• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 3, 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

World Cup Going Primetime: Fox to Air Record 40 Matches at Night

More matches than ever will be shown in primetime and on broadcast TV.

NFL Conference Title Game Ratings Slip Despite Strong Season

Overall viewership for the title games fell 7% compared to last year.
Barstool Sports founder and pizza influencer Dave Portnoy went on a four-shop tour of RI pizza places and stopped at Francesco's on Hope Street after owner Frank Schiavone got Portnoy's attention with some confident signage.

NFL: Dave Portnoy Not Banned From Super Bowl

“Mr. Portnoy can buy a ticket to the game.”
49ers

NFL Wild-Card Games Draw Massive Viewership

The bullish viewership includes another league streaming record.

Featured Today

Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.

Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl

The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.
University of Southern California
January 31, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios

Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
January 30, 2026

Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn

The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.
Tim Jenkins
January 24, 2026

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
Kid Rock walks out to speak ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance at Fort. Campbell Military Base in Fort Campbell, KY., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
opinion

Why Kid Rock’s Bad Bunny Challenge Will Flop on Super Bowl Sunday

The show will also feature Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
exclusive
February 3, 2026

Super Bowl Will Be Test of New Nielsen Measurement

Nielsen to test enhanced co-viewing measurement during Super Bowl LX.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro unveiled a slew of new parks announcements to a packed Honda Center during 2024's D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
February 3, 2026

Disney’s New CEO Arrives During Momentous Changes at ESPN

Josh D’Amaro oversaw Disney’s theme park business.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
February 2, 2026

Goodell Seeks Even More Reach Amid Banner NFL Viewership

The core league strategy is staying consistent amid accelerating media disruption.
February 2, 2026

MLB Clubs Cut Ties With Main Street Sports

The regional sports network operator is now out of the baseball business.
Kaylee Hartung
February 2, 2026

NBC’s Kaylee Hartung Opens Up on Calling First Super Bowl With Idol..

“Doing a Super Bowl with her is a dream come true.”
Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; ESPN broadcasters Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
February 2, 2026

Disney Says YouTube Carriage Fight Cost $110M Last Quarter

The newly closed deal with the NFL has an estimated $3 billion value.