Tyrese Haliburton’s NBA Finals playoff heroics and Caitlin Clark’s rising stardom are propelling Indiana sports into the national spotlight. While Haliburton has led the Indiana Pacers to their first NBA Finals in 25 years, Clark’s influence as the Indiana Fever’s star has elevated the state’s presence in both men’s and women’s basketball.
Todd Taylor, head of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, revealed how this surge in popularity has massively increased demand for team merchandise across the board.
“It’s impossible to prepare for something like this. We scaled back the number of products available online because we’ve been getting 1,000 orders per night online—often multiple items per order. Each day we need to restock the store so we have merchandise available for games in the arena.”
—Todd Taylor, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Visitors to the Pacers’ official store, which also stocks Fever apparel, encounter a notice requesting patience due to product shortages. The shop cites overwhelming order volumes that have outpaced production capacity.
Haliburton’s Playoff Impact and Merchandise Demand
The Indiana Pacers have seen intense fan engagement during the playoffs, largely driven by Haliburton’s clutch performances. His late-game heroics have earned him a devoted following, cementing the team’s reputation as the “comeback kids” of the postseason. Supporters have expressed their enthusiasm by purchasing a growing array of yellow-themed Pacers gear.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s emergence as a WNBA superstar since joining the Fever in 2024 has dramatically boosted attendance and viewership. Her absence during a recent injury saw TV ratings drop by 50%, underscoring her significant influence. Consequently, Fever merchandise sales have also surged, matching the growing frenzy around Pacers items.
Caitlin Clark to Miss Game 6 as Pacers Prepare for Crucial Matchup
Caitlin Clark will not attend Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday due to a scheduling conflict, as the Fever face the Golden State Valkyries in the Bay Area, simultaneously with the Pacers hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton’s participation is uncertain after sustaining a calf strain during Game 5, an aggravation of an earlier injury from June 8.
Clark’s presence at Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been a good-luck charm for the Pacers, who hold an 8-1 playoff record when she is there. Without her support and with Haliburton’s status in question, Indiana faces a crucial test to maintain momentum and push the series further.