Las Vegas Aces And Indiana Fever Team Up For Special Reason!

Tuesday night’s Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever game was memorable for so many reasons.

Not only did they play in front of the largest WNBA crowd since 1999, but they also assisted Make-A-Wish in reuniting a critically ill teenager with some of her favorite Iowa Hawkeyes players turned WNBA stars. 

Earlier this week, the Aces and Fever partnered with Make-A-Wish to reunite a critically ill teenager with some of her favorite Hawkeyes players, Kate Martin of the Aces and Caitlin Clark of the Fever.

Bailey Lux got the opportunity to attend Monday’s practice and Tuesday night’s game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and meet players from both teams.

Forbes reported, “Kate [Martin] had been reaching out. She sent me a message saying she wanted to fly us out to the game [private jet],” Bailey’s father said. “I know it was difficult to get this done so quickly, but this is spirit-lifting.” 

The Aces shared a few posts on Instagram about Bailey’s experience at the game.

“The Las Vegas Aces proudly teamed up with the @IndianaFever and @makeawishamerica to assist in reuniting Bailey Lux with some of her favorite Hawkeyes turned @WNBA pros. First up, today’s Aces practice and then tomorrow’s Aces vs Fever matchup at @tmobilearena,” they shared on Monday, along with a carousel of photos and videos from practice. 

Make-A-Wish dropped into the comments to share, “Couldn't possibly love this more than we already do.” Many others also commented on how heartwarming this experience is.

“This put a huge smile on my face,” one person said. Another added, “This is so much heart. Wonderful to see the two teams and whoever else was involved plus media focusing on more significant issues. Kudos to all.”

One other viewer said, “This is what we all need to see! Those that didn’t follow Iowa last year, this is just a little glimpse into the heart of the Hawkeyes and the kindness and caring @katemartin and @caitlinclark22 have always had for kids in the community.”

In another post shared by the Aces, Fever, and WNBA on Instagram, a video shows how Bailey and her family were welcomed to the arena and gifted jerseys.

“Aces fans, let’s welcome Bailey to @tmobilearena! The Las Vegas Aces proudly teamed up with the @indianafever and @makeawishamerica to assist in reuniting Bailey Lux with some of her favorite Hawkeyes turned @wnba pros,” the caption to the video reads.

Many fans were excited about this moment for Bailey and shared their thoughts in the comment section of the post.

“This was a great game & the BEST SPORTSMANSHIP I have seen in any sporting event in many many years! The Aces & Fever both played hard, played with passion, & played with integrity,” one fan wrote.

Another person shared, “For all the new WNBA fans…THIS is what it’s all about.” 

Many WNBA fans were excited to see former Hawkeyes stars Martin and Clark reunited on the court.

The Aces and Iowa Women's Basketball shared a video on Instagram of the heartwarming reunion between the besties and many fans were happy to see it.

"Miss this amazing duo!!! Best friendship out there," one fan shared in the comments. Another added, "The only video and interaction I've been waiting for."

Another fan wrote, "This is what it's all about! Love to see it!!"

Tuesday night's Aces vs. Fever game made history as the "highest regular season single-game attendance in the WNBA since 1999" with 20,366 people in attendance, the most in T-Mobile Arena's history.

According to USA Today Sports, it was the "fifth-most attended game in WNBA regular season history and the most since the 1999 season."

Many fans attributed the increase of fans in attendance to Clark.

"Caitlin Clark really got opposing teams selling out arenas," one person wrote in the comments of the Aces Instagram post sharing the news. Another person added, "It’s that’s Clark effect!"

And many others credit the Aces for the increase in attendance.

"Las Vegas Aces have a sold-out stadium for the entire season. Last year they also had the most sold-out games," one person shared. Another reminded people, "Yes Aces sell out games but they moved the game to a bigger arena for Clark. So yes this was the Clark effect."