The Chicago Sky recently announced their plans to open a new practice facility, which is set to be ready before the 2026 season. Chicago has received immense fanfare throughout the year, adding star rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the 2024 WNBA draft.
While both players have helped boost the Sky’s popularity, WNBA fans believe Chicago’s newest upgrades stem from the influence of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Fans are crediting the announcement to “The Caitlin Clark Effect.”
“The Clark Effect knows no bounds…” said one fan.
“Thank you C.C.” said another fan.
The performance center is set to cost the Sky $38 million and will be constructed in Bedford Park, Illinois. Chicago’s current facility is over 40 miles away from their home arena. They’ve been practicing at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield, Illinois, for over a decade.
Caitlin Clark speaks to members of the media during the WNBA All-Star media day at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 19 2024.
Clark entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. She’s helped spark major change in the league’s growth, and some WNBA fans genuinely believe she’s the reason the Sky were able to attain a new practice facility.
Reese and Clark recently played together at the 2024 WNBA All-Star game. They were the only two rookies rostered at the event and were able to help lead Team WNBA to a 117-109 victory over Team USA.
The Fever guard finished the game with four points and ten assists, recording the rookie record for the most assists in All-Star game history. Reese became the only rookie in league history to record a double-double, posting 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Both rookies have clearly made a major impact on the WNBA at an early age, but fans have made it clear that they believe Clark’s influence is unmatched.
They’re battling for the league’s Rookie of the Year award, as Clark has averaged 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, while Reese has posted 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
