• Loading stock data...
Sunday, January 18, 2026

Caitlin Clark Mania Continues As Iowa-Maryland Draws Record Ratings

  • Iowa-Maryland draws more than 1.5 million viewers to set Fox Sports record.
  • Alternate broadcast on TikTok had strong viewership as well.
caitlin clark
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Caitlin Clark’s hot streak continues. 

Fox reported Saturday’s game between Clark’s Hawkeyes and the Maryland Terrapins had roughly 1.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game in the network’s history. 

Additionally, the Caitlin Clark Cam, an alternate viewing experience on TikTok, had roughly 800,000 viewers. 

It’s another installment in the sensation Clark has created in her storied college career. Clark led Iowa to the national championship game a year ago. But the Hawkeyes lost to LSU in a game that also drew record ratings and once again has Iowa in national title contention this season with the team at 21–2. 

Clark has dominated the name, image, and likeness game, as last December, Iowa’s leading scorer signed a multiyear partnership with Gatorade. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Gatorade said it would donate $22,000 (No. 22 is her jersey number) in Clark’s honor to the Caitlin Clark Foundation as part of its Equity in Sport initiative. 

The deal was the latest in an impressive NIL portfolio, which helps solidify Clark as one of the most marketable players in all of college sports. Her portfolio was already impressive. In October, she became the first NCAA athlete to sign with State Farm. She also has deals with major brands, including Nike, Buick, Topps, and H&R Block.

The Hawkeyes play Sunday at Nebraska and are once again expected to draw both a big crowd and strong ratings with this game airing on Fox at 1 p.m. ET to avoid interfering with the Super Bowl.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

49ers

NFL Wild-Card Games Draw Massive Viewership

The bullish viewership includes another league streaming record.
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
opinion

Tom Brady’s Wild-Card Clinic Showed He’s Made the Jump

Brady has been more willing to criticize the play of QBs like Jalen Hurts.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jay Glazer at Fox Sports media day at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

How Jay Glazer Has Gone on an NFL Scoop Streak

The NFL insider says his job is to “give you something no one knows.”

How Tom Brady Has Improved in Year 2 on Fox

A veteran Fox NFL producer told FOS what has improved.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
opinion

Tony Romo’s Not in Trouble at CBS

Romo has taken heat from critics for his performance this season.
May 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fan Duel microphone jacket during the fifth inning between the Detroit Tigers against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
January 15, 2026

MLB Teams Seek Stability As Main Street Sports Looks to Rework Deals

The clubs are seeking more certainty on the company’s future.
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center.
January 15, 2026

UFC on Paramount+ Off to Rocky Start as Prices Rise and Title..

A big UFC title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been postponed. 
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 15, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit Enters Contract Year With ESPN, Amazon

Herbstreit’s ESPN and Amazon contracts are up after the 2026-27 football season.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.
January 14, 2026

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.
Rich Paul
January 14, 2026

Rich Paul Pitches NBA Trades on Podcast: ‘Insane and Fucked Up’

Paul proposed trading Austin Reaves on his podcast. 
May 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Truist Park.
January 14, 2026

Nats Are Latest Team to Join MLB Media Umbrella

The MLB club is departing the Orioles-controlled MASN after 21 years.