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How Caitlin Clark effect resulted in 39 WNBA games being played at NBA stadiums

The Caitlin Clark effect has been on full display since her time in college. NCAA arenas sold out when Clark came to town, with ticket prices spiking.

If you thought that would change in the WNBA, think again. This year, the Indiana Fever are playing almost their entire slate at NBA or NHL arenas. Some teams already share arenas, but others are reworking their stadium plans solely for the games when Clark and the Fever arrive.

This reflects the broader trend of WNBA interest, with the league gaining enough traction to implement a new CBA in the offseason, which drastically boosts player salaries.

Here's what to know about the Indiana Fever's schedule in 2026 and all of the famous arenas where they will play.

MORE: Sporting News predicts 2026 WNBA MVP, ROY, Finals

How many WNBA games are being played in NBA stadiums?

The Indiana Fever will be playing 39 of their 44 total games at NBA arenas. The primary exceptions within those five games are either due to construction or cities without an NBA franchise. These include the Connecticut Sun and Las Vegas Aces, who don't have a local NBA team, and the Washington Mystics, where Capital One Arena is being renovated at the time of the game.

The Fever are joined by four more franchises who share a stadium exclusively with an NBA team. Others are accommodating to the Fever by playing one or more of their matchups at another team's arena. This varies between arenas used for the NBA, NHL or both.

MORE: Where does Caitlin Clark rank among top 30 WNBA players?

WNBA games at NBA stadiums

Several teams already shared an arena with the NBA team from the same city and this rings true once again in 2026. The Seattle Storm also share an arena, but with an NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. Below are the WNBA teams that share stadiums.

WNBA Team NBA Team Arena

Los Angeles Sparks Los Angeles Lakers Crypto.com Arena

Minnesota Lynx Minnesota Timberwolves Target Center

Phoenix Mercury Phoenix Suns Mortgage Matchup Center

Indiana Fever Indiana Pacers Gainbridge Fieldhouse

New York Liberty Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center

Golden State Valkyries Golden State Warriors Chase Center

Portland Fire Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center

Additionally, there are a handful of teams who have switched to WNBA stadiums when Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are in town.

Date Team New Arena vs. Fever

June 20 Atlanta Dream State Farm Arena

July 5 Las Vegas Aces T-Mobile Arena (NHL)

August 8 Chicago Sky United Center

August 16 Atlanta Dream State Farm Arena

August 18 Toronto Tempo Scotiabank Arena

August 20 Dallas Wings American Airlines Center

MORE: Tracking every WNBA roster cut ahead of 2026 season

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