In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated WNBA preseason debut drew record-breaking TV viewership, proving once again that the former Iowa superstar is a generational talent both on and off the court. The game between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings captivated audiences across the country, reaching unprecedented numbers for a preseason game in league history.
According to ESPN and league sources, Clark’s first outing as a professional was the most-watched WNBA preseason game ever, amassing over 1.2 million viewers across multiple platforms. The buzz surrounding the game lit up social media, with hashtags like #CaitlinClarkDebut and #WNBA2025 trending for hours. The massive attention confirms what fans and analysts have long believed: Caitlin Clark is the face of the WNBA’s future.
On the court, Clark delivered an electrifying performance. Despite her team’s narrow loss, she showcased her elite shooting range, court vision, and leadership. In just under 25 minutes of play, she racked up 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals, reminding everyone why she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
“I felt the energy from the fans, and it was unreal,” Clark said in the postgame interview. “It’s just the beginning, and I’m excited to grow with this team and bring excitement to the league.”
However, not everyone seemed thrilled with the attention Clark received. Angel Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, stirred up controversy with a pointed social media post that many perceived as a direct shot at Clark’s growing fan base.
In a since-deleted Instagram story, Webb reportedly wrote:
“Funny how some folks act like basketball was just invented yesterday… There have been stars before — don’t let the hype blind you.”
The post quickly caught fire, sparking a heated debate between fans of Clark and Reese. While some saw it as a reasonable reminder of past WNBA greatness, others interpreted it as a thinly veiled jab at Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise.
Reese, the former LSU standout and a top rookie herself this season with the Chicago Sky, has long been seen as a rival to Clark. Their fierce battles in college — including LSU’s win over Iowa in the 2023 NCAA Championship — cemented their names in modern sports rivalries. Now, with both in the WNBA, that tension has carried over to the pros and the public discourse.
Caitlin Clark has yet to respond to the remark, but fans from both sides are already picking teams. Some praise Clark for her trailblazing popularity and humble leadership, while others accuse the media of overhyping her at the expense of other talented rookies.
“This isn’t Caitlin’s fault,” said WNBA analyst Monica Daniels. “She’s just playing ball and doing it at a high level. The league needs stars, and she’s delivering. But let’s not forget players like Angel Reese, Aaliyah Boston, and others who are making waves too.”
The Fever are expected to draw massive audiences throughout the season, with several of their regular-season games already sold out. Meanwhile, Reese and the Sky are also receiving increased media attention as fans anticipate their first matchup against Clark’s Fever on June 1, 2025 — a date now circled by every basketball fan.
This preseason game was more than just an exhibition — it was a declaration. Caitlin Clark is not only raising the bar for rookies; she’s raising the ceiling for the entire WNBA. But with rivals watching, critics talking, and the spotlight growing ever brighter, Clark’s real challenge may be just beginning.
One thing is certain: the WNBA has never been this exciting — and the world is watching.
