INDIANA Fever have announced a new $78 million project in an attempt to cash in on their new popularity.

The franchise has skyrocketed this year thanks to Caitlin Clark.

Indiana FeverIndiana Fever are building a new practice facility in downtown Indianapolis[/caption]

Indiana FeverThe $78 million facility will be over three storeys and 108,000 square feet[/caption]

The basketball phenom has been one of the driving factors behind the rise of women’s basketball.

And her WNBA team are ready to level up with their new plans.

The Fever have unveiled plans for a new performance center in downtown Indianapolis.

It will open before the 2027 season and have a footbridge to connect it to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse where they play.

The new facility on Pacers Sports and Entertainment (PS&E) Campus will be built over three storeys and take up 108,000 square feet.

It will have two full-length basketball courts as well as a locker room, weight room and kitchen.

“We are excited to partner with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to identify the perfect location for the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center,” PS&E Owner Herb Simon said.

“The city of Indianapolis continues to be a tremendous partner as we elevate our team, players and community.”

The Fever currently practice at the Fieldhouse, which is also home to the Indiana Pacers.

“Last year, we experienced an unprecedented boom in interest and attention on women’s sports around the world, led in large part by our very own Indiana Fever,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said.

“Indianapolis is proud to see this significant investment from Pacers Sports & Entertainment drive further momentum in women’s basketball in our community and continue to elevate our status as a major league sports city.”

The Fever will begin their season on May 17 against the Chicago Sky.

It will be the latest instalment of the rivalry between Clark and Angel Reese.

The pair have been rivals since college days and that has continued into the WNBA.

It has helped to drive the popularity of the women’s game.

Indiana FeverIt will connect to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers and Fever both play[/caption]

GettyCaitlin Clark has helped drive the success of women’s basketball[/caption]

Clark recently appeared on the New Heights podcast with NFL brothers Travis and Jason Kelce.

Asked by Jason who her favourite Chiefs player is, the 22-year-old responded, “I mean obviously Travis is up there…”

Both brothers let out a huge cheer before Travis fist pumped and said: “I made it!”

Clark added: “But I’m obviously a big Patrick (Mahomes) fan too. The both of you, you’re pretty great.

“My dad was a big Chiefs fan growing up, [and] people think I’m a bandwagon Chiefs fan, and I’m like, I was [a fan] before Patrick [Mahomes] and Travis were on the team.

“We’ve been big fans, and all the success you guys have had has made it a lot of fun.”

https://www.the-sun.com/sport/13317539/indiana-fever-facility-caitlin-clark/