Caitlin Clark returned to WNBA action with her usual impact. Fans came out in masses to watch Clark and the Fever take on the Brazilian national team at her Alma Mater. The arena was packed, and while the game was not particularly close, fans were treated to a vintage Caitlin Clark performance, including a shot from where she broke the NCAA scoring record.
The game also drew quite a TV audience, averaging 1.3 million viewers. That number quickly led to Clark being compared to NBA star LeBron James, who played in both preseason games on ESPN, which drew larger viewership numbers since 2010.
The Fever’s popularity doesn’t just match up with NBA viewership in the preseason, however.
The gap between WNBA and NBA viewership is not as big as it may seem
One argument often brought up by non-WNBA fans in the NBA vs. WNBA discussion is that the men’s game simply draws more fans because it is more popular. However, the gap is not as big as it may seem.
On a recent episode of No Offseason, The Athletic’s Ben Pickman outlined that NBA regular-season games on national TV had averaged 1.53 million viewers this season. With 1.3 million viewers, the Fever’s preseason game is pretty close to that.
The major difference is that the Fever’s game against the Brazilian national team was an exhibition game that didn’t truly matter. None of the Fever’s stars even played more than twenty minutes. Instead, players fighting for one of the final roster spots got a chance to step onto the court.
Nevertheless, over a million people wanted to watch the game.
The WNBA is poised for another record-breaking season
This preseason game only hints at what is still to come for the WNBA in terms of viewership numbers. In 2024, the league set several viewership and attendance records, usually with the Fever involved. 2025 should see even higher numbers, and the Fever should be expected to lead the charge.
Not coincidentally, the Fever have the most nationally televised games in the WNBA. The WNBA is leaning into Clark’s popularity and wants to make the most of her games. Two matchups against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will receive special attention, airing during prime time.
The WNBA is filled with talented players who have been overlooked for too long. People are finally starting to take notice, and viewership and attendance numbers will only continue to rise. Clark being in the spotlight and playing on a competitive team will only help the league’s popularity. Soon enough, WNBA regular-season viewership may even match the numbers in the NBA.