Kelsey Mitchell candidly reflected on the mixed emotions she experienced during the 2024 season with the Indiana Fever, particularly after the arrival of Caitlin Clark and the surge in media attention. While the newfound spotlight brought excitement, it also created pressure that sometimes felt overwhelming for her and her teammates.
In 2024, women’s sports experienced a significant transformation, largely attributed to the Caitlin Clark Effect. This phenomenon not only drew unprecedented attention to women’s athletics but also shattered previous records for viewership and attendance across various leagues. The year marked a shift from merely seeking recognition to establishing a sustained demand for women’s sports, with packed arenas becoming commonplace.
The NCAA Women’s Basketball season showcased remarkable growth, highlighted by record-breaking attendance figures. Notable events, such as the Iowa Women’s Basketball team’s exhibition at Kinnick Stadium, set a new standard with over 55,000 fans in attendance. The NCAA championship game between Iowa and South Carolina captured 18.9 million viewers, becoming the most-watched college basketball game in history. This surge in popularity underscored the sport’s rising profile and the increasing engagement of fans.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) also witnessed record viewership, with the championship match averaging nearly one million viewers. This growth was complemented by a significant increase in attendance, surpassing two million fans for the regular season and marking a historic achievement for the league. The NWSL’s ability to draw large crowds consistently highlighted the growing interest in women’s soccer.
The WNBA experienced similar success, with its Finals drawing 1.6 million viewers, the highest in 25 years. Each game in the series attracted over one million viewers, showcasing the league’s escalating popularity. Significant events, such as the All-Star Game, also set records, reflecting the broader trend of increased visibility for women athletes.
Kelsey Mitchell Gets Real About Increased Attention After Caitlin Clark Joined the Indiana Fever
Mitchell recently shared Clark’s impact on Indiana and the attention that came along with her. Her take can be seen in an article she wrote for The Player’s Tribune.
That’s kind of one of the craziest things about our season. We obviously had a new spotlight on us, with Caitlin being drafted, who I’m proud to call a teammate. That was exciting in its own way, with the fans it brought to the arena, and the opportunity it gave our squad.
But I think, in a weird way, the outside noise kind of made people forget sometimes that we’re still human, if that makes sense? The microscope got smaller and smaller, and I don’t think anybody was really thinking about the fact that my dad just died, or Katie Lou’s a mom trying to figure out motherhood and being a WNBA pro all in one, you know?
We all had real things we were going through. I’ll be honest, the spectacle was unsettling sometimes. Some of the newer fans have been really hateful online to the incredible women in our league, and to me and our Fever players as well.
Mitchell candidly reflected on the challenges she faced during the 2024 season, particularly after Caitlin Clark joined the Indiana Fever, bringing heightened attention to the team. While the increased spotlight was exciting, it often felt overwhelming and detracted from their humanity.
She noted how the pressure affected both her and her teammates, emphasizing that they were navigating personal struggles beneath the public eye. Despite the distractions, they leaned on each other for support, proving their resilience as a team. Ultimately, Mitchell cherished the connections forged through adversity, reinforcing their bond and commitment to the game.
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