The WNBA announced a record-breaking 2026 season with notable increases in television audiences and attendance. A major highlight was the significant role that Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever played in driving viewership across various platforms.
The Dominance of Indiana Fever
The Fever, with Caitlin Clark, featured in the most-watched regular-season games on several broadcasters. ABC’s largest game included the Fever against Chicago. This trend was consistent across CBS, ESPN, ION, NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and Amazon Prime Video.
Seven platforms recorded their biggest regular-season audiences with the Fever.
For instance, NBC and Peacock’s coverage of Indiana vs. Chicago drew 3.31 million viewers. ESPN reported 2.6 million viewers for Indiana vs. Atlanta, setting a cable TV record. CBS, ABC, ION, and USA Network also saw viewership peaks with Fever games.
Record Viewership Across Broadcasters
- NBC and Peacock: 3.31 million viewers for Indiana–Chicago on Aug. 23.
- ESPN: 2.6 million viewers for Indiana–Atlanta on Aug. 16.
- CBS: 2.58 million viewers for Indiana–New York on July 18.
- ABC: 2.56 million viewers for Indiana–Chicago on Aug. 8.
- ION: 1.62 million viewers for Indiana–Dallas on Aug. 14.
- USA Network: 1.14 million viewers for Indiana–Golden State on July 15.
- Prime Video: 1.07 million viewers for Indiana–Dallas on Aug. 20.
These figures suggest that putting the Fever on air was a profitable decision for broadcasters.
Increased Viewership Beyond Indiana
Overall viewership for WNBA games rose, with 51 games averaging over one million viewers, up from 19 in the previous year. Nine games exceeded two million viewers compared to four in 2025.
Non-Fever games saw a 24% increase in viewers on ESPN and ABC, averaging 984,000 viewers.
Caitlin Clark’s Influence
Caitlin Clark has significantly propelled league viewership. Before her 2024 debut, ESPN’s networks averaged 440,000 viewers for WNBA regular-season games. Her rookie season saw the average climb to 1.2 million, a 170% increase according to ESPN.
The Fever’s prominence continued as they delivered the top regular-season audiences on every major broadcast platform, concluding another successful season.
The league capitalized on the popularity of the Fever and Clark, using their games to enhance its television business further.
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