On February 19th, Tyrese Haliburton entered Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. “This means the world to me,” he said. By doing so, he joined Paul George, Reggie Miller, and Jermaine O’Neal, former All-Star Game starters. Above all, he got the opportunity to start on his home court, making it a big deal for him. Less than a year from that time, something similar was expected from Caitlin Clark. However, not anymore!

On August 17th, Caitlin Clark revealed her thoughts on potentially being a starter for the upcoming 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. “Oh gosh, no, I mean, I’ll be hiding,” she said in an interview. Since Indianapolis was officially announced as the host city, Clark seemed like the best person to do the honor. She’s a 2024 All-Star and is immensely loved by her home city, Indianapolis.

But for her, representing the organization with the event hosted by her home city is not her cup of tea. “I’m just happy I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed… but honestly, like, I’m really happy for our organization,” she added. Sure enough, this kind of response sounds shocking for the Indiana Fever. Why, you ask?

Majorly because Clark’s arrival on the team has been a game-changer for both the Fever and the league. She has significantly contributed to increasing WNBA viewership, urging audiences to fill arenas up to 94%, the highest in the last two decades. For the Fever, all their games with Caitlin Clark have been sold out until now. Therefore, her being a starter would have been a great opportunity for Indianapolis, especially after the NBA All-Star Game disappointment.

The 2024 NBA All-Star game was an upset for Indianapolis

For the All-Star Game earlier this year, the best of the NBA from both the Eastern and Western Conference made it to Indianapolis. The 73rd All-Star Game etched history as the East became the first team to score over 200 points to win (211-186). However, the game was touted as a failure by many who attended.

The sole reason behind this disappointment was Indianapolis’ weather. Storms made it difficult for even the biggest stars to concentrate on their work, leading to underperformance. LeBron James went 0-3 in three-point shooting, Steph Curry was 4-13, and Luka Dončić was 1-6—everyone seemed a bit off.

What else would you expect? All those who emptied their wallets just to catch a glimpse of a thrilling All-Star game stood hopeless. Now that Indianapolis is up for the next game, it is hoped that nothing like this happens next year for the WNBA. The game is over 5 months away, and still, the city is facing drawbacks.

While Clark has declined the opportunity to become the All-Star Game starter, Kelsey Plum is up for free agency. What do you think? Will Indianapolis fans experience another All-Star failure, or will the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game be a standout? Comment down below!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.