Caitlin Clark helps break another WNBA record

The robust number of basketball fans who tuned in didn't do so to watch Clark get eliminated, as they also came in droves for Game 1. On an NFL Sunday, 1.8 million viewers (peaked at 2.2 million) watched the series opener between the Fever and Sun, which, at the time, was the most watched WNBA postseason game on ESPN platforms (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2).

The Clark effect has been evident, as the 14 highest-rated WNBA games this season featured the Fever, per Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut. Meanwhile, according to Sports Media Watch, Clark has been involved in two of the 10 most watched games in the league's history, including the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, which drew 3.44 million, and Wednesday's matchup against the Sun.

While Clark may be the ringleader, there was leaguewide growth. This season saw a dramatic shift from 440,000 average viewers in 2023 to 1.4 million for games aired on ESPN. Overall, games averaged 657,000 viewers, according to Sports Business Journal, meaning the interest level expanded even beyond the Fever star.

Thanks to Clark, more people have given the WNBA a try. But that's also helped cast a light on other young stars like Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston and Rhyne Howard while exposing newer fans to established standouts such as A'Ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, which is even better news for the league and women's sports as a whole.