Caitlin Clark’s Return to Iowa Draws Massive Viewership and Sellout Crowd

Caitlin Clark’s Triumphant Return to Iowa: A Spectacle of Basketball and Fandom

May 6, 2025, 06:38 PM ET

BRISTOL, Conn. — The buzz was palpable as Caitlin Clark made her much-anticipated return to Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This wasn’t just any game; it was a WNBA preseason showdown between the Indiana Fever and the Brazilian national team. The excitement surrounding this event was so intense that it averaged a whopping 1.3 million viewers on ESPN, as the network proudly announced on Tuesday.

Now, let’s put that into perspective. The average viewership for Sunday’s game was 13% higher than ESPN’s 2024 regular-season average for the WNBA. That’s a significant leap, showcasing the magnetic pull of Caitlin Clark and the growing interest in women’s basketball.

But the numbers don’t stop there. The Fever-Brazil television audience reached a peak of 1.6 million viewers, a testament to the game’s allure. And if you thought the TV numbers were impressive, the atmosphere at Carver-Hawkeye was electric, with a sellout crowd of 15,000 fans. The demand for tickets was so high that the average paid ticket price on the resale market soared to $440. Clearly, fans were willing to pay a premium to witness this basketball spectacle in person.

Clark, who is starting her second season with the Fever, didn’t disappoint her fans. She scored 16 points in Indiana’s 108-44 win. It was a dominant performance by the Fever, and Clark’s contribution was a highlight for many. This game marked her second time back at Carver-Hawkeye since she left the Hawkeyes, and it was a homecoming of sorts for the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader.

Her return to Iowa was not just about basketball; it was a celebration of her legacy. Her No. 22 jersey was retired in a ceremony after Iowa’s 76-69 win over USC on Feb. 2. This honor solidified her status as a Hawkeye legend and a role model for aspiring athletes.

Let’s break down some key takeaways from this event:

• Viewership Milestone: The game averaged 1.3 million viewers, a 13% increase from the previous year’s regular-season average.
• Peak Audience: The television audience peaked at 1.6 million, highlighting the game’s widespread appeal.
• Sellout Crowd: Carver-Hawkeye Arena was packed with 15,000 fans, with ticket prices averaging $440 on the resale market.
• Clark’s Performance: Caitlin Clark scored 16 points, contributing to Indiana’s commanding 108-44 victory.
• Jersey Retirement: Clark’s No. 22 jersey was retired, cementing her legacy at Iowa.

In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s return to Iowa was more than just a game; it was a celebration of her impact on the sport and her connection with fans. The impressive viewership numbers and the sellout crowd are a testament to her star power and the growing popularity of women’s basketball. As Clark continues to make her mark in the WNBA, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances and memorable moments.