The Indiana Fever’s transformation from a rebuilding team to one of the WNBA’s biggest draws has come with plenty of attention — and some resentment. Lexie Hull isn’t shying away from it.

Once near the bottom of the standings, the Fever have become the league’s most-watched team largely because of Caitlin Clark’s arrival. The former Iowa standout has brought sellout crowds, record television ratings and a level of visibility rarely seen in women’s basketball. But the fame has also made Indiana a target.

Hull, who has been with the Fever since before Clark joined, said in a recent interview with Glamour that the attention surrounding the team has created a different kind of challenge.

“I think there is a level of jealousy when it comes to the Fever, just because of the media attention and the fans that have shown up for us ever since Caitlin got here,” Hull said.

Despite Clark missing much of the season due to injury, the Fever reached the WNBA semifinals, continuing their rise as one of the sport’s most prominent franchises. Hull said the growing spotlight has only intensified opponents’ desire to beat them.

“We’ve heard people and players and teams talking in their locker room about, ‘We can’t let the Fever win,’” she said.

Hull, a first-round pick by Indiana in 2022, endured the team’s lean years before Clark and Aliyah Boston helped turn the franchise around. She said the increased competition is a reflection of the Fever’s progress — and something she welcomes.

“If you have extra motivation to beat us because of something out of our control, that’s fine, if that’s what it takes for you guys to come and try extra hard,” Hull said. “I think a little bit of that is needed across the league. Everyone should feel like they’re getting everyone else’s best, and I do feel like we get everyone else’s best.”

Hull averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 44 games this season, serving as one of Indiana’s most consistent perimeter defenders. Clark averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 13 games before being sidelined.

The Fever’s combination of star power and competitive growth has made them a focal point of the WNBA season. Their games continue to draw the largest crowds in the league, both at home and on the road.

For Hull, the attention isn’t a distraction — it’s a sign of how far the franchise has come.

As she put it, the jealousy and rivalry surrounding the Fever have only fueled their motivation.