Chicago Sky jack up season ticket prices without warning

By the numbers: Courtside seats went from $4,500 to $11,000, while 18-game packages for more modest seats jumped from $270 to $985, according to the Tribune.

Zoom in: The Sky did not warn season ticket holders of the impending increases nor explain why they were raising the costs.

• Sky organization officials did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

What they're saying: "I was completely surprised by how much the prices went up," Sky season ticket holder Erin Drain tells Axios. Her two tickets in the lower level of Wintrust Arena went from $2,500 to $4,400.

• "If I'm taking a calculator out to understand how much they are going up, it's a lot."

Context: The Sky has become a hot ticket, thanks to the emergence of star rookie Angel Reese. Her rivalry with megastar Caitlin Clark generated so much interest that tickets for a recent home game against the Clark's team, the Indiana Fever, went for almost $300 a seat.

• "I'm gonna need a Patreon just to afford @chicagosky tickets next year," season ticket holder Veronica Arreola posted on social media. "I spent decades hyping this team up and once they finally hit, they slam me with price gouging."

The intrigue: The Sky's ticket increases come as the team breaks for the All-Star Game and the Summer Olympics. The invoices with the new prices are due before the Sky play another game at Wintrust Arena.

State of pay: Drain says she'd be fine with the increase if the Sky were transparent about where the extra money is going. The Sky are currently without a practice facility, which is hindering the team's chances of landing free agent talent.

• Low player salaries are also well documented in the WNBA.

Zoom out: The WNBA is seeing an explosion of interest and attendance, setting league records in 2024. Other teams have also seen ticket price increases.

Threat level: "Everyone may watch women's sports, but not everyone can afford to attend now," Arreola added.

• "I'm super-worried that people are going to be priced out," Drain said. "I'm worried it's just going to be like every other sporting event, bros with money who are coming as sort of a novelty and don't actually care."

What's next: The Sky's season resumes Aug. 15 at Wintrust Arena.