Caitlin Clark's Fever, Angel Reese's Dream make WNBA history

Whenever WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese meet up for a game, the cameras get a little more focused. The spotlight gets bigger. It's just a big deal when these two, who have been rivals since college, meet up during a WNBA showdown.

That's exactly what happened over the weekend. Clark and Reese met up again on the court, and the Indiana Fever beat the Atlanta Dream, 95-91, in what was a thrilling overtime game.

Of course, a lot of people were watching.  According to an official announcement from ESPN, the Sunday game on Aug. 16 averaged 2.6 million viewers and peaked at 4 million. ESPN reports that makes the telecast the most-watched WNBA game ever, counting both regular-season or postseason games.

WNBA games are getting more viewership this season

"Through 25 games, the WNBA on ESPN networks is averaging 1.4 million viewers, up 16% compared to the comparable point last season," ESPN added.

ESPN also noted that the WNBA audience has increased by 178% compared to last season's ESPN coverage.

The second game of ESPN's Sunday doubleheader also brought a record audience, with the Phoenix Mercury celebrating Diana Taurasi's jersey retirement. According to the network, Portland Fire against Mercury averaged 1.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-Indiana regular-season WNBA game ever on ESPN. It was also up 46% from last year's ESPN regular-season average.

So, the WNBA is very hot right now. More people are tuning in to these games, especially when Clark and Reese are on the court, but even when they aren't. It's all a good sign for the league.