Caitlin Clark is once again capturing the spotlight as she leads the 2025 WNBA All-Star voting, with early tallies showing her well ahead of other contenders. The voting update released on June 26, 2025, reveals the Indiana Fever star has amassed 515,993 votes, surpassing Kia WNBA MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, who trails closely with 484,758 votes. This surge in support is fueling excitement among Indiana Fever fans as the All-Star Game, scheduled for July 19, will take place on Clark’s home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The enthusiastic response to the voting highlights Caitlin Clark’s rising star power and the growing passion WNBA fans have for the league, a trend that has only intensified since last year. The 2024 All-Star Game shattered viewership records, drawing an average audience of 3.44 million on ABC, surpassing the previous record of 1.44 million set back in 2003. Clark’s influence has played a key role in this unprecedented growth, making this All-Star event in Indiana particularly noteworthy.
A Unique Fan Experience: Setting the Stage for the All-Star Game
The importance of the 2025 All-Star Game to the Indiana community cannot be overstated. Hosting the event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse offers Fever fans a special opportunity to rally behind their team’s young superstar. Remarkably, eight players from the Fever currently rank among the top 40 in All-Star voting, amplifying the home crowd’s enthusiasm.
To capitalize on this momentum, Indianapolis authorities have launched an innovative promotional campaign by installing a basketball court at the Indianapolis International Airport. This strategic choice leverages the airport’s reputation as the Best Airport in North America for 12 consecutive years, according to Airports Council International. The airport also boasts top customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and welcomed a record number of over 10 million passengers in 2024 amid numerous major events like the NBA All-Star Game and the Indy 500. With such a robust flow of travelers, the basketball court serves as a vivid reminder of the upcoming All-Star festivities and energizes fans as they arrive in the city.
Airport Basketball Court Brings All-Star Spirit to Travelers
The 2025 airport installation builds on a successful precedent from the previous year, when a full-size, regulation 94-by-50-foot basketball court was created inside the Indianapolis International Airport ahead of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. That court was wrapped in a vibrant All-Star-themed vinyl decal replicating the exact floor of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, complete with a unique 20:24 game clock. The multi-night installation drew wide attention and became a viral sensation.
Though shooting was not permitted during the display, travelers and airport staff enthusiastically engaged with the court, recreating three-pointers and capturing memorable photos. The atmosphere was filled with playful competition and excitement, reflecting Indiana’s deep basketball culture. One flight attendant joked, “Pickup? Let’s go,” while another added,
“We’re the real All-Stars. I’ll cook you,”
illustrating the spirited camaraderie around the event. —Flight Attendant
For Indiana fans, such installations add another dimension of excitement and pride leading into the All-Star weekend, transforming travel hubs into vibrant spaces celebrating basketball.
Honoring WNBA Legacy Through a Historic Moment
A highlight of the 2024 airport court installation was WNBA legend and former Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings stepping onto the court and sinking a half-court shot. Catchings later described this as one of the most memorable moments of her career. Beyond her on-court achievements, Catchings also serves on the Indianapolis Airport Authority Board, which spearheaded the court’s creation. This connection underscores the deep roots basketball has within the community and the shared excitement for the WNBA’s growing prominence.
This innovative integration of a WNBA event within a transportation hub marked a first in the league’s history and set a new standard for fan engagement that is anticipated to continue this year.
The Growing Influence of Caitlin Clark in WNBA’s Expansion
Caitlin Clark’s impact extends beyond her scoring and triple-doubles on the court; she has become a symbol of the WNBA’s rising popularity. Last year’s record-breaking viewership for the All-Star Game demonstrated the league’s capacity to draw a nationwide audience, fueled by Clark’s dynamic playstyle and charisma. This year, if Clark ends as the top vote-getter, she will earn the coveted chance to select her own team for the All-Star Game, adding a strategic and personal touch to the event. Fans may soon see Clark drafting fellow stars, including promising rookies like Paige Bueckers, enhancing the event’s excitement.
Reflecting on the voting frenzy, Clark remarked with a smile,
People get so hyped up over that, but that’s not why you play the game. I think it’s a fun way to get fans involved and really passionate.
—Caitlin Clark
Anticipation Builds as Indiana Prepares for a Landmark WNBA Event
With the All-Star Game drawing near, Indianapolis is solidifying its place as a basketball hotspot on the national stage. The combination of an electrifying home crowd, innovative fan experiences, and a star like Caitlin Clark leading the charge positions this event as a milestone for the Fever franchise and the entire WNBA community.
As the official voting results will be announced on June 28, the anticipation will only intensify. Whether through Clark’s potential to shape the All-Star rosters or the collective presence of eight Fever players among the league’s top vote recipients, Indiana fans are poised to witness an unforgettable celebration of women’s basketball on July 19.