Indianapolis is buzzing as it readies itself to host its first-ever WNBA All-Star Game, now just two weeks away. The city has embraced the occasion, staging an array of striking preparations to celebrate the landmark event.
A Monumental Welcome for Caitlin Clark
One of the most eye-catching tributes belongs to none other than Caitlin Clark, the star guard of the Indiana Fever—and the current face of the WNBA. Nike recently plastered an enormous banner across the towering facade of the JW Marriott hotel in downtown Indianapolis, making it impossible to miss. This giant advertisement showcases Clark launching a signature deep three-pointer, with the WNBA All-Star Game logo prominently displayed alongside her.
At the bottom of the ad, Nike’s tagline boldly reads: “From downtown in my town.” This punchy declaration not only spotlights her hometown status but also asserts her dominance. It’s a powerful statement of pride and identity from Nike, broadcasting to fans and passerby alike that Clark owns this moment—and this city.
Social Media Reacts: A Chorus of Acclaim
Unsurprisingly, the overwhelming response on social media has been positive. On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from reverent to exuberant:
One fan simply wrote: **“she’s the goat.”**
Another expressed eagerness to experience it personally: **“I can’t wait to see this in person this week!”**
A third user emphasized the billboard’s sheer scale: **“Biggest billboard in the history of the WNBA 🫡.”**
More comments reinforced the sentiment: **“The size of this is actually insane. Biggest graphic ever on the JW.”**
These reactions underscore how the billboard has sparked both excitement and pride among fans, turning what could be routine marketing into a rallying moment for the league.
The Rise of a Superstar—and City Momentum
Caitlin Clark’s ascendancy is unmatched. In her rookie season with the Fever, she led all players in fan voting, racking up a staggering 1,293,526 votes—more than any player in the league’s history . That massive tally solidified her role as one of two All-Star Game captains for 2025, alongside Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx .
It was confirmed on June 29, just days after the fan voting closed, that Clark will captain Team Clark in the All-Star Game set for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis .
This marks Clark’s second All-Star selection—and her first in a captaincy role . She arrives there both as a fan favorite and a central figure in the marketing narrative of the league.
More Fever Flair: Aliyah Boston Joins the Ranks
Clark is not the only Fever with representation at the All-Star festivities. Forward Aliyah Boston earned her third All-Star nod, securing a starter spot through voting . Boston’s selection adds to the Fever’s growing presence at the event; the league plans to announce the reserves on July 6, offering the rest of the Fever loyalists—like Kelsey Mitchell or Lexie Hull—a final chance to make the roster .
Indianapolis Steps into the Spotlight
The decision to host the 21st WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse signifies more than just a venue choice—it demonstrates the city’s growing role in women’s basketball .
Since drafting Clark in April 2024, the Indianapolis Fever’s attendance, revenue, and visibility have soared. Compared to the previous season, ticket sales skyrocketed by 264 percent, with nearly one million fans walking through the arena doors since mid-May . Home game attendance surpassed even that of the Pacers on a per-game basis—which is saying a lot, considering the NBA franchise’s steady popularity .
Television viewership also exploded, thanks in large part to Clark’s presence. Indeed, the record-setting 2023 All-Star Game in Phoenix—where Clark starred—drew 3.44 million ABC viewers, smashing the previous record of 1.44 million from 2003 .
The Billboards: A Tradition of Spectacle
The massive JW Marriott billboard for Clark follows a pattern of prominent, citywide tributes: whether it’s a Lombardi Trophy for the 2012 Super Bowl or a Final Four bracket on the same building, Indianapolis knows how to make a statement .
Nike’s recent installation takes things a step further. According to reports from EssentiallySports, it includes two different displays: one bearing “From Downtown In My Town. Welcome to Indianapolis,” and another boldly reading “The Floor is Ours,” intended to set the tone for the All-Star energy . Clark herself acknowledged the billboard in a press conference, stating that while she hadn’t yet seen it, she’d heard plenty—and that it was indeed “a big deal” .
Business and Brand Power
Clark’s impact isn’t just felt on the court. Her influence is reshaping the economics of women’s sports. According to research, her contributions were estimated to add $36.5 million to Indianapolis’s economy . Additionally, Forbes credited her presence with elevating the Fever to the second-most valuable franchise in the league (behind the New York Liberty), now estimated at $370 million .
