How to watch Caitlin Clark’s WNBA regular-season debut
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark’s much anticipated WNBA debut is set for Tuesday night in Connecticut.
The No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft is coming off a record-setting college career at Iowa.
Game: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun Time: 6:30 p.m. CDT, May 14 Watch: ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+
“This is what you’ve worked for and dreamed of. Now you get to put your jersey on for the first real time and go out there and play,” Clark said. “We get to play on the biggest stage, there’s gonna be a lot of people there, it’s gonna be loud. But you only play your first WNBA game once. I think I just want to enjoy it. It’s gonna be competitive. They’re really good, so you’ve got to prep the right way, too. More than anything, we’re ready for the challenge.”
More: The Caitlin Clark Effect
Even before playing a WNBA game, Clark has left her mark in the pros. The league’s draft had record viewership, and her No. 22 Indiana Fever jerseys have been flying off the shelves.
Three WNBA teams have already moved their games to bigger arenas to keep up with the demand for tickets to watch her play. Her debut in Connecticut is sold out — the first sellout for the Sun in a season opener since they played their inaugural game at Mohegan Sun Arena in 2003 after moving from Orlando. There’s also a huge media turnout with nearly four-times the number of credentials issued for this game then a normal Sun contest.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against Atlanta Dream guard Destanni Henderson (33) during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) speaks to the media after a game against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a shot against Atlanta Dream forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (32) during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots a free throw against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) inbounds the ball against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark takes a three point shot against Atlanta Dream center Tina Charles (31) during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) huddles up with her team while playing against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) makes an inbounds pass against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) huddles up with her team while playing against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to making a shot and getting fouled on the play against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) makes a pass on a fast break against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after making a shot and getting fouled against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) waits in the backcourt as a teammate shoots a free throw against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles behind her back while bringing the ball up court against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a shot against Atlanta Dream forward Tina Charles (31) during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 09: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark brings the ball up court against the Atlanta Dream during a WNBA preseason game on May 9, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives against Jacy Sheldon #4 of the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever talks to head coach Christie Sides while playing the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on prior to playing the Dallas Wings in a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever plays against the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on while playing the Dallas Wings during a pre season game at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark arrives on the Red Carpet before the world premiere and screening of Episode 1 of the upcoming ESPN+ Original Series Full Court Press, Monday, May 6, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Chris Torres/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) CORRECTS FROM CAITLYN TO CAITLIN – Indiana Fever head coach Christine Sides, left, talks to Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) as they play the Dallas Wings during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, top right, watches from the sideline as the WNBA basketball team practices in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 03: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates a first half three pointer with Allya Boston #7 and Tami Fagbenle #14 while playing the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, front left, makes a play against the practice squad as the WNBA basketball team works out in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark holds her jersey following a WNBA basketball news conference, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, left, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, right, after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) CORRECTS TO CAITLIN CLARK NOT CAITLYN CLARK – LSU’s Angel Reese, left, and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, right, pose for a photo before the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, center, sits with coach Lisa Bluder, left, and guard Kate Martin, right, as she finds out her number will be retired, during an Iowa women’s basketball team celebration Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa lost to South Carolina in the college basketball championship game of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark stands on the court during the second half of the Final Four college basketball championship game against South Carolina in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark signs autographs during an Iowa women’s basketball team celebration, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa lost to South Carolina in the Final Four college basketball championship game of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder talks with guard Caitlin Clark (22) at the end of the Final Four college basketball championship game against South Carolina in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Cleveland. South Carolina won 87-75. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes leaves after speaking to the media after losing to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. South Carolina beat Iowa 87-75. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes shoots over Ashlyn Watkins #2 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 7, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark celebrates after the overtime win of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska in the final of the Big Ten women’s tournament, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots a three-point basket over UConn guard Ashlynn Shade, right, during the second half of a Final Four college basketball game in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 05: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is fouled by Nika Muhl #10 of the UConn Huskies in the second half during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Iowa defeated Connecticut 71-69 (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after defeating LSU in an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 05: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts in the second half during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game UConn Huskies at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes shoots the ball during the second half against the LSU Tigers in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Mikaylah Williams #12 of the LSU Tigers and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes fight for the ball during the second half in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after beating the LSU Tigers 94-87 in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes shoots a three point basket during the second half over Last-Tear Poa #13 of the LSU Tigers in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes talks with ESPN’s Holly Rowe during halftime of a game against the LSU Tigers in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) puts up a three-point shot against LSU during the third quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against LSU during the third quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after drawing a foul late in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after drawing a foul on a basket during the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after drawing a foul late in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signs autographs as she leaves the court after the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after drawing a foul late in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes taunts the Mountaineer bench as she celebrates after drawing a foul late in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes appeals to a call with a game official against West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a play against the West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes shoots a three-point field goal against the West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes goes to the basket during the first half against guard Jordan Harrison #10 of the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives in as she collides with Lauren Fields #23 of the West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes greets fans as she takes the court prior to tipoff against the West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) IOWA CITY, IOWA – MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes warms up prior to tipoff against the West Virginia Mountaneers during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Rebecca Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots over Nebraska guard Callin Hake during overtime of an NCAA college basketball game in the final of the Big Ten women’s tournament Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, center, celebrates with teammates as time expires in the team’s win over Michigan following an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten women’s tournament Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Iowa guards Kate Martin, left, Sydney Affolter (3) and Caitlin Clark (22) celebrate during overtime of an NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska in the final of the Big Ten women’s tournament Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Clark’s home debut will be Thursday, when the Fever host the New York Liberty.
Clark and her teammates took the court in a morning shootaround at the empty arena. She said afterward that she planned to watch more film during the day in her hotel room.
“I don’t feel nervous or really anxious,” she said. “I think I’m just excited more than anything and just embracing it.”
Clark said she’s not going to get too caught up on her play in her first game.
“If something isn’t perfect, my life’s not going to end,” she said. “If, you know, we lose the game tonight, my life’s not going to end. I’m just going to learn from it and come back on Thursday and try to help us win.”
This will be the second sold-out crowd Clark will play in front of in her extremely young WNBA career. Her preseason game in Dallas was sold out, too. More than 13,000 fans also turned up for her only home preseason game.
Clark’s home debut will be Thursday, when the Fever host the New York Liberty.
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