The Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever matchup Saturday night marked the first WNBA game played at the United Center in its 31-year history. Fans wanted to see the teams play — a franchise record 19,496 attended — but do they see them as rivals? The opinions of spectators aligned at the home of the Bulls.
“I wish Caitlin (Clark) was playing so it could have been even more fun,” Sky fan Charles Mitchell said of the Fever star, who missed the game because of injury. “But yeah, it’s definitely a rivalry.”
Undoubtedly, the popularity of Sky-Fever games stems from fans of Angel Reese and Clark, whose personal rivalry dates to their college years with LSU and Iowa, respectively. The two have brought a record-setting amount of eyes to the matchups — and the WNBA as a whole.
Before the 2024 draft, though, Sky vs. Fever was seen as just a game.
“Not until Angel and Caitlin came there,” Mitchell said. “That’s when the rivalry came for me.”
“Since the (2023 national) championship game with the wave, it certainly creates animosity as a rival,” said Dave Conner, an Iowa native sporting Clark’s college jersey. “They’re both playing their part in terms of energy in the game, and that’s just what good players do.”
United Center fans admitted that there is an eagerness to watch Sky-Fever games over other teams. Clark’s absence lowered prices for Saturday’s game, but fans were eager for the matchup.
“When I see a rival like this, you got to pick a side,” said Priscilla Torres, wearing a soon-to-be-retired Candace Parker jersey. “We need more rivalry. I feel like it makes for good entertainment.
Added Fever fan Hollie Salinas: “I prioritize getting really good seats for this game. I think (the) young stars have impacted the league in a way that former athletes weren’t able to. I’m proud as a WNBA supporter (and) a woman in general to say that we are now filling up the United Center as we should have been for years.”
The numbers align with this stance. The first Sky-Fever matchup in Indianapolis was the most-viewed WNBA game on ESPN platforms, bringing in an average of 2.7 million viewers. Their remaining three matchups this season will be played in the cities’ NBA stadiums — the Fever and Pacers share Gainbridge Fieldhouse — to account for the high demand. All three will be aired nationally on CBS, ABC or ION networks.
Photos: Chicago Sky lose to Indiana Fever 79-52 at the United Center
The question of the teams’ rivalry status is not confirmed, but recent events point to the answer being a yes. Is it better for the WNBA to lean into the rivalry discussion?
“These players put everything on the court, and it’s very emotional to see their passion come through,” Salinas said. “I’m not saying that they have negative feelings towards each other, but as an athlete, rivalry fuels you to do better.”
Rivalries can bring good and bad energy to the sport. Clark’s flagrant foul on Reese in Game 1 sparked a dayslong controversy across social media. The WNBA recently completed an investigation of alleged racial comments directed toward the Sky forward in Indianapolis. Some fans think for reasons like this, the rivalry should not be encouraged.
“It’s probably not the best for sportsmanship and whatnot,” Salinas said. “I don’t think they should advise it or falsely create them, but they’re going to happen regardless.”
The Fever dominated Saturday’s game, just as they did with a 35-point rout in the first matchup. The Sky struggled to keep up with the Fever’s hot 3-point shooting and transition offense, leading to a 79-52 loss.
Adding to the Sky’s woes, veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered a right leg injury in the first quarter. She was carried off the court, unable to put weight on the leg, and didn’t return.
Despite the dominant Fever showing, it was a historic night in Bulls country. The first United Center WNBA game is a symbol of the growth of professional women’s basketball. Perhaps a rivalry would best for everyone involved?
“It’s something to really be proud of,” Torres said with a tear. “(I’ve) been watching since Lisa Leslie, so seeing how it has grown, it’s good for basketball. I just think that (a rivalry) is normal for sports, it’s competition. If you’re not competing, then what are we playing?”
The next game between the teams is set for July 27 at the United Center. Stay tuned.