In corporate terms, in March 2024 Clark became the first female athlete to land an exclusive trading-card deal with Panini, secured endorsement partnerships with Wilson, Gainbridge, Gatorade, and others . The centerpiece, though, is her $28 million, eight-year signature-boot contract with Nike—the most lucrative shoe deal for any women’s basketball player ever .
Nike has notably reframed advertising around Clark this year, displaying her in Chicago, in New York’s Times Square, and now, on this JW Marriott X all-star billboards—an indication of both strategic color placement (in rival cities) and elevated brand association .
Game Week Details
All-Star Game Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis .
All-Star Draft: Captains Clark and Collier will pick their teams on July 8, with full draft coverage expected on ESPN .
Skill Challenges: On the eve of game night (July 18), viewers will see the three-point shootout and skills competition, also televised on ESPN .
Reserves Announcement: Slated for Sunday, July 6, as coaches select 12 players to fill out the rosters .
Player Spotlight: The Inside Story
Clark and Collier top the ballot—Clark with 1.29 million fan votes, Collier with 1.17 million . Both earned All-Star captaincies as a result.
Other starters (per fan vote totals):
Frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart
Guards: Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu
Other frontcourt: Nneka Ogwumike, Allisha Gray, Satou Sabally .
Aliyah Boston claimed her spot through the combined voting process, marking her third consecutive All-Star start .
Interestingly, while fans crowned Clark the unanimous No. 1, other voting groups evaluated her a bit more conservatively. In votes among current WNBA players, she ranked ninth among guards, reflecting concerns over her limited time on court this season (just nine games, due to injury) and some struggles with her shooting percentage .
Still, that perspective is seen by many—herself included—as part of a fair, transparent process, giving context to her performance beyond mere popularity .
Commercial Echoes—and Rivalry Fuel
The billboard campaign at the JW Marriott is more than just local homage—it’s a statement. Nike has demonstrated a willingness to flex, placing similarly large-scale ads in rival cities like Chicago, heightening the storied Clark–Reese rivalry for fans and amplification .
Compared with past Indianapolis landmarks—like the 47,000-square‑foot NCAA bracket during the Final Four or the Super Bowl Lombardi Trophy—this billboard carries not only local weight, but national marketing ambition .
What Comes Next?
With the game two weeks out and the draft date locked, attention turns to the bigger picture:
All-Star Weekend Experience: Beyond the game itself, the WNBA is preparing fan-engagement activations akin to NBA Crossover at NBA All-Star weekend—interactive, immersive stages and panels designed to draw crowds and create communal energy .
Reserve Reveal: On July 6, the coach-selected reserves will complete the roster—Fever hopefuls Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull included .
Draft Drama: On July 8, viewers can tune into ESPN as Clark and Collier pick from the top vote-getters, setting up matchups and storylines to carry energy into season’s second half .
The Game: July 19 marks game day. ABC is set to air the game nationally, highlighting Clark, Collier, and the league’s brightest stars .
Beyond the Headlines
What this all underscores is that the WNBA—and Caitlin Clark in particular—are entering a new era of mass-market relevance. This All-Star event is more than a basketball game; it’s a ceremony of culture, commerce, and community:
Ratings & Revenue: Clark’s involvement helped the league secure an 11-year, $2.2 billion media deal with Disney, Amazon, and the NBA .
City Investment: Indianapolis is working toward becoming a hub for women’s sports, with Clark as a central figure in that transformation .
Fan Communities: Reactions from fans—both celebratory and rivalrous—highlight the WNBA’s surging impact. The billboard isn’t just advertising; it’s emotional resonance.
Final Take
Indiana’s hosting of its inaugural WNBA All-Star Game, coupled with Nike’s bold billboard tribute to Caitlin Clark, speaks volumes. It’s sports marketing on a grand scale—rooted in local pride, propelled by superstar charisma, and poised to elevate not just a league, but a movement.
This is the full-circle moment: the Fever fan base patches seamlessly into the national narrative, Nike aligns around a game-changing talent, and Indianapolis asserts its place on the women’s sports map.
With only two weeks left until July 19, eyes remain fixed on Clark, the Fever, and the city. Whether it’s shooting a deep three-point shot that echoes across a massive billboard—or across millions of homes—Clark will indeed be playing “from downtown in her town.”
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