Big Ten Conference announces women's basketball tournament sold out for first-time ever

As women’s basketball continues its ascent into the mainstream American sports consciousness, a new benchmark has been hit. The Big Ten announced on Friday that the women’s basketball conference tournament has sold out for the first time ever.

The 2024 Big Ten women’s basketball tournament is slated to take place in Minneapolis, held at the Target Center. The tournament begins on March 6, 2024.

On top of having a deep roster of strong teams in the league, the league also features arguably the most exciting player in college basketball, men’s or women’s: Iowa star Caitlin Clark. The Hawkeyes are also the reigning tournament champions.

But beyond Iowa, the rest of the league has been strong. The No. 4-ranked Hawkeyes are joined in the Top 25 by No. 2 Ohio State and No. 14 Indiana (which recently beat Iowa.) And beyond that trio, another five teams in the league — Michigan, Penn State, Maryland, Nebraska and Michigan State — are all projected to make the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN’s Charlie Creme.

And amid the rising tide of women’s hoops, another boat — the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament — has been lifted.

Clark has demurred on what her future might hold

Clark had to address her professional career following a question at the postgame press conference after an 86-69 loss for the Hawkeyes to Indiana in Bloomington in late February. She made it clear that her focus is on her present with her team at Iowa considering it’s already a home for her.

“You know, honestly, I’m just focused on this team right now,” Clark said. “Playing my heart out for Iowa and getting to represent my state every single day. That’s what it’s all about.”

In the end, Clark’s time in the WNBA is going to come at some point or another. That’s why, with another year of eligibility on the table, she’s going to leave that process for after the season since it’ll be in front of her down the line anyways.

“I’m not really too worried about the future,” Clark said. “That is what it is. It comes when it comes – whatever I decide.”