Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Effect? Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky Game Matches NBA Level Viewership, Shatters Records

Indiana Fever's opener leads historic surge in WNBA regular season viewership

Image Credit: Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last weekend’s opener between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky drew massive viewership, breaking several records in the process. WNBA advertised their product well while taking advantage of the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese and Fever vs. Sky rivalry.

The WNBA 2025 game which was broadcasted on the ESPN network on Saturday night was viewed by an average of 2.7 million viewers. The game peaked at 3.1 million viewers, becoming the most-watched WNBA game in ESPN’s broadcast history.

This is the most ridiculous Caitlin Clark stat ever. She just tied this record in 42 games. pic.twitter.com/SVIwAJQhrL
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 21, 2025

Also Read: Phoenix Suns CEO Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Affair With Fever Star Sophie Cunningham

On ABC as well, the game drew 2.7 million viewers, ranking among the most-watched regular-season games in WNBA history. It is to be noted that regular season NBA games also averaged near 2.5 million viewers this year.

The WNBA nearing NBA-level viewership marks a major milestone for the league’s growth. This shows how rapidly women’s professional basketball is evolving, drawing more attention. Even with Paige Bueckers entry into the league, Dallas Wings’ games are expected to touch new heights. Like Caitlin Clark, even she has been able to draw massive crowds in the arenas as well the TV sets.

Dream Edge Indiana Fever in Close Thriller

Indiana Fever are playing one of the best basketballs this season. Their first game against the Chicago Sky was a 35 point blowout win. Fever were expected to continue their winning momentum in their next home game against Atlanta Dream on Tuesday.

Dream started the game strongly with a first quarter lead of over eight points. They did the same in the third quarter after a slow second quarter. The Atlanta Dream had a huge lead coming into the last stages of the game. However, the Indiana Fever pushed for a last rally.

Their star trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell did the work late to push for the win. However, with little help from the bench and the role players, Fever fell short of one point in the end. This resulted in a 90-91 loss for them on Tuesday night.