Some are booking bigger venues for when Clark and the Indiana Fever come to town.

The Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics have moved their games against the Fever to bigger arenas. The numbers Clark generated in college indicates it’s a smart move.

While at Iowa, when the No. 1 pick in the draft and the Hawkeyes went on the road this past season, they played in front of sellout crowds or set attendance records.

“She helps ticket sales, so I think it’s a really great time to have eyes. She’s going to be an elite player,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “She has been in college. She’s done stuff in college that nobody else has. She’s going to be a great player in the W. There’s no doubt about it.

“So the more people we can pack into the building to cheer against her, we’ll take it, although I don’t know if they’ll be cheering against her,” Hammon quipped. “I guess they might be cheering for her.”

The two-time reigning WNBA champion Aces relocated their game on May 25 from the 12,000-seat Michelob Ultra Arena to the 18,000-seat T-Mobile Arena.

Aces players credit Clark, but also know that their own team, which has won the past two WNBA championships, has done a great job increasing attendance at games over the past few seasons.

“We’re not rolling out any red carpet. We’re here to be a business and sell a lot of tickets. Kudos to her (Clark), but we also have done that in previous years in big games as well,” Las Vegas guard Kelsey Plum said. “There are a lot of people that play basketball. People are coming to watch A’ja Wilson. People are going to watch Chelsea Gray.

“That’s not a slight on anyone, but I’m saying that’s not for her. We played in Chicago last year. We sold it out last year.”

Clark will make her preseason debut on Friday night at Dallas — a game that is already sold out.

The Mystics game against Indiana on June 7 will be played at Capital One Arena — Washington’s old home. Their normal home, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, can seat up to 4,200 fans, but the Capital One Arena has a maximum basketball capacity of more than 20,000.

Nearly half of WNBA teams play in NBA arenas, so there’s no need to move those games.

Still, a few others that don’t are feeling a push to move games to larger arenas, including the Chicago Sky. The Sky and Angel Reese play their home games in the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena. Fans started a petition to move their first home game against Indiana to the bigger United Center. There’s a concert scheduled at that arena on June 23 when the Fever come to town — so that’s not going to happen.

The Los Angeles Sparks are another team that could move their game against Indiana.

The Sparks are playing their first five home games at Long Beach because of arena conflicts from construction and the NBA and NHL playoffs. They are hosting the Fever on May 24, which is scheduled to be played at Long Beach. The team’s first five games will be played there in a 4,000-seat arena.

The Sparks have played games in the past at USC and there’s always a chance they could move the Indiana game there. The Sparks said they have nothing official to report when asked about moving the game.

The Atlanta Dream, who also play in a smaller venue that seats only 3,500, host Clark and the Fever on June 21. The team hasn’t said whether it’s exploring trying to move to a bigger arena yet.

___

___

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FILE – LSU’s Alexis Morris controls the ball during an NCAA Women’s Final Four semifinal basketball game against Virginia Tech, March 31, 2023, in Dallas. Former LSU star Morris knows firsthand how hard it is to make a WNBA roster. The guard was drafted in the second round by the Connecticut Sun a few weeks after helping the Tigers win their first championships in 2023, but was cut before the season started. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

BY DOUG FEINBERG

Updated 6:00 AM EDT, April 30, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Former LSU star Alexis Morris knows firsthand how hard it is to make a WNBA roster.

The guard was drafted in the second round by the Connecticut Sun a few weeks after helping the Tigers win the national title in 2023, but was cut before the season started.

And when this year’s camps opened on Sunday, Morris wasn’t invited to any of them.

That hasn’t stopped her from playing basketball, though. Morris spent time overseas before signing with the Harlem Globetrotters in February.

“Absolutely. It’s my dream, I can’t give my dream up,” she said. “I know I made mistakes. I will continue to push for it until I reach my goals. It is a tough league to make.”

Morris received some backlash for comments she made after getting cut last year. She called for the retirement of some WNBA veterans to make way for incoming rookies like herself. Morris said she learned from the criticism.

“I don’t regret saying what I said, but I do wish I had articulated it better to reach people it should have reached,” Morris said. “I wasn’t targeting the veterans. I was a veteran at LSU and I know how tough it is when you have rookies that don’t respect the time you served. (I) wasn’t trying to be that knucklehead rookie. It needed to be said and I said it. I apologized for how I said it.”

READ MORE

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Caitlin Clark attendance boon: Some WNBA teams look for bigger arenas when the Fever come to town

The 5-foot-6 Morris averaged 15.6 points during LSU’s championship season and was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference.

