WNBA Opens with Record 2.7M Viewers, Investigates Racial Taunts at Clark-Reese Game

The WNBA's 2024 season kicked off with record-breaking viewership, largely driven by the highly anticipated matchup between Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, which drew 2.7 million viewers, the most-watched WNBA game on ESPN platforms. Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, posted a triple-double, while Reese, who led the league in rebounding last season, contributed 12 points and 17 rebounds despite her team's loss. The intense game included a notable hard foul by Clark on Reese, which was upgraded to a flagrant foul, though both players downplayed it as part of the competition. Shortly after the game, the WNBA launched an investigation into allegations of racial taunts directed at Reese by fans, with both the league and Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White condemning such behavior and committing to full cooperation in the inquiry. Clark and Reese, former college rivals from their NCAA championship game, have become central figures in the league’s rising popularity, praised by WNBA legend Lisa Leslie for elevating women’s basketball. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch on June 7 in Chicago, as the league continues to build momentum around its star players and overall viewership.