A’ja Wilson’s Big Day Under Caitlin Clark’s Shadow as Tickets Soar for Iowa Star’s Jersey Retirement

Two iconic names. One historic date. On February 2, 2025, women’s basketball will celebrate A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark in ways that cement their legacies forever. As fans debate whose impact is greater, ticket sales tell a story of their own, with Clark’s jersey retirement commanding prices more typical of marquee NBA games.

A’ja Wilson, the cornerstone of South Carolina’s rise to prominence, will see her No. 22 jersey retired at Colonial Life Arena when the Gamecocks face Auburn. Tickets for this monumental occasion start at $64. However, in Iowa City, the retirement of Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey at Carver-Hawkeye Arena during Iowa’s game against USC is shaping up to be an even bigger spectacle.

Fans snapped up tickets at unprecedented rates. One Twitter user marveled “In the span of 40 minutes, the cheapest ticket to Iowa WBB vs. USC went from $200 to $784, with a bunch of tickets listed for over $1,000. Incredible.” The minimum price for a seat now hovers at $587, a stark contrast to Wilson’s ceremony, despite her storied legacy.

Wilson’s jersey retirement is well-earned. As the program’s first No. 1 recruit, she transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse. A three-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, Wilson led the Gamecocks to their first national championship in 2017 and left as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,389 points. Her contributions earned her a statue outside Colonial Life Arena in 2021, an honor rarely bestowed so quickly.

Yet, Clark’s explosive impact has redefined the sport. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer—surpassing even Pete Maravich—Clark has become the face of a movement that’s brought women’s basketball unprecedented visibility. In April, after leading Iowa to a second consecutive NCAA Finals appearance, her team declared, “There will never be another 22.”

Clark’s jersey retirement comes with significant fanfare, including an emotional tribute video. It opens with one of her signature deep threes before fading to her jersey in the rafters, accompanied by the date: 2.2.25. Reflecting on the honor, Clark shared

“I’m forever proud to be a Hawkeye, and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball. It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends, and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I’ve admired for so long.”

Both players have transformed their programs and elevated the game. Wilson’s dominance laid the foundation for South Carolina’s continued success, while Clark’s star power has drawn more fans, sponsors, and media attention to women’s basketball than ever before.

As February 2 approaches, fans will gather in Columbia and Iowa City to celebrate two extraordinary athletes. Whether through Wilson’s steady leadership or Clark’s electrifying style, their legacies will forever be intertwined with the growth of women’s basketball.

In the end, it’s not about whose jersey hangs higher—it’s about the path they’ve paved for the future.