Caitlin Clark Effect: Indiana Fever lead WNBA with 41 Nationally Televised Games
The Indiana Fever, propelled by the Caitlin Clark phenomenon, will headline the WNBA’s broadcast schedule with a league-leading 41 nationally televised or streamed games in the upcoming season. This surge in visibility underscores the growing popularity of the WNBA, fueled by rising stars and competitive matchups.
Unprecedented National Exposure for the Indiana Fever and WNBA
Out of the Fever’s 44 regular-season games, 10 will be showcased on ABC/ESPN, while eight will air on ION. This extensive coverage highlights the WNBA’s expanding reach and its increasing appeal to a broader audience. Last year, six different WNBA television partners achieved record viewership for their highest-rated games, all of which involved Fever telecasts.
WNBA Riding wave of Record Viewership
The WNBA is coming off a season of record-breaking viewership. ESPN’s WNBA broadcasts soared by 170% compared to 2023, marking the network’s moast-viewed regular season ever. The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game drew 3.4 million viewers, the largest audience for the summer exhibition. The 2024 WNBA draft also set a new record with 2.4 million viewers.
Liberty and Aces Also Feature Prominently in National broadcasts
The New York Liberty, the reigning league champions, will have 32 nationally televised or streamed games, while the Las Vegas Aces, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, will appear on 33 national broadcasts.
Key Matchups to Watch
The Aces will tip off their season against the Liberty on May 17 in New York. Simultaneously, Caitlin Clark and the Fever will face Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and the Chicago Sky in their season opener, also on May 17. Both games will be broadcast on ABC.
Teams Moving Games to Larger Venues to Accommodate Demand
In response to heightened demand, six of Indiana’s games have been relocated from opposing teams’ home arenas to larger venues.The Aces and Washington Mystics have also moved games against certain opponents to arenas with greater seating capacity. For example, Washington moved games against Las Vegas and Chicago to EagleBank Arena in Virginia, and the Aces relocated two games against the Sky and one against the Lynx to T-Mobile Arena.
Expanded Broadcast Schedule Across Multiple Networks
The 2025 WNBA regular season commences with a tripleheader on ION on May 16. Ahead of a new broadcast deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 years, set to begin in 2026, the league’s network partners are increasing their game coverage. ABC will broadcast a record 13 games, including its opening weekend doubleheader. ION will air 50 regular-season games, up from 43 the previous season, with Friday night doubleheaders as a highlight. CBS and CBS Sports Network will broadcast a total of 20 games, including the league’s first WNBA regular-season prime-time game on broadcast television featuring the Sky and fever on June 7 and aug. 9. NBA TV will broadcast 40 games, while Amazon Prime Video will air the Commissioner’s Cup championship in addition to 20 other contests. WNBA League Pass will stream over 200 out-of-market games.
How does the increased national exposure for the Indiana Fever reflect the broader growth and popularity of the WNBA?
Caitlin Clark Effect: Indiana Fever lead WNBA with 41 Nationally Televised Games
The Indiana Fever, propelled by the Caitlin Clark phenomenon, will headline the WNBA’s broadcast schedule with a league-leading 41 nationally televised or streamed games in the upcoming season. This surge in visibility underscores the growing popularity of the WNBA, fueled by rising stars and competitive matchups.
Unprecedented National Exposure for the Indiana Fever and WNBA
Out of the Fever’s 44 regular-season games, 10 will be showcased on ABC/ESPN, while eight will air on ION. This extensive coverage highlights the WNBA’s expanding reach and its increasing appeal to a broader audience.Last year,six different WNBA television partners achieved record viewership for their highest-rated games,all of which involved Fever telecasts.
WNBA Riding wave of Record Viewership
The WNBA is coming off a season of record-breaking viewership.ESPN’s WNBA broadcasts soared by 170% compared to 2023, marking the network’s moast-viewed regular season ever. The 2024 WNBA All-Star game drew 3.4 million viewers, the largest audience for the summer exhibition. The 2024 WNBA draft also set a new record with 2.4 million viewers.
Liberty and Aces Also Feature Prominently in National broadcasts
The New York Liberty, the reigning league champions, will have 32 nationally televised or streamed games, while the Las Vegas Aces, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, will appear on 33 national broadcasts.
Key Matchups to watch
The aces will tip off their season against the Liberty on May 17 in New York. Together, Caitlin Clark and the Fever will face Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and the Chicago Sky in their season opener, also on May 17. both games will be broadcast on ABC.
Teams Moving Games to Larger Venues to Accommodate Demand
In response to heightened demand, six of Indiana’s games have been relocated from opposing teams’ home arenas to larger venues.The Aces and Washington Mystics have also moved games against certain opponents to arenas with greater seating capacity. For example, Washington moved games against Las Vegas and Chicago to EagleBank Arena in Virginia, and the Aces relocated two games against the Sky and one against the Lynx to T-Mobile Arena.
Expanded broadcast Schedule Across Multiple Networks
The 2025 WNBA regular season commences with a tripleheader on ION on May 16. Ahead of a new broadcast deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 years, set to begin in 2026, the league’s network partners are increasing their game coverage. ABC will broadcast a record 13 games, including its opening weekend doubleheader. ION will air 50 regular-season games, up from 43 the previous season, with Friday night doubleheaders as a highlight. CBS and CBS Sports Network will broadcast a total of 20 games, including the league’s first WNBA regular-season prime-time game on broadcast television featuring the Sky and fever on June 7 and aug. 9. NBA TV will broadcast 40 games, while Amazon Prime Video will air the commissioner’s Cup championship in addition to 20 other contests. WNBA League Pass will stream over 200 out-of-market games.
Caitlin Clark & the WNBA: Q&A
Q: Why is the Indiana Fever’s broadcast schedule so packed?
A: The arrival of caitlin Clark, a highly anticipated rookie, has sparked immense interest, making the Fever a must-watch team. This increased demand translates to more nationally televised games and a surge in ticket sales.
Q: What are some key matchups to look forward to this season?
A: The season opener features a double-header on May 17: Aces vs. Liberty and Fever vs. Sky – both on ABC! Expect fireworks as Clark goes head-to-head with Angel Reese.
Q: How can I watch the WNBA games?
A: Games will be available on ABC, ESPN, ION, CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV, Amazon Prime Video, and WNBA league Pass. Check your local listings for specific game times and channels. With expanded coverage, there’s more WNBA action than ever before.
Q: Where can I find the full broadcast schedule?
A: The WNBA website and major sports news outlets will have the complete schedule, including game times and channels. Keep an eye out for updates as the season progresses.
Q: Why are some games being moved to larger venues?
A: Due to the heightened demand, teams like the Fever, Aces, and Mystics are moving games to bigger arenas to accommodate more fans. This is a direct result of the increased popularity of the WNBA.
Q: What’s the meaning of the new broadcast deal?
A: The $2.2 billion, 11-year broadcast deal, starting in 2026, represents a massive investment in the WNBA’s future, promising increased visibility and revenue for the league and its players. This new deal will secure the WNBA’s place as a major player in professional sports.
Q: What is the Commissioner’s Cup?
A: The Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season tournament that will be broadcasted on Amazon Prime Video. It is a way for the WNBA to add more interest and competition during the season.
The Caitlin Clark effect is undeniable. don’t miss a moment of the action—tune in and witness the rise of the WNBA!
