'She Only Played 18 Minutes': Caitlin Clark Effect In Full Bloom In Pre-Season Viewership Record, Says Sue Bird

Caitlin Clark’s preseason game with the Indiana Fever against the Brazilian national team drew an impressive 1.3 million viewers, peaking at 1.6 million, making it one of the most-watched preseason basketball games in recent history.

This viewership figure surpassed the average regular-season WNBA ratings from 2024 by 13%, highlighting Clark’s growing influence in the sport. The game was broadcast on ESPN, and its ratings placed it among the top three preseason basketball games since 2010, alongside two NBA matchups featuring LeBron James.

The only two NBA preseason games to exceed Clark’s numbers were LeBron James ’ 2017 preseason game with the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Chicago Bulls, which drew 1.4 million viewers, and his 2018 debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, which reached 2.02 million viewers.

Caitlin Clark Wows Fans With Logo Three-Pointer

Caitlin Clark made an impact in her return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, as she led the Indiana Fever to a commanding 108-44 victory over the Brazilian national team in a preseason matchup.

Clark, who sat out the Fever’s opener against the Washington Mystics, wasted no time making her presence felt, sinking a three-pointer in the opening seconds of the game. The Fever overwhelmed Brazil from the start, putting up 70 points in the first half, while Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston provided an offensive showcase.

The sold-out crowd, filled with Iowa fans eager to see their hometown star, erupted with every big play, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of Clark’s college days.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came in the third quarter, when Clark pulled up for an audacious logo three-pointer from just beyond the spot where she set the NCAA scoring record last year.

Caitlin Clark finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing a glimpse of what’s to come in her rookie WNBA season.