GRATITUDE: Indiana Fever Owner Approves $7.6 Million Statue of Caitlin Clark Outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to Honor Her Impact On and Off the Court
In a move that has sparked celebration across the basketball world, the owner of the Indiana Fever has approved a $7.6 million project to construct a life-sized bronze statue of superstar Caitlin Clark outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Fever in Indianapolis. The statue will serve as a lasting tribute to her extraordinary impact on the team, the league, and the sport of women’s basketball.
At just 23 years old, Caitlin Clark’s name has already been etched into the annals of basketball history. From record-breaking performances at the University of Iowa to becoming the face of the WNBA’s next generation, Clark has redefined what it means to be a game-changer. And now, her influence will be cast in bronze — a permanent reminder of her legacy.
A Monument to More Than Just Points
The decision to build the statue came after months of soaring ticket sales, increased national attention, and a noticeable cultural shift in how fans and media engage with the Indiana Fever and women’s basketball at large. Since Clark’s debut with the Fever earlier this year, attendance has more than tripled, games have sold out across multiple cities, and Fever merchandise featuring her name and number has flown off the shelves.
In a statement released earlier this week, Fever owner Herbert Simon said:
“Caitlin Clark hasn’t just brought points to the scoreboard — she’s brought energy, pride, and belief back to this franchise. She has elevated the WNBA, and more importantly, inspired a generation. This statue is our way of saying thank you, and ensuring that her contributions are remembered forever.”
A Legacy in the Making
The statue will be placed outside the northwest entrance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where fans gather before every home game. The sculpture will feature Clark in motion, mid-shot — her signature deep three-point pose immortalized in bronze. At the base, engraved words will capture her most iconic quote during her rookie season: “Dream big. Play fearless. Leave a mark.”
Local artists and sports historians are being brought in to assist with design and storytelling elements. The team has also announced plans to incorporate an interactive digital display beside the statue, allowing fans to relive her greatest moments through highlights, interviews, and even personal messages from Caitlin herself.
The Fans Who Made It Happen
Though the project is privately funded by the organization, it was fan enthusiasm that truly laid the groundwork for such an ambitious tribute.
“We’ve seen people flying in from across the country just to watch her play,” said Tamika Sanders, Director of Marketing for the Fever. “It felt like a movement. Every game felt like a celebration. It was clear from the start — she wasn’t just playing basketball. She was changing the game.”
Social media also played a major role. The hashtag #ClarkStatue began trending months ago after one particularly electric game-winning performance in which Clark scored 41 points and set a new rookie record. Thousands of fans tweeted that she deserved a statue “before her rookie season even ends.”
Caitlin’s Response
In true Caitlin Clark fashion, her response was humble, grateful, and full of heart. Speaking to reporters after a recent game, she said:
“I’m honestly speechless. To even think something like this would be possible — especially so early in my career — is overwhelming. I share this with my teammates, the coaches who believed in me, and every little girl who thinks she’s too small or too different to make it big. This statue isn’t just about me. It’s about us.”
Clark went on to emphasize that her focus remains on helping the Fever reach the playoffs and building the foundation for a long and successful career in Indiana.
More Than A Statue
The announcement also comes with news that a portion of the surrounding plaza will be redesigned into a new “Caitlin Clark Youth Court” — a community basketball area meant to be free and accessible to local kids, complete with murals, free basketball clinics, and open access year-round.
“If we’re going to build a statue,” said Fever President Allison Barber, “we’re also going to build opportunity around it.”
Cementing a New Era
In a time when women’s sports are finally beginning to receive the attention, respect, and investment they deserve, Caitlin Clark stands as a beacon — not just for her insane skill on the court, but for her poise, humility, and relentless drive to lift others as she climbs.
With the statue set to be unveiled in summer 2026, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is not just the future of basketball — she’s the legacy in motion.
And now, that legacy will stand forever in the heart of Indianapolis. 🏀💫
