Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark and Fever break record for largest WNBA game in Georgia history

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Dream set a record for attendance and hosted the largest WNBA game in Georgia history. Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark may have something to do with it.

A proud 17,608 people came to the big game at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Monday.

Some people say it’s the “Caitlin Clark effect.”

She may be brand new to professional basketball, but little girls across the United States know her name. Clark was a standout at the University of Iowa, held the record for most points by a Division I college basketball player, and led her team to back-to-back national championships with a Nike endorsement. Her three-point shooting record is downright awful, and she was a no-brainer to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The girl has it.

Clark and fellow rookie and All-Star Angel Reese, also known as “Bayou Barbie,” are often credited with bringing a whole new audience to the WNBA, both of whom came into the game at a time when interest was just beginning to rise.

The Dream fought hard against the Fever on Monday night, but Indiana was ahead 84-79 at the final whistle.

The Dream will continue against Storm on Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.