Caitlin Clark Effect: ESPN to Televise Fever’s Preseason Game against Brazil
The Caitlin Clark phenomenon continues as ESPN is set to broadcast what is believed to be the WNBA‘s first nationally televised exhibition game. clark and the Indiana Fever will face the Brazilian national team on May 4.
Clark’s Return to Iowa Sells Out in Minutes
The game marks Clark’s return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena since her jersey retirement in February. tickets for the preseason game sold out within 45 minutes.
Fever President Lauds Fan Support
“Countless Hawkeye fans have become Fever fans,and we consider them family,” said Kelly Krauskopf,Fever president of basketball operations,in a statement when the game was initially announced. ”That’s what will make this preseason matchup so special for us.”
WNBA Responds to Fan Demand
The broadcast addresses a pain point for fans who have sought accessible preseason broadcasts. Last season, an exhibition between the Chicago sky and the Minnesota Lynx drew over two million views through a fan’s phone stream on X, formerly Twitter.
Reeve Emphasizes Rapid Growth
“The growth is happening so fast,” said Cheryl Reeve, the Minnesota coach and president of basketball operations, after that exhibition. “It’s so accelerated. And I’ve been saying this in our own association, that business as usual isn’t going to work anymore.”
Fever to Lead in nationally Televised Games
Clark and the Fever will be featured in a league-leading 41 nationally televised or streamed games this season. Their regular season begins May 17, with 10 games on ABC/ESPN and eight on ION.
Clark sets Viewership Records
Last year, as Clark won Rookie of the Year and was named to the all-WNBA first team, six different WNBA television partners set viewership records for their highest WNBA game, all involving Fever telecasts.
Other WNBA Stars Return to Alma Maters
The Chicago Sky will play an exhibition at LSU, Angel reese’s alma mater. The Las Vegas aces and Dallas Wings will play a preseason game at Notre Dame, home to guards Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, and Arike Ogunbowale.The New York Liberty are also playing at the University of Oregon for Nyara Sabally and Sabrina Ionescu’s homecoming.
What are the key demographics driving the increased interest in the WNBA, specifically related to Caitlin Clark?
Caitlin Clark Effect: ESPN to Televise Fever’s Preseason Game against Brazil – Q&A
What’s the big deal about Caitlin Clark and this game?
Caitlin Clark, a highly anticipated WNBA rookie, is generating massive buzz. ESPN is broadcasting the Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Brazilian national team,a first for the WNBA. This is thanks to Clark’s popularity.
Where and when is the game?
The game is on May 4th, against the Brazilian national team, played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark’s former college home.
Why is this game so special?
It marks Clark’s return to the Carver-Hawkeye Arena since her jersey retirement.Tickets sold out in under an hour, showcasing the immense fan interest.
How big is the “Caitlin Clark Effect”?
Huge! The fever will have a league-leading 41 nationally televised or streamed games this season. Last year,games involving Clark and the Fever set viewership records for multiple WNBA partners.
What about other WNBA teams?
Other stars are also participating in preseason games at their alma maters,including the Chicago Sky at LSU,the Las Vegas Aces and Dallas Wings at Notre Dame,and the New York Liberty at the University of Oregon. So, there is a lot of excitement around the WNBA.
How can I watch the Fever this season?
Look for games on ABC/ESPN (10 games) and ION (8 games), plus other national streams. Check your local listings for specific times and channels.
What kind of impact did Clark have last year?
Clark won Rookie of the Year and was named to the all-WNBA first team. This alone helped generate new viewership records for the WNBA.
Why is the WNBA changing its approach?
Due to the rapid growth and fan demand, the WNBA is stepping up its game. Business as usual is no longer enough, with the league recognizing the need for increased accessibility through broadcasting.
Catch Caitlin Clark and the Fever on ESPN to witness the changing landscape of the WNBA!