“I hope and wish one day they can expand and have more opportunities for the younger generation and talent that dream to play there,” Morris said.

The WNBA is adding a 13th team next year in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she hopes to add three more teams by 2028.

“It’s hard to make a roster now,” New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “There’s so many really talented players that don’t get a chance.”

Until then, Morris continues to work on her game.

She played in Romania, Turkey and France and is now with the Trotters.

“I was not in the mental space to go play overseas initially after getting waived from the W,” Morris said. “Leaving my home country, it was tough to process that at the time. Now I’m here doing what I love to do.”

Known as “The Show” with the Globetrotters, Morris became the seventh female player for the organization in its 98 years. She got the nickname from an AAU coach when she was 12 and it stuck.

“We come out here every night to put on an amazing show for the fans, the families, and our goal is to ultimately change people’s perspectives and create millions of smiles,” Morris said.

She has no intention of leaving the Globetrotters anytime soon. The organization has said it will give her time if she were to make a WNBA camp or roster.

“I plan on being here for a lifetime,” she said. “It makes it perfect for women who want to stay in the States. You can become a Harlem Globetrotter and then play in the WNBA. It’s perfect opportunity for women to stay here in our country.”

Morris loves the culture around the Globetrotters and hopes other women might soon follow.

“It’s another outlet for women,” she said. “You still get the opportunity to work on your game and train. You have to behave like a pro and move like a pro.”

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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SWITZERLAND, April 15, 2024 – In celebration of the exponential growth of the women’s game, Tissot, Wilson and the WNBA announced today their collaboration on two new limited-edition watches, marking the first official watch in league history.  The creation of the two new 40mm Tissot Seastar Wilson® WNBA watches highlight the Swiss watchmaking and timekeeping expertise of Tissot, Wilson’s innovative and official WNBA basketball, as well as the cultural influence of the WNBA.

A New Watch Collection Created for WNBA Fans and Basketball Fanatics

The first-of-its-kind Tissot Seastar Wilson® WNBA Powermatic 80 and Tissot Seastar Wilson® WNBA Quartz encompasses special features tailored to the most enthusiastic fans in basketball, including:

• Distinct white and orange details, recognized globally as the brand identity of the WNBA
• The watches come with interchangeable orange and white straps, produced from Wilson’s Official Basketball of the WNBA, Evo-NXT Premium Composite Material
  • The straps can be swapped out by simply clipping out and clipping in – no visits to the jeweller or tool required. This flexible, high-comfort approach to watch design is a key element in delivering versatility and usability
• In connection with Tissot’s ownership as the official timekeeper of the NBA and WNBA shot clocks – the rotating bezels incorporates the 24-second basketball shot clock time
• Tissot, Wilson, and the WNBA are all featured on the case back, which features a WNBA Wilson® basketball

The Next Edition of the World Renowned Tissot Seastar

The collaboration proudly complements the Seastar range, introducing a specially designed edition within the existing 40mm models. edition features two exclusive models: one powered by the Powermatic 80 movement, offering the allure and esteemed mechanics associated with automatic watches, and the other by a high-quality Swiss Made quartz movement, known for its precision and reliability.

The Powermatic version is distinguished by its black circular brushed dial and mineral bezel, in contrast to the quartz model, which features these elements in white.

The watches are ideal for those seeking a sporty yet assertive accessory that ensures technical superiority. The Seastar name reflects their water resistance up to 30 bar (300 meters/1,000 feet), with enhanced visibility in low-light conditions provided by Super-LumiNova® on the hands and hour markers.

Features

	Tissot Seastar Wilson WNBA Powermatic 80
	CASE–    Diameter: 40 mm–    Sapphire crystal–    Shot clock bezel: uni-directional rotating mineral bezel with timing graduation–    Screw-down crown–    WNBA Wilson® basketball see-through case back
	MOVEMENT–    Powermatic 80–    30 bar (300 m/1000 ft)–    Swiss Made–    Nivachron Balance Spring
	DIAL–    Black circular brushed dial–    High contrast and legibility–    Hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova®
	BRACELET–    Duo of Interchangeable Quick Release Wilson® WNBA Evo-NXT Premium Composite Game Ball Material

	Tissot Seastar Wilson WNBA Quartz
	CASE–    Diameter: 40 mm–    Sapphire crystal–    Shot clock bezel: uni-directional rotating mineral bezel with timing graduation–    Screw-down crown–    WNBA Wilson® basketball customised case back
	MOVEMENT–    Quartz movement EOL–    Swiss Made
	DIAL–    White circular brushed dial–    High contrast and legibility–    Hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova®
	BRACELET–    Duo of Interchangeable Quick Release Wilson® WNBA Evo-NXT Premium Composite Game Ball Material

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Ticket information will be made available through Ticketmaster.ca. 

