Caitlin Clark draws 1.84 million viewers to WNBA playoffs despite packed NFL Sunday schedule

NFL Sunday could not stop Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark from drawing a massive number of viewers to the WNBA playoffs.

Caitlin Clark draws 1.84 million viewers to WNBA playoffs despite packed NFL Sunday schedule

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's first WNBA playoff game drew incredible number of viewers despite clash with NFL Sunday

Women’s basketball witnessed a record number of viewers tune in to their games. Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark spearheaded those numbers as millions of new fans watched the NCAA March Madness and the WNBA games. However, with some WNBA playoff games scheduled on the same days as NFL Sunday Night Football, there was a concern if the league would be able to pull sporting fans to their games.

But as per Sports Media Watch, the rookie sensation defied the odds. Playing her first-ever WNBA playoff game, a staggering 1.84 million viewers tuned in to watch her play. It is an even higher number than what she drew in her home game against the Minnesota Lynx when the NFL played its first game in Brazil. This time, it is even more remarkable considering she was playing away from home. This suggests that the new influx of WNBA fans is here to stay.

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They were not distracted by the NFL’s packed Sunday schedule where the best of the best football players play the ultimate team sport. In those games, viewers in the region of 10-15 million tune in. For Caitlin Clark to draw almost 2 million despite that distraction is a testament to her popularity. Even the NBA struggles to draw their usual numbers during NFL games.

The other WNBA playoff games that played out on the same day couldn’t muster up more than 500K viewers each. This further proves the point that the rookie has a fan following of her own. It could also indicate that if she does manage to move into the latter stages of the playoffs, the numbers could break the WNBA playoff records.

Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever have their season on the line in game 2

Unlike the NBA, the WNBA employs a best-of-3 series in the first round. The shorter number of games does not afford teams many chances. However, Caitlin Clark and her teammates are used to elimination games from their times in the NCAA. They know their season is on the line in Game 2.

If they lose, they wrap up their season and go home. If they win Game 2, the Fever will go back home for the series decider. A much more optimal situation considering the support they receive at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. But it is not an easy task going up against the Connecticut Sun.

The team boasts five All-Star caliber players and is one of the best defenses in the league. Clark and her young teammates do not possess the playoff experience to take them on. They will need to be at their best to win and keep their season alive.