Caitlin Clark Draws Records Viewers for 2024 WNBA Draft

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft drew a record number of viewers on Monday, April 15— and it was partially attributed to record-breaking baller Caitlin Clark.

The 2024 WNBA draft garnered a total of 2.45 million viewers — making it the most viewed draft in the history of the women’s league — according to an ESPN press release.

The sports network also noted that viewership for the draft peaked at 3.07 million viewers, which is 307% higher than the previous peak, and drew in 1.06 million female viewers. It was also the most-viewed program of Monday night for people under 35.

The draft was also the highest viewership for a WNBA telecast since the 2000’s WNBA broadcast game between the New York Liberty and Houston Comets, ESPN reported.

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Part of the reason for the spike could be attributed to Clark, who has been a rising star in women’s basketball since her breakout on the scene playing for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. 

All eyes were on Clark, who declared for the 2024 WNBA draft in February, as she was selected No. 1 overall by the WNBA’s team Indiana Fever.

Prior to the draft, the basketball player has set numerous records while playing for Iowa. In March, she became the all-time scoring leader in basketball for the NCAA Division I.

Clark has also brought in numerous viewers to the sport, with her NCAA championship game against South Carolina bringing in more viewers than the men’s final for the first time in history.

The women’s final on April 7, which saw Gamecocks defeat the Hawkeyes 87-75, raked in 18.87 million viewers on ABC and ESPN, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile the men’s final that saw UConn defeat Purdue 75-60 drew in about 4 million less viewers.

Clark has also expanded her star to other broadcasts, including Saturday Night Live. The history-making guard made a surprise appearance on the late-night sketch comedy show’s Weekend Update segment on April 13, as she playfully called out Michael Che’s history of jabs at women’s sports and made him read some jokes of her own.

Her performance also drew praise from cast member Bowen Yang, who told PEOPLE she was “so charming and witty.” He added, “Athletes just have this air about them. They know they’re amazing. I mean, these are people who have numeric attachments and values to their performance. That’s something that comedians never have.”