Indiana Fever look to clinch WNBA title

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Fever is just one win away from the franchise's first WNBA title. More than 16,000 tickets have been sold for the big game at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday morning, the Fever players practiced from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. They did some shooting drills and walk throughs.

Once practice was over, 24-Hour News 8’s Jay Hermacinski had a chance to hang out with the team.

Hermacinski said the team is very relaxed and everyone really seems to get along with each another.

The players were joking with one another and they certainly appeared to be enjoying themselves. On the flip side, the team also carries a very professional and business like attitude into Wednesday night’s game.

Indianapolis native Katie Douglas commented about what it is like to be in the WNBA Finals.

“We’ve always been about a championship. Not just making the playoffs, not just winning a game but winning a championship. I feel like throughout the hard work, throughout the regular season people have caught on and it’s great to see this kind of support,” said Douglas.

The ladies lead the series against Phoenix 2-1 and can clinch the title.

Indianapolis has certainly caught the Fever during the championship run. Conseco Fieldhouse was filled with fans this past weekend and it’s expected to be another packed house Wednesday night.

While the team is focused on the big game, there are questions about the future of the franchise.

Over the past ten years, the Simon family has never made money on the Fever Franchise.

At the end of each season the organization has to ask itself, "Do we keep going."

24-Hour News 8 asked that question to Pacers Sports and Entertainment COO Rick Fuson.

"I feel very confidant about the fever. We have had great support from this community. I think Herb Simon was very clear in the last week or so that he will do everything in his power to see that this goes forward," said Fuson.

Playing in the championship and winning the championship could certainly help improve the Fever’s future bottom line.

IU Sports Marketing professor Larry DeGaris talked about that on Daybreak Wednesday.

"In marketing we talk about stages of buyer readiness. If all the buzz can turn into ticket sales then that's a huge benefit for the team," said DeGaris.

That benefit already seems to be working.

"I think next season I'll be coming down and watching more games. I'm looking forward to it," said new Fever fan Glen Johnson.