Sky vs. Aces averages 1.22 million viewers, sets WNBA record for most-watched game without Caitlin Clark

As expected, the WNBA has seen a viewership surge this season – fueled largely by Caitlin Clark and a highly touted rookie class. The Indiana Fever have set network records 16 times this year, and the All-Star Game also set a new high mark.

It’s not just Indiana setting records, though. The entire league is drawing eyeballs, and Sunday’s Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces game became the latest to set a record.

That matchup 20th WNBA game to top 1 million viewers this year as an average of 1.22 million tuned in, according to Sports Media Watch. That gave CBS the most-watched game without or following Clark for this season as A’ja Wilson drained a last-second shot to send the Aces past Angel Reese and the Sky.

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This season marked the first time the WNBA saw a broadcast top 1 million viewers since 2008, and the 20 such occurrences are the most history. In fact, the league broke the previous record of 15 games with 1 million viewers before the All-Star and Olympic Break. Clark has been a driving force for the surge in popularity as ticket and merchandise sales are also increasing as the league settles back in after the Olympics break.

The rookie class generated more buzz than any in recent memory as Clark, Reese, Cameron Brink and Kamilla Cardoso entered the league. But the rivalry between Clark and Reese, which started at the college level, has proven to be the biggest draw.

The last two showdowns between Clark’s Fever and Reese’s Sky became the most-watched games in the league in 25 years. That includes the June 23 game, which drew 2.30 million people, and set the table for their final matchup of the year on Friday.

The viewership increase comes at a good time for the WNBA. A new media rights deal is on the way in 2026 and will be worth $2.2 billion over 11 years, according to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov. With an average value of $200 million per year, which is a major increase from the $50 million payouts under the current agreement with Disney, ION, CBS and Amazon.

While Disney and Amazon will be part of the new deal, along with newcomer NBC, the WNBA could sell two more rights packages to make an additional $60 million per year, per The Athletic. Of course, there’s also the potential of four more games per team, which could add even more value.