Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have had a competitive rivalry since their college days, and their journeys to fame in the WNBA seem to be closely linked.
Recently, the Indiana Fever triumphed over the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling overtime game, 95-91, with Clark captured smiling when Reese missed a chance to clinch the victory with a layup.
The match on August 16th turned out to be the most-viewed WNBA game ever on ESPN, drawing an average of 2.6 million viewers and peaking at 4 million. This broadcast has officially become the highest-watched WNBA game, encompassing both regular and playoff seasons.
Notably, WNBA viewership this year saw a remarkable rise of 178% compared to last year’s ESPN figures.
ESPN has been showcasing Fever games frequently lately, and this contest was the third in two weeks to surpass an average of 2.5 million viewers.
While Clark sometimes draws mixed opinions in women’s sports, she undeniably ranks as one of the league’s standout players. A recent moment that highlighted her popularity occurred when she received flowers from a young supporter before the Fever faced the Toronto Tempo.
It’s clear that her appeal has even reached fans in Canada.
Turning to Reese, she gained recognition as an exceptional rebounder at LSU, where she helped secure the school’s first national championship. Since joining the WNBA, she has not only set rookie double-double records but also made significant achievements in rebounding.
Additionally, Reese has begun making waves in the fashion industry, reflecting her influence beyond basketball.
