Caitlin Clark Return Lifts WNBA ABC Viewership 76%

Caitlin Clark's return from a five-game injury absence has significantly boosted WNBA viewership, highlighted by Indiana Fever's 102-88 win over the previously unbeaten New York Liberty. Clark scored a season-high 32 points, including seven 3-pointers, along with eight rebounds and nine assists, leading the Fever to an upset victory. The game became ESPN's third most-watched WNBA telecast on ABC, drawing 2.2 million viewers with a peak of 2.8 million, marking a 76% increase over last season's average WNBA ratings on the network. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and last season's Rookie of the Year, is averaging 21.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.4 rebounds this season, further solidifying her status as the league's biggest star. The surge in viewership reflects growing mainstream momentum for the WNBA, with Clark's electrifying play style and deep-range shooting captivating audiences. Notably, all of the season's highest-rated WNBA games on ABC have featured Clark, underscoring her impact on the league's popularity.