In a remarkable turn of events fueled by the soaring popularity of women’s basketball in the Big Ten, anticipation for next month’s Big Ten tournament has reached unprecedented heights with every session already sold out, marking the first time in history for such a feat, the conference revealed on Friday. With the tournament set to unfold at Minneapolis’ esteemed Target Center, organizers anticipate a staggering attendance figure exceeding 109,000 fans across the seven sessions, poised to shatter the league’s previous total attendance record of 47,923, established just last year in the same city.

This surge in fan interest can be largely attributed to what many are calling the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” The Iowa senior guard, whose recent milestone of breaking the women’s NCAA career scoring record reverberated across the basketball world, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the sport. Clark’s electrifying performances have not only propelled the Hawkeyes to remarkable success on the court but have also translated into unparalleled attendance figures. Remarkably, Iowa has sold out or set attendance records at an impressive 30 out of 32 arenas visited this season. In a historic first for the program, Iowa became the inaugural Big Ten women’s team to completely sell out its entire season, a testament to the immense draw and appeal of Clark’s captivating talent. Even at exempt tournaments in Florida, where the Hawkeyes competed, crowds flocked to witness Clark’s prowess, with only two events falling short of full capacity.

As the Big Ten tournament approaches, the palpable excitement surrounding the event underscores the enduring impact of stars like Caitlin Clark in elevating the visibility and popularity of women’s basketball within the conference and beyond. With record-breaking attendance figures anticipated, the tournament promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the unparalleled talent and fervent support that continue to define the Big Ten women’s basketball landscape.