The ratings growth for the WNBA this year was almost unfathomable.

ESPN reports that it averaged 1.2 million viewers for its games, up from 440,000 a year prior. By comparison, the NBA's average rating last season for games on ESPN and TNT was 1.56 million. Some 3.44 million watched the WNBA All-Star Game vs. 5.5 million for the NBA All-Star Game.

The Fever alone garnered five games with more than two million viewers and 18 with more than a million. This wasn't just Sunday afternoons on ABC, either.

A Friday night game on Aug. 30 against Chicago drew 1.6 million to Ion, easily the largest audience in the low-profile cable network's history. Two games on NBATV recorded 600,000 or more viewers.

It suggests that while Fever playoff ratings could set new records, there may be a sustained and extended boost for all postseason games that goes far beyond any reasonable expectation - mine in particular - of what Clark was going to deliver.

Clark slowly adjusted to the physicality of the WNBA while her teammates adjusted to her style of play. She enters the playoffs as arguably a top-five player in the league and is now regularly scoring 25 or 30 points a game, while hitting logo threes and tossing length-of-the-court passes. That's what drew so many to her in the first place.

I said back then that the W negotiated too low in their media rights package, and I received pushback as I noted the NBA's package was 97% of the total amount while the W's was only 3%. The W sold cheap. CC first signature basketballs sold out in less than an hour and her licensed gear outsells every other player's by a wide margin. Once her Nike signature shoe comes out, I predict it will set an all time record for first-run sales. It's almost a no brainer.

If you haven't watched CC play, do yourself a favor and tune in. She plays the game unlike most players male or female. But most of all you'll be entertained, and isn't that the point we watch and enjoy sports in the first place?

Related:

IAMRUNT, how do you like the Sky's playoff chances? Lol

That prognostication aged like spoiled milk, didn't it? Thanks for reminding me, I'd forgotten what he said.

I also remember someone challenging me on my assertion that the W's rights should have been at least $2B annually instead of $200M. CC is pulling viewership numbers on obscure channels equal to or exceeding those the NBA draws on major networks and audiences are only going to get bigger, not smaller.

I also predicted that CC will become the first female sports billionaire within the next decade. Hell, with inflation like it's been, it could happen within 5 years if her shoes sell like I think they will globally.

I only hope people enjoy her transcendent skills and entertaining game as much as I have over this summer. Basketball is Indiana and Indiana is basketball. It's simply wonderful to have one of the best ever to play the game living and playing here instead of Chicago, New York, or LA.

Well here's hoping that women start attending their games.

It's not just women, it's every demographic - which is why she'll be more marketable than most athletes. Grandmas and Grandpas love CC, little boys and girls love CC, anyone anywhere can love the way she plays basketball even if they root against the Fever and for their own local favorite team.

And she just plays: With intensity, passion, and otherworldly talent - "on loan from God" as Rushbo used to say. I keep repeating it, but she truly is the W's Pied Piper and Golden Goose rolled into one.

From the start of the commenting on Ms Clark's rise I had mentioned that the WNBA did not appreciate what she was bringing to the table for the WNBA.

You couldn't be more right, they've woefully underestimated the barrels of revenue she's helping to generate league-wide, as all the stars are getting publicity and hype like never before as they all play against CC.

The media deal they just signed was pathetic when balanced against the NBA's. Someone argued it's impossible to compare the leagues attractiveness to media outlets because so few watched the W - until now. And that was my point. Hell, the league could sell a package of nothing but CC games and make a fortune. The overseas rights would be ridiculous.

And Lamp, my son just sent me an article saying that your Connecticut Sun playoff team finished their practice recently with only 1 halfcourt available. Seems they have to share a local community center floor. WTF? Mohegan has owned the team for 25 years and they haven't even built the women a practice gym? The ownership deserves to lose their franchise. These are multi-million dollar players, not powder puff girls.

11

Just happened upon this:

#16

That's rapidly changing ...... due to the popularity of CC and the other rookies this season who're changing the game in the ticket revenue department as well.

...with their eyes and wallets ...

Tough night last night as Connecticut throttled the Fever by 24 in Game 1 of the best of 3. Fever need to win Wednesday night or their season will end in New England.

Unfortunately, Indiana teams have a long history of seeing their seasons ended by teams from New England be they Patriots, Celtics, UConn Huskies, and now possibly the Sun.