Caitlin Clark continues to ignite interest in the WNBA, drawing record-breaking television audiences. On Sunday, the Indiana Fever played against the Atlanta Dream, averaging 2.6 million viewers on ESPN. This made it the most-viewed WNBA game in cable TV history.

Historic Viewership for WNBA

The match between Clark’s Fever and Angel Reese’s Dream captivated audiences. At its peak, 4 million viewers tuned in, resulting in a 178% increase compared to the typical WNBA regular-season average on ESPN last year. The intense rivalry stems from their 2023 NCAA national championship clash, where Reese’s LSU Tigers prevailed over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, adding drama that continues to draw viewers.

Game Highlights

Sunday’s game met expectations. Indiana came from behind in the second half, forced overtime, and secured a 95-91 victory. Clark contributed 26 points and nine assists, while Reese delivered 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Clark’s decisive free throws clinched the win, highlighting her impact on securing high TV ratings.

Breaking Previous Records

Previously, the record was 2.3 million viewers, set in another encounter between Clark and Reese in June 2024. Clark’s debut game against the Connecticut Sun had 2.11 million viewers. These achievements underline Clark’s role in boosting viewership.

Other Notable Games

Just days before the Fever-Dream matchup, Indiana’s game against the New York Liberty drew 2 million viewers. This was, until then, the third-highest viewed regular-season WNBA game on cable. The subsequent Portland Fire vs. Phoenix Mercury game reached 1.4 million viewers, marking ESPN’s highest non-Indiana regular-season WNBA broadcast.

Across 25 games, ESPN’s WNBA broadcasts average 1.4 million viewers, showing a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The consistent rise in viewership can largely be attributed to Caitlin Clark’s impact. Her games, particularly those against Angel Reese, attract a broad audience, boosting the league’s popularity. Dan Zaksheske reports for OutKick.