Caitlin Clark, Fever Draw Record 2.7M Viewers vs. Sky

It’s a new WNBA season, but the results remain the same: Caitlin Clark continues to set ratings records.

The season opener between the Clark-led Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky drew 2.7 million viewers Saturday on ABC, the most-watched game on ESPN platforms (regular season or playoffs), the network announced. The game peaked at 3.1 million viewers. Clark’s pro debut last year against the Connecticut Sun averaged 2.1 million, though that game aired on ESPN2. 

The Fever vs. Sky game Saturday tipped off at 3 p.m. ET following a matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, a 2023 Finals rematch, which also aired on ABC. That game drew 1.3 million viewers, bringing the total average of the Sunday afternoon ABC doubleheader to 2 million viewers—the most-watched WNBA opening weekend on ESPN platforms.

The record ratings come despite the Fever blowing out the Sky by 35 points, the second-largest margin of victory in franchise history. Last year’s most-watched regular-season game between the same two teams, which drew 2.3 million viewers, was a one-point win for Chicago. 

Saturday’s game, however, was not without significant moments, including Clark’s third career triple-double and Fever newcomer DeWanna Bonner passing Tina Thompson to move to third all-time in career points.

The game also featured an incident between Clark and Angel Reese in the third quarter. Clark was issued a flagrant foul after shoving Reese, who had just pushed the Fever’s Natasha Howard as she was trying to go for a rebound. Reese received a verbal technical foul.

The WNBA announced Sunday that it’s investigating alleged racist comments made toward Reese inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The two teams will meet four more times this season, all of which will air nationally. Their next meeting is June 7 at 7 p.m. ET on CBS and will be played at the United Center in Chicago, home of the NBA’s Bulls.