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Here, as the newest member of the Indiana Fever, she’s learning how she’ll fit into this new offensive system, building chemistry with her new teammates and learning the nuances of what it means to be the WNBA’s highest-profile rookie.

Sure, Clark anticipates some bumps this season; she wouldn’t expect anything less. But giving the sport she loves her full attention is really all Clark ever wanted.

“I think that’s what I was most excited for, getting all that other stuff out of the way,” the former Iowa star said as Indiana’s training camp opened. “The draft was amazing, New York City was amazing, Los Angeles was amazing, but I was excited to get here and get back to playing basketball, you know, doing my job.”

Over the past two seasons, these WNBA rookies have created the kind of buzz around women’s basketball most fans only dreamed about, and Clark is undisputedly at the head of the class.

Ticket sales increased at every venue she appeared and when Clark’s games were televised, ratings spiked. Her chase of the Division I career scoring record captivated basketball fans across America and she appeared on “Saturday Night Live.”

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Henderson was chosen 20th overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft, playing all 36 games in her rookie season, including five starts.

As a senior at the University of South Carolina, Henderson was a member of the 2022 National Championship team and earned individual First Team All-SEC Honors.

Henderson’s international accomplishments include winning gold at the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup with Team USA.

About Atlanta Dream:

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women’s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, and empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 16 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2024 season tickets, please visit dream.wnba.com/tickets or call 877-977-7729.

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With this win, the Sharks improved to a record of 6-5, while the Giants dropped to 2-8.

Starting Five:

Sheffield Sharks starting five: Devearl Ramsey, Jalon Pipkins, Kipper Nichols, Jordan Ratinho, Bennett Koch, 

Manchester Giants starting five: Jalen Harris, Nick Stampley, Jamell Anderson, Mason Bourcier, Austin Lawton

First Half:

The game started with the two teams neck and neck, exchanging baskets and the lead for the first seven minutes. 

That’s when Sheffield went on an 11-0 run, capped off by a three-pointer from Parker Stewart, giving them a nine-point advantage (25-16).

The final minute of the first quarter and the start of the second belonged to Manchester, who went on an 11-0 run of their own, to take the lead 25-27. 

Despite the momentum being firmly on the side of the visitors who had managed to retake the lead, the Sharks managed to gradually build up a small lead once more, going up by as many as eight points on the back of two made free throws by Jordan Ratinho.

The final minutes of the half saw the teams exchange baskets, with the hosts going into the break ahead 44-38.

Second Half:

With the start of the second half, Sheffield quickly gained control of the game, rushing to their first double-digit lead of the game (52-41), when Devearl Ramsey connected from downtown. 

The home side kept on top of their opponents and increased their advantage to as many as 20 points (66-46), three minutes before the end of the third quarter when Kipper Nichols scored a layup.

The final three minutes of the period saw the two teams exchange buckets, with the Sharks taking a commanding 17-point lead (71-54) going into the final 10 minutes of action. 

Sheffield stayed in control for the entire fourth period, leading by as many as 24 (82-58), following a Stewart three-pointer.

Manchester didn’t give up and went on a 8-0 run of their own to close the gap to 16 (82-66), with Darius Mcneill twice managing to breeze through the Sheffield defence, which didn’t please Coach Lyons.

The final few minutes saw the hosts control the tempo of the game and come out on top 92-73.

Player of the Game:

Tonight’s Player of the Game was Parker Stewart. The Sheffield Sharks guard came off the bench and in 20 minutes of action scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out one assist.

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The 26-year-old forward, hailing from Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States, brings his talents and international experience to the Sharks’ line-up, strengthening the team’s prospects in competitive league play.

Nixon played for the Colorado State Rams and Iowa State Cyclones during his collegiate career. After graduation, Nixon had stints with Aanekosken Huima in Finland 1st Division (24.9 pts, 7 rebs, 4.6 ast), and MBC Mykolaiv in Ukraine Superleague (10.5 pts, 3.8 rebs, 2.8 ast).

