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Caitlin Clark takes fans to Phoenix for WNBA All-Star

PHOENIX (AZFamilie) — The WNBA’s recent surge in popularity was on display in downtown Phoenix on Sunday as fans flocked to the Footprint Center for the 2024 All-Star Game.

As the #22 jerseys filled the center, it was clear that most fans were there for one reason: Caitlin Clark’s star status.

The sharpshooter was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in this year’s WNBA draft and has since sold out arenas across the country and begun breaking league records.

Meagan Borunda and her family traveled here from El Paso, Texas, for exactly that reason. The opportunity to see Clark in her rookie year was one they couldn’t pass up.

“I just really wanted to see Caitlin Clark play; I’m a huge fan of hers,” she said.

Raelyn Toya of New Mexico has been following the WNBA since 2008. She’s survived the league’s downturn and says it’s nice to see more people watching.

“Now that Candace Parker is retired, it’s hard to get back into it, but slowly but surely,” Toya said. “The recognition is nice.”

Reported attendance for last year’s All-Star Game in Las Vegas was less than 10,000. This year’s game is sold out at Footprint Center, which holds about 18,000 fans, although some seats were still available on resale sites about two hours before tipoff.

While Clark may garner more national attention, fans know they can expect to see top-level basketball on the court on Sunday.

“I’m excited to see all the players,” Toya said. “Team USA versus the All-Stars, I’ve never seen that before, so I’m excited to see it.”

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