Chicago Sky sees increase in ticket sales after Cardoso, Reese picks in draft

Ticket sales for the Chicago Sky “are soaring” after Monday’s WNBA draft, which saw the team select C Kamilla Cardoso and F Angel Reese, according to Kate Armanini of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Marquee Sports Network's Karli Bell said the players selected are “going to be that new generation that’s going to bring in those fans.” Armanini noted tickets for a June 23 game between the Sky and the Indiana Fever -- the team that drafted G Caitlin Clark -- are “nearly sold out on Ticketmaster, with prices as high as $1,700." The "cheapest tickets are $225.” Sky VP/Ticket Sales Anthony Whaley said that “other popular games this season include" the May 25 home opener against the Connecticut Sun, as well as matchups with the L.A. Sparks, Las Vegas Aces and N.Y. Liberty. Armanini noted season ticket purchases are "also dramatically increasing.” Bell said that the decisions surrounding the Sky’s draft picks were "rooted in business as much as basketball.” The players, who “have large social media followings, will help cultivate a generational fan base.” Bell said, “What the Sky did, instead of building a team to win now, they started the development for later. From a business standpoint, they’ll capitalize on it. Everyone wants to see Angel” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/17).