WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Mystics are in the thick of a turbulent WNBA season, and star center Shakira Austin isn’t holding back about her frustrations—both with her team’s ownership and with the league’s Caitlin Clark-fueled attendance boom. In a candid moment after the Mystics’ recent home game in Baltimore, Austin voiced her concerns about fan support, the franchise’s priorities, and the realities of playing in the Caitlin Clark era.

Mystics Move to Baltimore: Chasing Dollars, Losing Home Court

Traditionally, the Mystics play at D.C.’s Entertainment & Sports Arena, a cozy venue with just 4,200 seats. But with the Indiana Fever—and rookie phenom Caitlin Clark—coming to town, the franchise opted to move the game to Baltimore’s much larger CFG Bank Arena. The reason? Simple economics. Indiana’s massive traveling fan base, drawn by Clark’s star power, guaranteed a sellout and big profits for Mystics owner Sheila Johnson.

Austin, however, was less than thrilled. “I’m hoping we can get some real support from our own fans,” she said. “We had MVP chants for [A’ja Wilson] a couple games ago, which I understand, but it’s like—we’re in D.C., so support us.”

For Austin, the move to Baltimore felt like a betrayal of the Mystics’ core fan base. “I’m hoping Baltimore can be an arena we can consistently play and get those fans, but if they’re not going to cheer for us, then I don’t want to play there. I’m going to be honest.”

Caitlin Clark Mania: The Fever Effect

The Mystics aren’t alone in chasing the Caitlin Clark dollar. Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has sparked a league-wide surge in ticket sales and attendance, with opposing teams moving games to larger arenas just to accommodate her fans. Even when Clark didn’t play in Baltimore, the arena was packed—nearly 10,000 strong, most of them sporting Fever gear and hoping for a glimpse of the rookie sensation.

Austin acknowledged the reality: “When you play the Indiana Fever, you’re going to be playing in bigger arenas. And all those fans are going to be Indiana Fever fans.”

It’s a phenomenon not seen since the league’s earliest days, and it’s changing the economics—and the atmosphere—of the WNBA. For teams like the Mystics, selling out their usual 4,000-seat arena is easy. Selling out 10,000 seats? That only happens when Clark and the Fever come to town.

Ownership Under Fire: Sheila Johnson’s Double Standard

Austin’s comments didn’t stop with the fans. She took aim at Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who has been outspoken about the league’s place in the sports world. Johnson famously questioned why Caitlin Clark was named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, asking why the entire WNBA couldn’t be honored instead.

But Austin pointed out the hypocrisy: “She has no problem raking in the cash that comes with Caitlin Clark, but she has a problem with Caitlin Clark getting any of the accolades.”

For Austin, the message was clear. The decision to move games to Baltimore wasn’t about growing the local fan base—it was about maximizing profits from Clark’s superstar draw. “At the end of the day, these owners care about one thing and one thing only, and it’s money,” Austin said.

Players Caught in the Crossfire

Austin isn’t the first WNBA player to raise concerns about home court advantage and fan support. Last season, Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally voiced similar frustrations, noting that it was “great to see the fans, but I wish they were our fans.” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has also complained about opposing fans outnumbering home supporters when Clark comes to town.

For Austin and her teammates, the situation is bittersweet. On one hand, the increased exposure and revenue are good for the league and for players’ salaries. On the other, the Mystics’ identity—and the sense of playing for a passionate home crowd—feels under threat.

“If the fans were able to support us and it felt like a home game, I wouldn’t mind coming out here,” Austin said. “But if they’re going to keep wishy-washy, keep us in D.C.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie: The Caitlin Clark Bump

The Mystics’ attendance figures tell the story. Last season, two home games against Indiana—played in 20,000-seat stadiums—accounted for nearly 40% of the team’s total home attendance. This year, the pattern is repeating: massive crowds for Fever games, modest numbers for other opponents. It’s a windfall for ownership, but a challenge for players seeking true home court advantage.

“Was it the Mystics last year?” Austin wondered aloud. “They had two games in the 20,000. Their two home games against Indiana were in 20,000 seat stadiums. Something like 40% of their home attendance on the year were from those two games.”

The Bottom Line: If It Makes Dollars, It Makes Sense

For now, Austin and the Mystics are resigned to the new reality. “It is what it is,” Austin said. “If it makes dollars, it makes sense. And it makes a lot of freaking dollars.”

The league’s business model is changing fast, and players are being asked to adapt. “You want more money, you got to do what’s going to bring you more money,” Austin admitted. “Unfortunately, appeasing the Indiana Fever fan base is realistically what’s going to make this league the most money right