Caitlin Clark's return against the New York Liberty becomes third-most viewed WNBA game on ABC
The Indiana Fever's victory over the defending WNBA Champions New York Liberty on Saturday became the third most-watched WNBA game on ABC. In Caitlin Clark's return after missing five games, the Fever derailed the Liberty's 10-0 start, handing them their first loss of the season.
On Tuesday, ESPN PR shared that the Fever's 102-88 win had an average of 2.2 million viewers and peaked at 2.8 million viewers. The numbers represent a 76% increase from last season's average views on ABC, as WNBA ratings have risen 17% from last year across ESPN.
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With the feat, Clark now holds a place in two of the top three most-watched WNBA games on ABC. The Fever's showdown with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in May has the most views, with a 2.7 million average and a 3.1 million peak.
With Clark and Sophie Cunningham back in the lineup, the Fever shut down the then-undefeated champions. Clark showed no signs of rust, making six threes for 25 points before halftime. Her first-half performance proved too much for the Liberty and set the table as Clark exacted revenge on Breanna Stewart and Co.
Clark sustained the injury in a 90-88 loss to New York in May but returned with flying colors against the same team. After the Fever went 2-3 without her, Clark exploded in front of a packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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In her return, the former Iowa star shined with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Clark also made seven of her 14 attempts from beyond the arc as the Liberty struggled to close the gap in Indiana.
Clark's incredible performance helped Indiana move to a 5-5 record while the Liberty moved to 9-1. The Fever will take on the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET.
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