Chicago Sky versus Indiana Fever game breaks WNBA viewership record set in previous matchup
CHICAGO — It’s official, the Chicago Sky versus Indiana Fever game Sunday was the most watched WNBA game in over two decades, breaking the record set by the two teams’ previous matchup, featuring the league’s two most prominent names — Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.
The numbers came in from ESPN Tuesday, which said the Sky-Fever contest was the most-viewed WNBA game across all networks in the past 23 years.
According to ESPN’s data, the game averaged 2.3 million viewers, with the broadcast peaking at 3.3 million people watching from home, as compared to the Sky-Fever game broadcasted on CBS Sports and Paramount+, which drew a peak of 3 million viewers a week prior.
This was the third matchup between the two franchises and their two future faces of the league this season, with Clark and the Fever claiming victory over Reese and the Sky in their two previous contests — A 91-83 decision on June 16, and a 71-70 game back on June 1.
This time around though, it was Reese and the Sky getting the best of Clark and the Fever in a 88-87 victory that came down to the wire.
Reese became the first rookie to post at least 25 points and 15 rebounds in a single game since A’Ja Wilson did so in a June 2018 victory over the Seattle Storm.
“I love A’Ja. I mean she mentored me when I was in Maryland and she’s been somebody that I’ve always tried to model my game after her, on and off the court,” Reese said after the Sky’s victory Sunday. “I just love who she is. So just being able to be named with her is amazing.”
The Chicago Sky’s next game is Thursday at 6 p.m. CT against the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. The Sky’s next matchup against the Indiana Fever is set to take place Aug 30, which is also a home game for the Sky.
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