The intense rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has taken the WNBA by storm, resulting in record-breaking viewership. Their recent matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky has become the most-watched WNBA game in over two decades.
Sports news outlet Bleacher Report tweeted, “Sky vs. Fever averaged 2.25M viewers and peaked at nearly 3M ”
This tweet emphasizes the exceptional viewership numbers for the game, exceeding expectations and setting a new standard for the WNBA.
The Showdown: Fever vs. Sky
In a thrilling game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Indiana Fever secured a 91-83 victory over the Chicago Sky. But it wasn’t just the final score that captured attention—it was the clash between two rising stars: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Record-Breaking Viewership
CBS Sports announced that the Fever-Sky matchup averaged a staggering 2.25 million viewers, marking a 225% increase compared to an average game last season. Viewership even peaked at 3 million households, making it the most highly viewed WNBA game in 23 years. The game was also streamed extensively on Paramount+, setting a new record for the most-streamed WNBA game across households, minutes, and average minute audience.
The Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark Rivalry
Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation for the Indiana Fever, delivered an impressive performance with 23 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. However, the game was overshadowed by an incident in the third quarter. Angel Reese, representing the Chicago Sky, smacked Clark on the head while she was attempting a basket. The foul resulted in a flagrant 1 call against Reese, sparking debates among pundits.
A Historic Comparison
Many have drawn parallels between the Reese-Clark rivalry and the legendary Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird competition of the 1980s. Both rivalries began in college—Reese and Clark faced off in the 2023 women’s NCAA title game—before continuing in the pros. While the comparison may be a stretch, the intensity and drama of their clashes evoke memories of those iconic matchups.
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