When the Indiana Fever teased a major announcement last week, no one quite expected what dropped on Monday morning: a chilling, limited-edition collaboration with Netflix’s mega-hit series, Stranger Things. The Fever unveiled spooky new jerseys drenched in eerie red-and-black tones, featuring a cracked, lightning-split design, distressed numbers, and fonts straight from the Upside Down. But it wasn’t just the jersey that caused a stir — it was the face of the reveal.

Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s rookie sensation and arguably the WNBA’s most electrifying figure, modeled the new uniform in a teaser video that looked like something out of a supernatural thriller. The clip featured flickering lights, echoing gym sounds, and close-ups of Clark walking alone down a dimly lit corridor, bouncing a basketball with intensity and ice-cold focus. The camera zoomed in as she turned toward the lens, eyes glowing subtly red, whispering: “Welcome to the Upside Down.”

The internet exploded.

Fans immediately took to social media to react, with hashtags like #UpsideClark, #FeverThings, and #CaitlinInTheDark trending within the hour. “Clark looks like she’s ready to take on Vecna and A’ja Wilson in the same night,” one fan joked. Another said, “This is the WNBA’s Marvel moment. Total game-changer.”

Some fans and analysts praised the crossover as a much-needed marketing win for the WNBA, especially as the league seeks to grow its audience and merchandise appeal. “This is how you build hype. This is how you tap into younger markets,” wrote ESPN’s Culture & Sports columnist Latrice Bryant. “By pairing Caitlin Clark — who already has massive Gen Z reach — with one of the most binge-worthy shows of the decade, the Fever just nailed the playbook.”

The jerseys were made available for pre-order immediately after the reveal, and within three hours, the Fever’s online store crashed from traffic. According to a team spokesperson, over 12,000 jerseys were ordered in the first 24 hours alone, making it the highest-selling jersey release in WNBA franchise history.

But not all the buzz was positive.

A portion of longtime fans felt the rollout — while stylish — was an unnecessary distraction from a team currently struggling in the standings. “How about winning some games before doing cosplay?” one commenter posted on Reddit. Others questioned whether the team should focus less on aesthetics and more on chemistry and performance.

Yet, even those critiques didn’t stop the Fever’s momentum. Just days after the drop, the team announced a themed home game titled “Fever Things Night”, scheduled for October. Fans attending will get collectible trading cards, themed halftime entertainment, and an in-arena Upside Down tunnel experience. There are even rumors of surprise Netflix guests making appearances courtside.

For Caitlin Clark, the attention is nothing new. Her transition from college basketball phenom to WNBA superstar has been swift and media-fueled. But the Stranger Things collab marks the first time she’s led a full-scale brand campaign tied to pop culture — and according to insiders, it won’t be the last. Nike, Gatorade, and even Funko are rumored to be in talks for upcoming cross-promotions.

In a behind-the-scenes mini-interview posted by the Fever’s social media team, Clark shared her excitement: “I’ve watched Stranger Things since season one. It’s wild to now see myself in this universe — and on a jersey that feels like something Eleven would wear to a game.”

And her teammates? Forward NaLyssa Smith posted a reaction video on TikTok of herself opening the jersey package and screaming: “Okay but WHY does this go so hard??” The video has already surpassed 1 million views.

As the Fever prep for their themed night — and as the jerseys begin arriving on doorsteps — fans are left with one lingering question:

Is this a gimmick, or is it the start of a culture shift in the WNBA?

For now, one thing is clear: The crossover between Caitlin Clark and Stranger Things isn’t just spooky — it’s spectacular.