Last season, Prentiss competed in the Latvian Estonian Basketball League with BK Ogre, where he averaged 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Expressing his excitement about joining the Sheffield Sharks and competing in the British Basketball League, Nixon stated,

I am excited to get to Sheffield and for the opportunity to play in the British League. I think I can add energy to the Sharks’ roster. It seems like an exciting time to be a Shark with the new arena and the direction the league is headed.”

Head Coach Atiba Lyons also expressed his enthusiasm about Walton’s addition to the team,

“Prentiss will definitely bring experience and a dynamic skill set at the guard slot that will enhance our performance.

“His ability to create opportunities for himself and others will be key. We look forward to welcoming him to Sheffield.”

The addition of Nixon sees the Sharks part ways with Terrell Allen. The club would like to thank Terrell for his time and efforts with the team and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

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In the seven games the Lions have played in October against the likes of the Serios Group Newcastle Eagles, Surrey Scorchers, B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Cheshire Phoenix, and Manchester Giants, Morgan has been a focal point for the Lions’ success.

Is he Man or Machine

Your player of the game is Matt Morgan with this now being his third

Morgan put on an incredible performance in tonight's battle for @LondonLions

Make sure you watch the highlights
https://t.co/BCp4wko0v9#UNBEATABLE #BritishBasketballLeague pic.twitter.com/spL6E3WiYT

— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) October 1, 2023

Player of the Month

The Player of the Month for October in the British Basketball League has gone to Matt Morgan of the Lions.

Morgan has had an electrifying start to his career in the British Basketball League, joining the Lions from Le Mans of the French Pro A League on July 20, 2023.

The American guard has lit up the League and has been incredible for the Lions in October, averaging 22.3 points, three assists, and 3.3 rebounds on shooting splits of 60/50/88 over six games in Octo

ber.

The Stats

Starting off the month of October, Morgan produced two incredible performances, going back-to-back with 30+ point games.

On October 1, the American guard blew up for 33 points on only 15 shots, while grabbing eight rebounds, and going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line on the road to the Cheshire Phoenix.

Arguably Morgan’s best game of the month was the heroic comeback he led against the Eagles on October 16, where the sharpshooter went 9-for-13 from the three-point line to log 30 points in an overtime victory

Averaging 22.3 points, three assists, and 6.7 rebounds on shooting splits of 60/50/88, Morgan has been the undoubted star for the London Lions, especially with Sam Dekker returning slowly to full health.

Due to this incredible month for the American guard, Morgan has scooped Molten Player of the Month honours for October.

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Kimbal MacKenzie had the chance to sneak the visitors over the line, but his attempt missed the mark.

Patrick Whelan led the winners with 24 points.

Caledonia Gladiators starting five: Ian Dubose, Prince Onwas, Patrick Whelan,

Leicester Riders starting five: Miryne Thomas, Xavier Pinson, Caleb Asberry, Jaren Holmes, Braelen Bridges, Fahro Alihodzic.

First Half

With the main talking point being Whelan’s first game against his old club, the question was how he would approach the game.

The answer was aggressive. The Great Britain international hit an awkward jumper from the top as the shot clock expired, along with getting to the foul line as the Gladiators built up a 24-16 cushion with 3:08 left in the first.

But the Riders fought back, and a 12-2 finish to the quarter, highlighted by a four-point play from Conner Washington, stole the lead from the hosts.

Washington was able to connect on two three-pointers in the early stages of the second, as Leicester kept their stranglehold on the game.

However, Caledonia were threatening and, despite trailing for most of the second period, finally tied things up at 44-44 on the half-time horn as Clifton Moore Jr. connected.

Second Half

Moore’s buzzer-beater ignited a flame within Caledonia as they came out the blocks on a 12-2 stretch, capped by a triple from Lukas Palyza that saw them lead 58-48.

Riders were unable to execute offensively as they were in danger of fading away. Under adversity, Leicester hit back as Caledonia were defensively caught napping and as the third quarter concluded, Blake Bowman was able to hit to narrow the gap to 67-63.

The fourth quarter was nip-and-tuck with the biggest lead for either team only being three points and emotions pouring.

It was all about who could hold their nerve when it matters most.

Whelan got the crowd of 1,200 on its feet with a three-pointer to give the Gladiators an 82-81 lead with 30 seconds left, only for MacKenzie to answer with a pull-up jumper.

The stage was then set for Moore – who only had one field goal at the time – to shine. And he delivered.

Bowman led Leicester with 15 points.

Player of the Game

Against his old club, Patrick Whelan put the Riders to the sword with 24 points and was able to grab today’s Player of the Game.

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