Gilbert Arenas Sends Strong Message About Caitlin Clark After Magic Johnson Debate
Gilbert Arenas Sends Strong Message About Caitlin Clark After Magic Johnson Debate originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In an era when the definition of "superstar" is fiercely debated, Magic Johnson made headlines on Friday for his remark that a superstar is strictly "someone who can go on the road and sell the building out."
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His comments immediately sparked fresh discussion across the basketball world.
On that same day, Gilbert Arenas joined the conversation on an episode of "Gil's Arena," naming just three players who fit that bill: Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Caitlin Clark.
When pressed on whether Clark qualifies as a "mega star," Arenas didn't hesitate: "Yes... There are a few megas, but she's a mega."
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (left) signs an autograph before a game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
After dominating college basketball at Iowa, where she finished as the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, Clark was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Last season, she led the league in assists (8.4), scoring 19.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game en route to winning Rookie of the Year and becoming the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to earn All-WNBA honors.
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Now in her second season with the Fever, she's averaging 19.9 points, 8.7 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, despite having played in just seven games due to injury.
However, perhaps no metric better illustrates Johnson's "building sell-out" test than the crowds Clark draws.
Clark's arrival in Indiana sparked a 93% surge in ticket sales compared to 2023, with the Fever emerging as the WNBA's top trending team, with ticket sales being 13 times higher than the year prior, per StubHub.
Average Fever ticket prices jumped around 80%, averaging $175 for away games, well above the rest of the league, according to Axios Indianapolis.
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Just earlier this month, a 19,496-seat sell-out crowd poured into the United Center when the Fever toppled the Chicago Sky on June 7, setting a franchise record for the Sky, per a report from Front Office Sports.
While some argue superstar status should hinge on championships or MVP awards, Clark's market impact alone paints a compelling portrait.
As Arenas put it, "The definition of superstar has nothing to do with your team's success. Superstar is you."
Related: Stephanie White Breaks Silence After Missing Chicago Sky Game
Related: WNBA Reacts to Caitlin Clark's Actions During Chicago Sky Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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