2024 WNBA Draft draws eye-popping viewership numbers

Sports Business Journal's Austin Karp noted how the league's draft compared to similar recent events held by the NBA, MLB and NHL. Of course, the NFL operates in its own stratosphere.

Clark's selection was largely a formality, as everyone knew beforehand what the Fever were going to do with the first pick.

It speaks to Clark's star power, as well as other top 10 picks, including Cameron Brink and Angel Reese, that the draft captivated such a large audience.

The viewership numbers for Monday night's event suggest the league could break records when the regular season tips off on May 14. 

Last week, the WNBA revealed that 36 of Indiana's 40 games will air on national television. 

Fans will also be interested to see what the frontcourt pairing of former SEC rivals Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese in Chicago looks like, as well as how quickly rookies Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson make an impact for the rebuilding Sparks.

The outstanding rookie class might drive viewership numbers, but it should also help draw attention to the league's top veterans, including A'ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas and Jewell Loyd, to name a few.

With other future stars on the horizon, including UConn's Paige Bueckers, eventually USC's JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, the hype surrounding the WNBA will continue expanding.

Monday night was just a taste of what the league can expect for seasons to come.