WNBA star Angel Reese recently hosted Shaquille O’Neal on her podcast, *Unapologetically Angel*. The conversation delved into O’Neal’s basketball journey and the surging popularity of the WNBA. The league experienced a landmark season, driven largely by an exceptional rookie class led by Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Reese made a significant impact with the Chicago Sky, contributing to a 13-27 record as the No. 10 seed, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. However, Clark seemed to stand out among her peers, demonstrating a unique edge in her game.
During their discussion, O’Neal inquired about Clark’s widespread appeal, to which Reese highlighted one distinctive element of her skillset: “She can shoot threes from the logo.” Clark’s ability to score from deep set her apart, as she concluded her rookie year with averages of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game. This elite scoring ability was a pivotal factor in the Fever’s improvement, propelling Indiana’s viewership numbers throughout the season and contributing to their success on the court.
The Fever’s resurgence in 2024, finishing as the WNBA’s No. 6 seed with a 20-20 record, marked their first playoff appearance since 2016 and their first 20-win season since 2015. This resurgence, coupled with the standout rookie performances, played a crucial role in boosting the WNBA’s overall viewership. The league saw over 54 million viewers across platforms like ESPN, ESPN2, ION, NBA TV, CBS, and ABC, with arena attendance reaching a 22-year high of approximately 2.4 million fans—a remarkable 48% increase from the previous season.
While Clark wasn’t the sole contributor to these impressive numbers, her influence on the Fever’s trajectory and the league’s popularity was undeniable. In 2024, the WNBA recorded its two most-watched games on ABC, both featuring the Fever. Indiana’s matchup against the Seattle Storm on August 18 attracted 2.23 million viewers, while their clash with the New York Liberty on May 18 drew 1.71 million. Additionally, Clark and the Fever starred in the league’s most-watched ESPN2 game ever, gathering around 2.12 million viewers against the Connecticut Sun on May 14. Clark’s impact on and off the court has undeniably reshaped the Fever’s future and elevated the WNBA’s visibility.
