The Connecticut Sun’s game against the Indiana Fever, featuring rookie Caitlin Clark, had the highest viewership for a WNBA game on ESPN. The Sun’s 92-71 victory over the Fever on the league’s opening night drew an average of 2.1 million viewers on ESPN2, ESPN+ and Disney+. This surpasses ESPN’s previous record of nearly 1.5 million viewers for a game in 2004. The second game between Phoenix and Las Vegas also drew strong viewership, with both games averaging 1.28 million viewers – a 192% increase over last year’s average for ESPN broadcasts.
Caitlin Clark, who set the NCAA all-time scoring record at Iowa, has been a significant draw for viewers since her debut in the WNBA. Her impact was evident in the record viewership for the WNBA draft and the increased demand for tickets to watch her play. Three teams have already moved their games to larger arenas to accommodate the interest in seeing Clark in action. Her presence in the league has brought a renewed excitement and attention to women’s basketball.
The WNBA has seen a surge in interest and viewership with the arrival of Caitlin Clark and other talented players. Clark’s transition from college to the professional league has been highly anticipated, given her stellar performance at Iowa. Her success in the NCAA championship game, despite her team’s loss, further fueled the excitement around her entry into the WNBA. Fans are eagerly tuning in to watch her play and support her team.
The record-breaking viewership for the Connecticut Sun game and the increased interest in the WNBA as a whole are positive indicators for the league’s growth and popularity. The success of players like Caitlin Clark and the ongoing efforts to promote women’s basketball are contributing to the increased visibility of the sport. With more eyes on the WNBA, players have the opportunity to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation of basketball stars.
The WNBA’s partnership with ESPN, as evidenced by the high viewership numbers for recent games, has been beneficial for both parties. The network’s coverage of the league’s games has helped attract a wider audience and elevate the profile of women’s basketball. As the WNBA continues to showcase talented players like Caitlin Clark, the league is expected to see continued growth and success in the years to come.
Overall, the WNBA’s record-breaking viewership for the game featuring Caitlin Clark and the increased interest in the league are positive signs for women’s basketball. With talented players like Clark making their mark in the professional league, the WNBA is poised for continued success and growth. The excitement surrounding the league and its players, along with strong broadcast partnerships, are helping to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
