Ep 1: The Caitlin Clark effect

In the series finale of Beyond Clarkonomics, host Mickey Shuey explores how Indianapolis is building a long-term vision for women’s sports—one that began before Caitlin Clark’s arrival and is designed to outlast any single player. As the Fever’s star power accelerates momentum, civic and sports leaders are executing a decades-long strategy to make Indianapolis a global capital of women’s athletics. From the Indy Ignite pro volleyball team and women’s tackle football to the Indiana Sports Corp.’s 2050 Vision, this episode traces the city’s expansive infrastructure investments, emerging youth programs and national ambitions. Featuring insights from leaders at the Fever, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Indiana Sports Corp., NCAA, Marvella Foundation and others, the episode asks: Can Indy become the epicenter of women’s sports—and what happens if the star who supercharged the movement is no longer in the mix?  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

Host Mickey Shuey unpacks the high-stakes arrival of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis—and explores what it means that the league's biggest star, Caitlin Clark, is sidelined. With thousands descending upon the Circle City. Featuring interviews with WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan, sports marketer Ken Ungar, and leaders from Visit Indy, Indiana Sports Corp., and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, this episode dives into the marketing, civic planning, and vision behind one of the biggest weekends in WNBA history as the city looks to use the weekend as a catalyst for its own ambitions around women's sports.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

Host Mickey Shuey examines how the Indiana Fever are capitalizing on unprecedented momentum — not just to win games, but to rebuild their roster, reshape their brand and redefine what’s possible in women’s professional sports. From a bold offseason overhaul to a dramatic rise in sponsorships and fan engagement, this episode details how the franchise is laying the groundwork for long-term success on and off the court. Featuring Fever executives Kelly Krauskopf and Amber Cox, Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines, marketing strategist Ken Ungar and Cheez-It brand director Cara Tragseiler, the episode explores the business mechanics behind the Fever’s transformation — and what it signals for the WNBA’s future.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

IBJ’s Mickey Shuey traces the Indiana Fever’s origins — from skeptical beginnings to a franchise poised for greatness. Through interviews with former players, league leaders and lifelong fans, this episode explores the Fever’s rocky early years, the rise of Tamika Catchings and the cultural headwinds facing women’s sports. Hear how the franchise built credibility, weathered tough seasons and laid the groundwork for today’s Fever renaissance. Listen at IBJ.com/beyond-clarkonomics or wherever you get your podcasts.  Start your dollar a week trial now at ⁠IBJ.com/trialoffer⁠ Check out our event lineup and register now at ⁠IBJ.com/Register ⁠ Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at ⁠IBJ.com/Nominate⁠

Caitlin Clark’s arrival in Indianapolis wasn’t just a win for the Indiana Fever—it reshaped the WNBA, boosted the city’s sports economy and set off a cultural shift around women’s athletics. In this episode, IBJ’s Mickey Shuey explores how Clark became a once-in-a-generation phenomenon and what her presence means for the Fever, the league, and Indy’s future as a capital of women’s sports.  Start your dollar a week trial now at IBJ.com/trialoffer Check out our event lineup and register now at IBJ.com/Register Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at IBJ.com/Nominate

Beyond Clarkonomics is a narrative podcast hosted by IBJ business of sports reporter Mickey Shuey exploring Caitlin Clark’s arrival to the Indiana Fever and the ripple effect it's having on Indianapolis. Through expert interviews and archival audio, the series unpacks how Clark’s presence is transforming a once-struggling franchise—and how that transformation is reshaping downtown revitalization, civic planning and the city’s long-term sports strategy.