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Caitlin Clark Earns New Nickname After Atlanta Dream Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 10:46 PM ET

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark established herself as one of the biggest stars in the WNBA during her rookie season.

Clark led the Fever to a 20-20 record, ranked as the No. 6 team in the WNBA standings. During her first season with the Fever, Clark was named the Rookie of the Year as well as a WNBA All-Star.

As Clark heads into her sophomore season, the Fever are set to face off against the Atlanta Dream on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

When the Dream announced their home opener, they also revealed that the game will be played at State Farm Arena, home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. The WNBA also reposted the news on social media.

"We have invested significant resources and energy into making Gateway Center Arena the most unique home-court experience in the WNBA," said Larry Gottesdiener, Atlanta Dream Majority Owner. "However, due to a scheduling conflict at Gateway, we saw an opportunity to bring this exciting early-season matchup to State Farm Arena, allowing even more fans to experience it. We appreciate the hospitality."

It’s official!

Get ready for an unforgettable home opener vs the @indianafever at @StateFarmArena.

To get exclusive early access to tickets, sign up for presale or join the Priority List.
Learn more: https://t.co/nPoc6n100j pic.twitter.com/Y5YfttmGvP
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) March 12, 2025

After the Dream announced that they would have to move the matchup from their home arena, Gateway Center Arena, to a larger venue, some fans had their suspicions.

Atlanta mentioned that the move was caused by a "scheduling conflict," but some fans online believe it's the Caitlin Clark effect.

She's now received the nickname "Caitlin 'scheduling conflict' Clark.'"

Caitlin "scheduling conflict" Clark https://t.co/L38LSDrMZY pic.twitter.com/BxiJNHRKXe
— Jennieverse²² (@jennieverse_22) March 12, 2025

Clark's impact on opposing teams has been felt from day one. During her rookie season, a handful of games were moved to larger venues, with the Fever playing at Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards) and Barclays Center (Brooklyn Nets).

Atlanta Dream owner claims that their matchup against the Fever was moved from Gateway Center (3,500 capacity) to Star Farm Arena (16,888 capacity) due to a “scheduling conflict” pic.twitter.com/R6xMWpMI90
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) March 12, 2025

During Clark's rookie season with the Fever, the young star averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. She led all rookies in average points and assists.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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