Scott Agness has had a remarkable journey from being a ball boy for the Indiana Fever to becoming one of the most prominent voices covering the team as a beat reporter. Starting at just 14 years old, Agness could never have imagined the evolution of his career. Today, at 35, Agness runs his own independent media platform, Fieldhouse Files on Substack, where he covers both the Indiana Fever and the Indiana Pacers. Since Caitlin Clark’s debut in the WNBA, Agness has been reporting on her meteoric rise and the Fever’s transformation.
Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has sparked unprecedented media coverage, surging attendance, and record-breaking viewership for women’s basketball. Her presence led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Although the Fever was ousted by the experienced Connecticut Sun in the first round, Clark’s influence on the team and the league is just beginning. According to Agness, covering the Fever this year was a unique and exhilarating experience, one that reinvigorated interest in a team that had struggled for years. Clark’s effect was felt in every facet, from sold-out arenas to record TV ratings, making every action she took newsworthy.
Clark’s influence extended far beyond the court. At her very first preseason game, over 30 reporters and several camera crews were present—an unprecedented level of attention for the Fever. Fans from around the world, including countries like Germany and Australia, traveled just to witness her play. The Fever’s games became a hot ticket, with some fans paying over $1,000 for courtside seats. According to Agness, this surge in popularity transformed his own work as well, driving higher viewership for his coverage and boosting his follower count on social media platforms.
Clark’s interaction with the media has also been a noteworthy shift in the league’s dynamics. Despite the pressure of conducting extensive media sessions on game days, Clark has remained professional, handling these commitments with grace. Her demeanor reflects her experience from her college days at Iowa, where she played on national television and participated in high-profile championship games. Although the sheer volume of media responsibilities is new, she handles it with ease, contributing to the broader interest in the Fever and the WNBA as a whole.
In the coming months, Clark will take some time away from the spotlight, but her legacy is already shaping the future of the Indiana Fever. Alongside veteran management, like Kelly Krauskopf’s return as team president, the Fever is poised for a continued upward trajectory.
