Even though WNBA playoff run of Caitlin Clark is over, her impact on the league cannot be denied. Even though the Indiana Fever lost all games in the first round to the Connecticut Sun, 2.5 million viewers tuned in to Game 2, making it the most-watched WNBA game in cable history. Despite a decrease in the number of viewers for the semifinals, the Liberty-Aces Game 1 had the highest viewership among WNBA semifinals in 22 years with 929,000 viewers tuning in.
Clark’s Historic Rookie Season
Clark’s first year playing for the Fever was quite impressive. She established new WNBA records by recording the most assists in a season (337) and in a single game (19). She was also the first newcomer to achieve two triple-doubles and set new records for points and three-pointers made by a rookie. With Clark on the team, the Fever made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
The Rivalry That Boosted the League
The college rivalry between Clark and Reese was ignited when Reese’s LSU team beat Clark’s Iowa team in the 2023 NCAA championship, further fueling the WNBA’s growth. The competition between them has increased the number of viewers, interactions on social media, and attendance, resulting in the Fever breaking a record with 340,715 fans in one season.
A Bright Future for the WNBA
The year 2024 has been very profitable for the WNBA. The league achieved groundbreaking media agreements and achieved record-breaking digital consumption and merchandise sales. The WNBA continues to expand without any signs of slowing down, thanks to leaders like Clark and Reese.
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