ATLANTA, GA – May 10, 2025 – A highly anticipated WNBA preseason game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena took an unexpected turn when a violent clash erupted outside the venue, resulting in the arrest of 50 Indiana Fever fans. The incident, which unfolded just hours before tip-off, has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory night of basketball, headlined by Fever star Caitlin Clark.
According to Atlanta Police Department reports, the altercation began around noon when a group of approximately 50 Fever fans, many decked out in Clark’s No. 22 jerseys, gathered near the arena’s main entrance. Witnesses say the group was chanting and waving banners in support of the Fever when they were confronted by a larger crowd of local Atlanta Dream supporters. Tensions reportedly escalated after heated exchanges over Clark’s rising stardom and the Fever’s growing national spotlight, which some Dream fans felt overshadowed their team.
“It started as typical fan banter, but it got personal fast,” said eyewitness Maria Thompson, a season ticket holder for the Dream. “People were yelling about Caitlin Clark being overrated, and the Fever fans weren’t having it. Next thing you know, punches were thrown.”
The situation spiraled into chaos as the two groups clashed, with reports of shoving, thrown bottles, and at least one individual wielding a makeshift weapon fashioned from a broken signpost. Arena security and local law enforcement intervened swiftly, but not before minor injuries were reported among both fans and two officers. Atlanta PD confirmed that 50 individuals, all identified as Indiana Fever supporters, were detained on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault. No arrests were reported among the Dream fans, though investigations are ongoing.
The incident has sparked debate about the growing intensity of WNBA fandom, particularly around Clark, whose meteoric rise has drawn massive crowds and unprecedented attention to the league. The Fever’s game at Gateway Center Arena was a sellout, with ticket demand so high that the Dream moved the matchup to a larger venue to accommodate Clark’s fanbase. Some speculate that this surge in popularity may have fueled the rivalry that boiled over outside the arena.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/indiana-fever-2025-wnba-season-120000213.html)
Fever head coach Stephanie White condemned the violence in a post-game statement, saying, “Our fans are passionate, but this isn’t what we’re about. We want everyone to enjoy the game safely.” The WNBA issued a statement promising a full review of the incident and emphasizing its commitment to fan safety.
As the dust settles, the clash has left a mark on the Fever’s preseason campaign. While Clark and the team secured a hard-fought victory on the court, the focus remains on the fans whose enthusiasm turned violent. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with additional information as they work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
