ESPN Announces Unexpected News After Chicago Sky’s Loss to Indiana Fever

 

 

In a surprising turn of events, ESPN revealed that the July 27 matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever drew an average of 1.5 million viewers on ABC, peaking at 1.7 million, despite neither team featuring their marquee stars—Angel Reese (Sky) and Caitlin Clark (Fever)—on the court .

🔥 Unexpected Ratings Boost

Despite the absence of both Reese and Clark—Clark continuing her groin injury recovery and Reese sidelined with a back issue—the game ranked among the most-watched WNBA regular season broadcasts of the current era. ESPN noted a 6% uptick in viewership across all its platforms compared to the prior season .

For comparison, the Sky’s earlier defeat to the Fever in May—which featured Clarke and Reese—averaged 2.7 million viewers, peaking at 3.1 million, making it the highest-rated WNBA regular-season game in 25 years .

Why a Game Without Its Stars Still Delivered

Such strong ratings even without the heads of the league speaks to the enduring draw of the Sky–Fever matchup. Much of the national attention is attributed to the ongoing rivalry between Reese and Clark, two rookies from the 2024 draft class who have since become the faces of the league. Their rivalry has repeatedly driven viewership—even when only one plays .

Despite their absence, audiences still tuned in for the intensity and unpredictability of the matchup, which has become a must-watch fixture in recent months.

The Game Itself: A Decisive Victory for Indiana

On the court, the Fever came away with a 93–78 win over the Sky. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with a career-high 35 points, draining seven three-pointers, while Aliyah Boston chipped in with a 14‑point, 11‑rebound, 6‑assist double-double .

The Sky, now struggling with a 7‑18 record, saw another sixth straight loss deepen concerns about their season trajectory. Meanwhile, Indiana improved to 14‑12 and appeared to be settling into a mid‑season rhythm .

Key Context: Star Injuries & Future Outlook

Caitlin Clark has now missed 13 games this season due to a groin injury, with no clear return date. ESPN coverage suggests a potential mid‑August return following cautious rehab and practice ramp-up .

Angel Reese, the Sky’s emerging force, remains sidelined with back issues, leaving Chicago without one of its primary defensive and rebounding anchors .

Given the injuries to both players, many expected viewership to dip—but ESPN’s data shows otherwise, demonstrating that the heat of the rivalry and the storylines surrounding these franchises resonate deeply with fans.

Looking Ahead

Chicago will return to action shortly, set to face the Washington Mystics, hoping to reverse their skid and regain some traction. Indiana, still on the road trip, will look to continue building momentum as Caitlin Clark’s return becomes more imminent in the coming weeks .

Bottom Line:

ESPN’s release was unexpected—but meaningful: even in the absence of its top draws, WNBA viewership is rising, indicating broader interest in the league beyond individual superstars. The Sky–Fever rivalry has taken on a life of its own, helping elevate the WNBA’s national profile.