Caitlin Clark, Fever produce 'spectacle' in Toronto as Tempo lose 11th straight
The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo 101-95 in a high-profile WNBA game at Scotiabank Arena. Despite the loss, the event highlighted the return of Tempo star Brittney Sykes and the massive draw of Caitlin Clark.
Why it matters
The game underscores the growing international popularity of the WNBA and the significant economic impact of star players on ticket sales and venue attendance.
TORONTO — Two of the most anticipated moments of the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season came to a head on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.
Brittney Sykes, the defensive superstar and million-dollar offensive backcourt weapon, made her return to the floor after eight weeks out with a foot injury.
But the 19,300 seats at Scotiabank Arena didn’t sell out simply for Sykes’ return. Tuesday also marked the first time Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever would play in Toronto.
“There'll be a lot of Caitlin Clark fans in the stands too, which I don't have a problem with ... That's good. They're coming to watch. They get to see the Toronto Tempo, too,” Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello said.
Sykes was met with thunderous applause when introduced in the starting lineup — and perhaps surprisingly, the cheers she received rang louder than the welcome Clark attracted when her name was called moments before.
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