Caitlin Clark and WNBA Smash Ratings Records Across Six Networks
In a stunning display of the growing popularity of women's basketball, six networks have seen their most-watched WNBA games ever, with all but one of those telecasts featuring the sensational Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever's rookie sensation has not only captivated audiences with her stellar performance
In a stunning display of the growing popularity of women's basketball, six networks have seen their most-watched WNBA games ever, with all but one of those telecasts featuring the sensational Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever's rookie sensation has not only captivated audiences with her stellar performance on the court but has also been a ratings magnet for the league.
The record-breaking viewership spans across a diverse range of networks, from sports-focused ESPN to the broader audience of CBS and NBA TV. This unprecedented success underscores the increasing appeal of the WNBA, as well as the individual draw of Clark, who has quickly become a household name in the world of sports.
The Indiana Fever, who selected Clark with the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, have been at the center of this ratings surge. Clark's debut game against the Connecticut Sun was the most-watched WNBA game in more than two decades, drawing an average of 2.1 million viewers across ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+. This marked the first time Disney+ has streamed a live sports game, peaking with an average of 2.3 million viewers.
Clark's impact on the WNBA's viewership has been nothing short of extraordinary. The league's opening night doubleheader on ABC, which featured Clark's Fever against the New York Liberty, became the most-watched WNBA game on ABC in league history. The game averaged 1.71 million viewers and peaked at 1.96 million.
The surge in ratings is not limited to Clark's games. The WNBA as a whole has been experiencing a ratings renaissance. The league's opening weekend doubleheader on ABC averaged 1.5 million viewers, up 143% from the 2023 season average. This success is a testament to the growing interest in women's basketball and the WNBA's efforts to promote the sport.
The WNBA's record-breaking viewership is a clear indication of the sport's growing popularity and the league's efforts to expand its reach. With Caitlin Clark leading the charge, the future of the WNBA looks brighter than ever.