Indianapolis will host the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game—the first time the city has received that honor despite having a franchise since 2000.
It’s likely to provide another platform for superstar rookie Caitlin Clark to show her talent on a national stage. Indianapolis also hosted the NBA All-Star Game this year and will welcome the men’s and women’s NCAA Final Four in 2026 and 2028, respectively. So, a region known for its basketball passion is enjoying a banner stretch for the sport.
With the help of Clark and 2023 top pick Aliyah Boston, the Fever have transformed overnight into one of the WNBA’s main draws despite a middling 11-15 record. They lead the league with an average attendance of almost 17,000 people, according to Across The Timeline.
“The city of Indianapolis and the entire state of Indiana have such an incredible and enduring passion for the game of basketball, making the region the perfect host to celebrate the WNBA and the game’s greatest stars,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines, meanwhile, called the hosting duties a “historic moment” that rewards a “young, talented roster.” Pacers Sports & Entertainment manages business operations for the Pacers and Fever.
The 2025 All-Star Game will take place next summer on July 19. Clark, an All-Star in her first professional season and a fan voting favorite, seems likely to earn a roster spot barring injury.
After leading Iowa to the NCAA Tournament national title game in consecutive years, Clark was selected No. 1 by the Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, instantly elevating the team’s profile.
She’s averaged 17.1 points, 8.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds through her first 26 games, putting her in the Rookie of the Year discussion.
Per a fact sheet released by the Fever earlier this week, Indiana leads the WNBA in social media engagement, video views, followers gained and total followers this season.
From April 15 through July 19—when the WNBA’s Olympic break began—Indiana bested every sports franchise in the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB in team-produced video consumption with 800 million views, according to the fact sheet.
The WNBA season resumes tonight, with the Fever’s next game coming Friday at home against the Phoenix Mercury.
