As Caitlin Clark, the electrifying point guard for the University of Iowa, prepares for her final regular-season game before the impending whirlwind of tournaments and a transition to the WNBA, the basketball world is abuzz with anticipation – and so are ticket prices.
According to TickPick, a secondary market seller cited by the Washington Post, the average purchase price for a ticket to the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes’ showdown against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes has soared to a staggering $546. This marks a new pinnacle in women’s basketball, setting a record for the highest-priced ticket in either college or professional realms.
Even for those merely seeking entry into the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Clark and her teammates will battle it out, the cost is substantial. As of Thursday afternoon, SeatGeek listed the price to secure a seat at $309 – a testament to the unparalleled allure of witnessing Clark’s magic on the court.
These figures shatter previous records held by Clark herself. The previous high saw tickets for the Michigan-Iowa clash, where Clark broke the NCAA career scoring record, fetching an average of $394. Notably, a used ticket from that historic game recently sold on eBay for a hefty $347.
LeBron James compares Caitlin Clark to the best scorers in the NBA
Clark is a phenomena the college game will miss
The phenomenon surrounding Clark extends far beyond the realm of ticket sales. Her presence draws eyeballs and dollars unlike anything women’s college basketball has ever witnessed. This anticipation recently propelled the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis to a historic sell-out, while similar fervor is anticipated for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Television ratings further underscore Clark‘s magnetic appeal. The most-watched women’s basketball games, whether in college or professional leagues, have all featured Iowa contests with Clark at the helm, according to data from ABC, the Big Ten Network, Fox, Fox Sports 1, NBC, and Peacock.
With at most 10 games remaining in her collegiate career, the powers-that-be are undoubtedly eager to maximize the spectacle surrounding Clark before she embarks on her journey to the WNBA. As she prepares to bid farewell to Iowa, her impact on the sport – both on and off the court – is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on women’s basketball history.