Fever’s last game hit 2.54 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game ever

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) before a first-round WNBA...

he Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs, the league has seen a dip in attention across various metrics-whether it’s social media engagement, TV ratings, or arena attendance. Why? Because from the moment Clark entered the league, starting with the most-watched draft in WNBA history, the league has never been the same. The WNBA boasted 22 regular-season games that averaged over 1 million viewers. Add to that the WNBA All-Star Game and WNBA Draft, both of which were also the most-watched in history, bringing the total to 24 events surpassing 1 million viewers. According to Sports Media Watch, Clark was involved in all but three of those games.

Stephen A. Smith Gives Caitlin Clark Her Flowers

This trend continued into the playoffs. Game 1 of the Fever’s series drew nearly 1.84 million viewers, while Game 2 hit 2.54 million viewers, making it the most-watched game ever on cable television-a record set when Clark was eliminated. Stephen A. Smith commented on the situation, saying, “Caitlin Clark is the golden goose.” Even the much-anticipated Finals rematch between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, which averaged 929,000 viewers, couldn’t compete with Clark’s numbers. Smith added, “She put on a show, validating all the attention she was receiving.”

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That 929,000 viewers isn’t even half of what Clark got in the Game 1 loss a fortnight ago Sunday that also featured NFL games. Smith’s comments hold true. Clark’s game surpassed the already high expectations surrounding her. While it’s clear that maintaining such viewership numbers without Clark is difficult, the WNBA’s growth is undeniable, especially as the overall level of play continues to rise. Smith expressed concern that, despite Clark’s accomplishments, some still doubt her impact. But as the numbers show, Clark’s influence is clear. Beyond individual performances, she also led the Fever to their first postseason appearance since 2016, improving the team’s win total by seven games in 2024.

Clark’s Historic Rookie Season

Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of extraordinary. She led the entire WNBA in assists per game (8.4), setting the record for most assists in a season with 337, and also holds the single-game assist record with 19. Clark dominated in three-pointers, making 122 and ranking second all-time for most threes in a season, just behind Sabrina Ionescu‘s 128. She now holds the record for the most three-pointers made by a rookie in WNBA history.

Among rookies, Clark led nearly every statistical category this season: points, assists, three-pointers, field goals, and steals. She also became the first rookie to record two triple-doubles. With 769 points, numerous assists, and three-pointers, Clark’s debut season sets the stage for what’s expected to be an even more remarkable career. At just 22 years old, this is only the beginning for Caitlin Clark, and both her game and fame will only continue to grow.