again at Chicago’s United Center. This one’s already drawing serious attention. The cheapest seat is $82. That’s a whopping 83% increase compared to this week’s game and it’s all because fans fully expect Clark to be back by then.
May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-IndyStar via Imagn Images
It’s also worth noting the Sky are moving these marquee games from their usual 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena to the 23,500-capacity United Center. Fans on social media couldn’t help but point out the massive gap in ticket prices. Let’s see when Caitlin Clark returns and when she does, expect the prices and the energy to shoot right back up.
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