WNBA Fever, NBA Pacers Strengthen Indianapolis Basketball Ties

The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever share a close bond beyond just being neighbors in Indianapolis, with both teams owned by the same family and playing in the same arena. Caitlin Clark of the Fever expressed disappointment about missing Game 6 of the NBA Finals, where the Pacers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Fever compete against the Golden State Valkyries. The Pacers have a storied history in Indiana, largely thanks to the Simon family's ownership since 1983, which has kept the team in Indianapolis and fostered its growth, with Herb Simon recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The 2024 season has been a special moment for basketball in Indianapolis, with the Pacers hosting the NBA All-Star Game and making a deep playoff run, while the Fever have revitalized interest in the WNBA, especially with Clark's standout rookie year. Additionally, Tim Corrigan, an Indiana native and Notre Dame alumnus, is producing his 18th and final NBA Finals coverage, marking a personal and professional milestone as the Pacers reach the finals for the first time in 25 years. The interconnectedness of basketball in Indiana, through players, families, and local pride, highlights the sport's significance to the community and its promising future.