WNBA’s TV Game-Changer

Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of transformational. The Indiana Fever rookie has driven a 225% increase in regular-season viewership, with games averaging 1.23 million viewers in 2024. Attendance has surged 48%, as fans flock to arenas to watch the rising star in action.

Her influence is undeniable, and the WNBA has responded accordingly. The Fever will have 41 of their 44 games nationally televised, setting a new league record. For context, no other team has come close — Las Vegas will have 33 games, while New York will feature in 32. Fever GM Lin Dunn called this moment “a turning point for the franchise”, highlighting the unprecedented demand for their games.

However, instead of unanimous celebration, fans quickly noticed the three missing games and voiced their concerns online. Questions arose about why not all 44 games were included in the national broadcast schedule. While the league hasn’t provided a specific reason, national TV slots are dictated by network agreements and broadcast priorities. Some fans speculated whether these games would be available on League Pass, which streams out-of-market matchups but comes with regional blackout restrictions.

The three games missing from national broadcasts are:

• June 10: Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream
• July 5: Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks (home)
• July 30: Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury (home)

Despite the debate, Clark’s impact is undeniable. In 2024 alone, six WNBA broadcast partners broke their viewership records — all featuring the Fever. The league, which hadn’t seen a game surpass 1 million viewers since 2008, saw 23 games hit that mark in one season. Clark was featured in all but three of them.

While some fans are disappointed by the missing broadcasts, the bigger picture is clear: Clark has reshaped WNBA viewership, drawing unprecedented attention to the league. Whether tuning in from home or grabbing a ticket, one thing is certain — WNBA’s biggest season is just getting started.