The Indiana Fever's star power continues to shine, even when their top player, Caitlin Clark, is absent. The team's recent success in attracting viewers, both with and without Clark, is a testament to their growing popularity and the league's overall growth. This is particularly interesting given the historical context of the WNBA, which has often struggled to maintain consistent viewership.
One of the key factors in the Fever's success is the strategic scheduling of their games. By playing on popular platforms like USA Network and CNBC, they have been able to reach a wider audience. The game against the Sparks on Wednesday, which marked Clark's return after a two-week absence, averaged 1.04 million viewers, the highest of the season and the league's largest late-night regular-season audience on record. This is a significant achievement, considering the start time of 10 PM ET or later.
The trend of high viewership for Fever games continued with their previous game against the Aces, which took the top spot on ESPN’s "Women's Sports Sundays" with a 0.8 rating and 1.55 million viewers. This game was played without Clark, and it highlights the team's ability to draw in audiences even when their star player is not on the court. The fact that this game was the largest audience of the season on cable and streaming, and the fifth-largest across all networks, further emphasizes the Fever's growing popularity.
The Fever's success is not limited to games featuring Clark. Two of the five most-watched games this season have been played without her, showcasing the team's ability to consistently attract viewers. This trend began during Clark's injury-ridden sophomore season, when non-Clark Fever games still comfortably outpaced the rest of the league in terms of viewership. It seems that the Fever has successfully tapped into a broader audience, one that is not solely reliant on Clark's presence.
The WNBA as a whole is also experiencing a surge in popularity, with ESPN and ABC averaging 1.3 million viewers for WNBA games as of last Sunday, a 6% increase from the previous year. Newcomer USA Sports is averaging 512,000 for its games, a 22% increase from last year's WNBA average on cable. This broader trend is likely contributing to the Fever's success, as it indicates a general interest in women's basketball that is extending beyond the team's own performances.
In conclusion, the Indiana Fever's ability to draw in viewers, both with and without Caitlin Clark, is a significant achievement. Their strategic scheduling and the overall growth of the WNBA are key factors in their success. As the league continues to evolve and gain popularity, the Fever's star power and strategic approach will likely play a crucial role in maintaining and building upon their success.
