WNBA debut of Caitlin Clark is most-watched game ever

More than 2 million people watched Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut on Tuesday, making it the most-watched game in league history across all ESPN platforms, according to the network. The game generated 2.1 million viewers across the network's platforms, peaking at 2.3 million, according to an ESPN statement released Wednesday.

The numbers surpassed the previous highest-rated game across the network's platforms, which took place on May 22, 2004, between the Phoenix Mercury and the Connecticut Sun, according to ESPN. Clark, a two-time national college player of the year, battled for the Indiana Fever for the majority of the game, scoring 20 points while committing 10 turnovers in Connecticut's 92-71 triumph. 

Last month, more than 18 million people watched Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes compete for the NCAA championship against South Carolina. South Carolina won the game, which attracted more attention than the men's championship game the day before. According to Nielsen, this was the first occasion that the women's final had a larger TV audience than the men's. Clark noted Tuesday night's game left a lot of space for development. 

As per Yahoo Sports, “Obviously too many turnovers — that's not going to get the job done," she stated. "There's a lot of things to learn from." She continued: "I would have liked to have played a little better tonight." 

Caitlin Clark boosted viewership throughout her collegiate games

Caitlin Clark's first steps on the professional parquet in an away game divided supporters' loyalty. Clark, a dangerous shooter, wowed spectators by hitting on all four 3-pointers. However, Connecticut's suffocating defence drove her into double-digit turnovers, which were a game-high. 

Clark's tremendous popularity boosted viewership throughout her collegiate games and increased interest in the WNBA. Her celebrity grows with each endorsement. She has starred in a State Farm commercial and is apparently about to secure a lucrative contract with Nike.