The Caitlin Clark effect is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Indiana Fever rookie put up a team-high of 23 points and nine assists in Sunday’s win over the Chicago Sky in what was the most-watched WNBA game on any network in 23 years.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky look on during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
An average of 2.25 million people tuned to CBS to watch the rematch between Clark and Chicago’s Angel Reese. The Fever’s 91-83 victory peaked at nearly 3 million viewers.
Clark’s big night, which featured Reese being assessed a flagrant-1 foul for hitting the former Iowa star in the head with her arm, followed a rough contest against Atlanta in which the No. 1 pick had seven points, six assists and seven turnovers.
But despite the expected growing pains of her first year in the pros, fans are continuing to tune in and show up to watch Clark.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever warms up before a game against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Earlier this month, the WNBA announced that May marked the highest attended opening month in 26 years and the most-watched start of the season ever across every network.
This unprecedented growth in viewership and attendance this season has much to do with this year’s rookie class. According to the league, “four of the five moments that drove the most engagement on social channels” included highlights of Clark, Reese, Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks, or Las Vegas Aces’ Kate Martin.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky celebrates a basket with Michaela Onyenwere #12 against the Indiana Fever during the third quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison said in a statement last week.
“We’re encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse audiences into our fandom. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
News
LeBron James faces backlash for ‘snapping’ at young fan after Olympics win, what’s going on
LeBron James has received backlash after he pointed in the face of a young kid who was asking for a picture following Team USA’s basketball Olympic gold medal LeBron James has been slammed for his interaction with a young fan (Image:…
Dave Portnoy banking on Caitlin Clark to win him $10m from ambitious wager
Barstool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy once again places a massive wager, picking Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever to win the WNBA title this October. Dave Portnoy has consistenly backed Caitlin Clark during her rookie year (Image: Getty Images) Barstool’s Dave Portnoy has launched…
Taylor Swift Blocks Kanye West From No. 1 Debut as ‘Tortured Poets’ Tops ‘Vultures 2’
Taylor Swift’s ‘TTPD’ scores a 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with Kanye West’s ‘Vultures 2’ coming in at No. 2 Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department has earned its 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard…
Shocking News: Just as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Romance Heats Up, Donna Kelce Revealed that Travis and Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Nicole are Expecting
In a surprising turn of events, the blossoming romance between pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce has taken a dramatic twist. Just as the couple’s relationship appears to be heating up, it has been confirmed that Kelce…
Steph Curry ‘night night’ celebration explained as USA hero delivers iconic Olympics image
Stephen Curry produced an iconic moment in the final seconds of Team USA’s gold medal victory over France, draining a deep 3-pointer before celebrating with his signature ‘night night’ move Steph Curry performed his good night celebration as Team USA…
PHOTOS: Brittney Griner’s Wife Absolutely Stunned In Her Private “Dump” At The Paris Olympics
Cherelle Griner had the time of her life at the Paris Olympics as she cheered on her wife. Cherelle Griner (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Two years after serving time in Russian custody, Brittney Griner won her third Olympic medal as she helped…
End of content
No more pages to load