Riley Gaines has addressed a contentious topic surrounding WNBA star Caitlin Clark. According to Gaines, the concerns and criticisms directed at Clark arise from her exceptional skill on the court, not because of her race or sexuality. She implies that jealousy from other players might be the driving force behind the mistreatment Clark experiences during games. Gaines also questions why there seems to be a double standard applied to different athletes within the league.
Despite these challenges, television ratings reveal Caitlin Clark’s significant impact on the WNBA. Recent statistics show that Clark and the Indiana Fever drew an average of 1.04 million viewers for a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. This event, featuring a matchup with the Fever, was the most-watched WNBA game in cable history, marking a 149% increase compared to the 2025 cable average. Notably, this game aired on a Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET, an unusual time for such high viewership.
One million viewers is a substantial achievement for the WNBA under almost any circumstance.
The Fever’s opening weekend game against the Dallas Wings also drew significant attention. An audience of 2.49 million on ABC made it one of the league’s most-viewed games since 2000. Additionally, a CBS game featuring Clark and the Fever against the New York Liberty attracted 2.56 million viewers, showcasing Clark’s widespread popularity.
Clark is widely regarded as the WNBA’s most popular player. Despite her recent struggle with a back injury, leading to a limited 16-minute appearance where she scored only nine points in a game lost by the Fever, her influence on TV ratings remains unparalleled. This game was notable for achieving such high viewership against unfavorable broadcasting circumstances.
Sports Media Watch notes that the most-watched WNBA games this season have consistently involved the Indiana Fever. Of interest is the fact that the Fever is now pulling strong numbers even when Clark is not active on the court. For example, a Fever game against the Las Vegas Aces drew 1.55 million viewers, making it the season’s largest cable or streaming audience at the time.
The WNBA continues its expansion, with growing viewership even for games not featuring the Fever. However, every landmark TV rating still frequently connects back to Caitlin Clark. Her presence and popularity have transformed the Indiana Fever into a critical television brand within the league. The WNBA’s future appears promising with her involvement, but these successes continually highlight her indispensable role.