Iowa Basketball Sensation, Caitlin Clark, Secures Over 2 Million TV Audience in Impressive Comeback Against Liberty
Looks like Caitlin Clark has stormed back onto the WNBA scene, throwing a much-needed lifeline to the league! With her comeback, the viewer ratings are bound to climb again.
After a neck-breaking five games on the sidelines due to a quad injury, Clark's recovery coincided perfectly with an epic WNBA showdown against the invincible New York Liberty on Saturday. The league had high hopes for this game, broadcasting it on ABC, and, as usual, Clark didn't disappoint.
With a power-packed performance, Clark, fittingly, scored 32 points, made 7 three-pointers, handed out 9 assists, and snagged 8 rebounds, leading the Indiana Fever to a captivating upset win, 102-88, over the Liberty and giving them their first loss of the 2025 season. Star player Sabrina Ionescu, for the Liberty, gave her best efforts in the loss, netting a staggering 34 points.
As expected, fans tuned in in droves to catch Clark's comeback. The game averaged a staggering 2.2 million viewers, tying for the second-most-watched game of the WNBA season, sharing the spotlight with the previous Fever-Liberty matchup where Clark suffered her injury. The only game to surpass this viewership was the opening match against the Chicago Sky.
It's no surprise that ratings plummeted when Clark was out and instantly soared with her return. If you think the WNBA's viewership isn't solely dependent on Clark, it's time for you to have a reality check.
With data stacked in her favor, it's clear that Clark has taken the WNBA's popularity by storm, leaving others struggling to catch up.
The 2024 first overall draft pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark set the league ablaze from the get-go. In her rookie season, she helped the Indiana Fever break a seven-year playoff drought and solidified the team as a legitimate title contender for 2025[1]. This incredible comeback game, along with her dominant style of play, scoring prowess, and fabulous leadership, has raised the WNBA's profile in the 2025 season.
From jam-packed arenas like Gainbridge Fieldhouse to strong TV audiences on ESPN, especially during high-stakes matchups between top teams, Clark's games have attracted fervent viewers, injecting fresh energy into the league and broadening its audience base[1]. The Fever's exceptional 2025 season, sparked by Clark's star power in tandem with other key players like Aliyah Boston, has made the team a riveting storyline, expanding the league's reach and captivating fan interest[1].
In essence, Clark's magnetic style, scoring ability, and leadership have skyrocketed the WNBA's visibility, generating higher TV ratings and propelling the league's growth among novice and avid basketball fans alike[1][3][4].
[1] https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/wnba/fever/2025/06/20/caitlin-clark-settles-wnba-scorer-elite-group/7979739001/[3] https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/wnba/ny-caitlin-clark-iny-fever-new-york-liberty-20250627-6xmdhqjbjrfg2wr55f5agr6utm-story.html[4] https://bleacherreport.com/articles/3017678-caitlin-clark-drops-32-pts-9-asts-8-reb-in-wnba-return-vs-liberty
Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA is undeniable, as her return from injury has led to a significant increase in viewership. The WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty, broadcast on ABC, saw an impressive 2.2 million viewers tune in to witness Clark's spectacular performance.
Clark's dominant return to the WNBA scene has not only captivated fans but also skyrocketed the league's visibility, with her magnetic style, scoring ability, and leadership generating higher TV ratings and propelling the league's growth among basketball enthusiasts.
