• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 8, 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

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.

Why Patriots Dynasty Players Are Flooding Sports TV

Former Patriots players are scooping up NFL broadcast roles.

Caitlin Clark Says She’s ‘100%’ in Return to Court at USA Camp

Caitlin Clark returned to the court at full strength for USA Basketball.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Aug 31, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer talks with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor for a post-game interview after the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Netflix Eyeing Rising Star Taylor McGregor

The versatile reporter covers college football, MLB, and UFL for ESPN.
Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; An NBC TV camera during the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21.
January 7, 2026

NBCU Betting on Big February Sports Run to Reignite Peacock Growth

Despite a fast-growing set of sports programming, subscribers have plateaued.
January 7, 2026

TGL Ratings Hold Steady Despite ESPN Schedule Shift

The season opener had an audience of 646,000 viewers on ABC.
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.
Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) talks with Yes Network during the winter meetings at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
exclusive
January 7, 2026

Yankees RSN and Comcast Reach Deal, Preserving Local Access

After nearly a year of acrimony, a new agreement is quietly struck.
Jul 13, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Darren Cahill and the support team for Jannik Sinner of Italy react during the menÕs singles final on day 14 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
January 7, 2026

Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert Out at ESPN As Network Revamps Tennis Coverage

Darren Cahill’s future is still up in the air after nearly 20 years at ESPN.
opinion
January 7, 2026

The New Brady Rules: Why NFL QBs Turned TV Talents Are Double-Dipping

Tom Brady started it, and now other NFL TV stars want dual gigs.
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) celebrates a pick six during the second quarter in an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
January 7, 2026

NFL Sees Highest Viewership in More Than 35 Years

The league posts its second-best viewership total on record.