The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream 95-91 in overtime on Sunday, drawing a record 2.6 million viewers on ESPN, the highest-rated WNBA game in cable television history. The game peaked at 4 million viewers, marking a 178% increase over ESPN’s WNBA regular-season average last year.
The Fever rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half to force overtime, with Caitlin Clark scoring 26 points and dishing out nine assists. Angel Reese contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists for the Dream. Clark sealed the win by making both free throws with 10 seconds left in overtime after being fouled.
Indiana improved to four straight wins, remaining in contention for a postseason spot. The loss dropped the Dream below the Fever in the standings, with both teams positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Both teams played again on Tuesday night.
Clark’s performance earned her Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors, averaging 26 points, nine assists, and three rebounds in her most recent outings. Reese recorded another double-double, adding to her league-leading rebounding totals.
The Fever-Dream matchup followed a pattern of high-scoring, closely contested games between the two teams, continuing their rivalry from their NCAA championship clash in 2023. The WNBA has seen growing viewership this season, with Clark’s arrival credited as a major factor in the league’s expanded audience.
Officials from the WNBA and ESPN did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the record-breaking viewership figures.