Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles after gabbing her tenth...

 

Caitlin Clark has proven herself to be a game-changer, not just for the Indiana Fever but for the entire WNBA. In a recent game against the Las Vegas Aces, Clark’s performance helped the WNBA break new ground in television viewership, surpassing even the NBA’s numbers on NBA TV.

Despite the Fever’s 75-86 loss to the Aces on Wednesday, Clark’s impact was undeniable. The rookie sensation recorded 16 points, three rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her all-around game. On the other side, A’Ja Wilson, one of the frontrunners for the WNBA MVP award, dominated with 27 points and 12 rebounds, leading her team to victory.

Clark boosts WNBA viewership beyond NBA

 

What’s grabbing everyone’s attention isn’t just Clark’s skills on the court, but the growing fanbase she’s drawing. Wednesday’s Fever-Aces matchup attracted 678,000 viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game on NBA TV ever.

Even more astonishing, it surpassed the viewership of an NBA playoff game-Game 5 of the 2023 series between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks, according to Sports Media Watch.

Clark’s star power is undeniable, and it’s beginning to lift the WNBA into new territory. Historically, women’s basketball has struggled to capture audiences on par with the NBA, but Clark is quickly changing that narrative.

With her leading the charge, the WNBA is now pulling in viewership numbers that rival those of men’s basketball, particularly on platforms like NBA TV.

Video thumbnail

Caitlin Clark reveals her cool secret handshake with the Indiana Fever

Clark’s Rookie season shines bright

 

Clark’s breakout rookie season hasn’t just been about her impact on viewership; she’s also firmly in the running for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Averaging 19.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, she has been a vital force in turning around Indiana’s season. The Fever, long one of the league’s bottom dwellers, are now fighting for a playoff spot, currently sitting in sixth place with just three games left in the regular season.

Up next, Clark and her team face off against the Aces again on Friday in what promises to be another thrilling contest. With viewership numbers skyrocketing, there’s a good chance Clark and the Fever will continue to break records as they close out the season against the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics.