Paul George praises Caitlin Clark and Tyrese Haliburton‘s impact as two of Indiana’s brightest basketball stars, reigniting the state’s longstanding passion for the sport. This revival is happening now, with Clark and Haliburton leading Indiana’s WNBA Fever and NBA Pacers respectively to new heights in the 2024-2025 seasons.

While New York City often claims the title of basketball’s epicenter, Indiana stakes a serious claim of its own—fueled by a deep-rooted basketball culture and fan dedication distinctive from other regions. This Midwestern state, better known for the Indianapolis 500, is now the focal point of basketball excitement thanks to these emerging superstars.

The History Behind Indiana’s Basketball Fandom

Indiana has long supported basketball at both professional and grassroots levels. Paul George highlighted the legacy of former Fever star Tamika Catchings, a Hall of Famer who helped build a passionate fan base in the WNBA’s early days. George recalled how fans eagerly supported Catchings and the Fever during playoff stretches, contrasting that with the difficult years that followed.

[The support for the Fever] started a long time ago. We used to support Tamika Catchings. Tamika Catchings is a Hall of Famer—one of the best forwards to ever play the game. And we used to go to support. We would buy tickets to fill out their playoff games out. We would go to the games and vice versa,

the ex-Pacer said.

I think it’s just different in Indiana, bro. It’s different. For one, the city loves the game of basketball. So, the fact that both teams are at the highest level right now is just amazing for the city. But that’s that started a little while ago.

After Catchings’ retirement in 2016, the Fever endured a tough stretch marked by losing seasons and declining fan engagement, prompting George to note the downturn in support after those early successful years.

They have star power now. I remember when I was there, Tamika [Catchings] was there early on. My first couple of years in Indiana, the women had a pretty good support system around them, and then it fell off, and] it dipped. [After that], the Indiana Fever wasn’t doing as well.

The Fever’s championship in 2012, led by Catchings, remains a high point in franchise history. Yet from 2017 to 2023, they missed the playoffs every year, registering six straight seasons with 20-plus losses, grappling with unstable rosters and coaching changes that produced the league’s worst cumulative record during that time.

Caitlin Clark Sparks a New Era for Indiana Basketball

This bleak period is now behind Indiana, as Caitlin Clark’s electrifying play has energized both the Fever and the broader basketball community. Clark’s arrival in the WNBA rookie season has translated into a surge in attendance, merchandise sales, and national interest.

But you have a superstar in Caitlyn Clark, who’s electrifying in a place where they bleed basketball. They have a superstar like Caitlyn Clark… she’s packing houses on the road. You know she’s filling the arena.

Caitlin Clark’s influence is backed by data from Indiana University showing that she accounts for 26.5% of all WNBA economic activity in 2024, encompassing ticket sales, merchandise, and media revenue. Fever home games attracted over 17,000 fans on average this season, making Indiana the first WNBA franchise to surpass 300,000 total attendees in a single year.

Tyrese Haliburton Complementing the Pacers’ Success

At the same time, Tyrese Haliburton continues to impress as the Pacers’ star guard, delivering clutch performances that have pushed Indiana within one victory of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. Although some anonymously labeled him as the “most overrated player,” Haliburton’s 2025 postseason has rebuffed that skepticism.

The Pacers’ near-final berth would spark massive celebrations across the state, especially if they overcome Oklahoma and simultaneously disrupt the New York Knicks’ playoff hopes. This upswing reflects a broader renaissance in Indiana basketball fueled by both Clark’s and Haliburton’s leadership on their respective courts.

Paul George Reflects on Indiana’s Renewed Basketball Fortunes

Having left Indiana in 2017, Paul George expressed pride and optimism about the state’s present basketball success stories. His reflections convey a deep admiration for how Indiana’s basketball tradition is thriving again through these emerging talents.

I’m happy, you know. I’m long removed from there, but I’m happy that you know Indiana is in great hands.

With its rich basketball heritage revived by these modern stars, Indiana’s position as a basketball powerhouse is reestablished, promising exciting seasons ahead for fans statewide.