The buzz surrounding Caitlin Clark’s entrance into the WNBA is palpable, with the Indiana Fever reaping the benefits in the form of a staggering 36 nationally-televised games for the upcoming season. With the no. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft on April 15, it’s widely anticipated that the Fever will select the standout Iowa star. The league’s decision to showcase the Fever’s games to such a degree underscores the immense drawing power that Clark brings to the table.
In a remarkable comparison, the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, despite boasting rising star Tyrese Haliburton, were only slated for six national games in the 2023-24 season. This stark contrast in broadcasting highlights the WNBA’s commitment to leveraging Clark’s arrival for maximum exposure. Even accounting for the NBA’s longer regular season, the Fever’s six times more national games than the Pacers is a testament to the anticipation surrounding Clark’s WNBA debut.
The record-breaking viewership of Iowa’s games during the NCAA Tournament further solidifies Clark’s status as a ratings juggernaut. From the Elite Eight to the national championship, Iowa’s matchups shattered previous viewership records, with the women’s championship game outperforming its male counterpart. This trend punctuates Clark’s ability to captivate audiences and elevate the visibility of women’s basketball on a national stage.
