Caitlin Clark’s WNBA career is off to a flying start before she ever takes the court.
During the upcoming 2025 WNBA season, the Indiana Fever will appear in a league-record 41 nationally televised or streamed games, more than any other team. Ten of Indiana’s 44 regular-season games will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN, with the remaining eight planned for ION, highlighting one of the league’s most anticipated rookies.
The WNBA just doubled its regular season schedule from 40 to 44 games, and no franchise has profited more from the added exposure than Indiana.
The Fever’s increased national visibility can be directly related to the addition of Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and the most talked-about women’s basketball player in years.
Clark, who set NCAA scoring records and drew unprecedented attention to women’s collegiate basketball while at Iowa, is anticipated to change the Fever’s fortunes both on and off the court. Already a cultural phenomenon, her entrance has sparked a surge in fan interest and media coverage across the country.
Last season, six different television partners claimed record-breaking audience levels for WNBA games, with the Fever appearing on all six broadcasts.
This trend is projected to continue, if not accelerate, with Clark leading the way in Indiana.
The league is clearly wagering that the Clark-led Fever will be a ratings draw. In addition to ABC, ESPN, and ION broadcast, many games will be available on Amazon Prime Video, CBS Sports Network, and NBA TV. Fans on practically every major platform will be able to follow Indiana’s journey as they seek to return to playoff contention.
Clark’s presence has had an impact on the entire league, not just the Fever. Ticket sales are up, stadia are expecting record crowds, and the league’s social media presence is growing.
Clark, for the WNBA, represents more than just the next basketball star; he might be a game changer in the sport’s growth and visibility. And for Indiana, she’s already delivering — well before the game begins.
The Caitlin Clark effect is genuine. And this season, the entire country will be watching.
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