Caitlin Clark's Fever set a TV ratings bar the WNBA semifinal openers could not come close to reaching

Indiana Fever regular-season games on major broadcast networks averaged approximately 2.32 million viewers, more than double the audience of the WNBA semifinal openers which averaged about 1.16 million viewers. Every one of the 10 Fever regular-season games reviewed drew a larger audience than either semifinal opener. Despite the increased stakes of the playoffs, viewership declined, highlighting the significant impact of Caitlin Clark on the WNBA’s television business.

• Indiana Fever regular-season games on ABC, CBS, and NBC averaged approximately 2.32 million viewers.
• WNBA semifinal openers on ABC and NBC averaged about 1.16 million viewers.
• The Fever’s average audience for regular-season games was nearly 100% larger than the semifinal openers.
• Seven of the 10 Fever regular-season games exceeded two million viewers.
• Even a regular-season game in May where Clark scored only 6 points drew more viewers than either WNBA semifinal opener.
• The WNBA has seen significant progress, with many games averaging over one million viewers since Clark’s arrival, a mark not consistently met since 2008.
• The league would benefit from building similar interest around more of its teams.