The soaring ticket prices for Chicago Sky games, particularly the matchups against the Indiana Fever featuring Caitlin Clark, have prompted some fans to petition for the games to be moved to a larger venue.

Scheduled to take place at Wintrust Arena on June 23 and August 30, these highly anticipated games will showcase former college champions Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, newly drafted by the Sky, facing off against their longtime rival, Caitlin Clark, selected as the first overall draft pick by the Fever.

With tickets nearly sold out and prices ranging from $225 to $1,700 per seat, fans are advocating for the games to be relocated to the United Center to accommodate the high demand. Additionally, Sky season-ticket prices have surged as fans anticipate a resurgence led by Reese and Cardoso after recent down years following their 2021 championship victory.

Wintrust Arena, the current home of the Chicago Sky, has a capacity of 10,000 seats, while the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls play, can accommodate 21,000 spectators.

A petition advocating for the Sky to move their games against the Indiana Fever, featuring Caitlin Clark, to the United Center has gained traction among fans.

“Larger quantities of less expensive seats would allow both Caitlin Clark fans and Chicago Sky fans to enjoy a great game.”

The petition suggests that hosting the games at the larger venue would benefit not only the Sky but also women’s basketball as a whole by allowing for greater accessibility with more affordable seating options.

Despite the growing support for the idea, the Sky has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the potential relocation of the games.

The anticipation surrounding Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has led to significant changes in scheduling and venue selections. A considerable number of WNBA games featuring Clark have been moved to nationally televised broadcasts, reflecting the heightened interest in her debut.

The immense popularity of women’s basketball was evident in the viewership numbers for this year’s NCAA women’s championship game, which attracted over 24 million viewers. Clark’s showdown against Kamilla Cardoso and the South Carolina Gamecocks in the championship game garnered significant attention, further fueling the excitement surrounding her transition to the professional league.

The University of Iowa capitalized on Clark’s star power by relocating a women’s team scrimmage to its football stadium, attracting an impressive crowd of over 55,000 eager fans eager to witness her skills firsthand.

In anticipation of Clark’s debut, the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces have opted to move a home game against the Fever to a larger arena, accommodating the expected surge in attendance.

While there are logistical challenges, such as scheduling conflicts, the possibility of hosting a game featuring Clark at the United Center in August remains open, with the venue currently available on the calendar for that period.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman swag surf during the rally to celebrate the Chicago Sky’s first ever WNBA Championship, on Oct. 19, 2021. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot already has her Sky season tickets secured, she told Kate Armanini of the Chicago Tribune.

The Sky’s home opener is May 25 against the Connecticut Sun.