Caitlin Clark all set to script broadcast history with Fever vs Brazil pre-season showdown

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA journey continues to shatter norms—even before her rookie season officially begins. The Indiana Fever guard has already brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball, and now, her team’s upcoming preseason clash will make broadcast history.

 Fever vs. Brazil to Be First-Ever Nationally Televised WNBA Exhibition Game

The Indiana Fever will face Brazil's national team in an exhibition match on Sunday, May 4, and live broadcasts will be beamed by ESPN. This is truly a first; it is going to be the first-ever WNBA preseason game viewed by national television since its formation.

However, if the Game 7 of the NBA playoffs falls on the same date, this match will be shown on ESPN2.

Ticket Stampede and Rising Resale Rates

The hype around this game has reached a dizzying pitch. Ticket for the May 4 exhibition sold out in only 45 minutes of release. Since then, resale prices have seen a drastic increase, with some tickets listed on Ticketmaster for more than $200.

And that is not just it—the Indiana Fever has already made arrangements to stage 41 nationally televised games during the regular season, a record in the history of the league.

The Homecoming of Caitlin Clark

Adding to the pomp, the game will take place at the arena of the University of Iowa, called Carver-Hawkeye Arena, a ground closely tied with the journey of Clark. Exactly a year ago, she completed an amazing college career at this venue, and the university retired her iconic No. 22 jersey on February 22.

For Clark, professional now, going back to Iowa City will be coming full circle as she plays on the court that made her a household name.

Why This Preseason Game Matters

Fans have always clamored for more exposure of the preseason WNBA games. This high-profile affair against Brazil may just be the experiment that the league needs to judge the market for future exhibition telecasts.

Indeed, Clark's effect on viewing figures has already threatened to be historic.

She has made quite a mark on TV ratings as WNBA viewership has increased nearly 170% in her rookie year, as per an ESPN report, with a game averaging 1.2 million viewers. The most-viewed contest of the year? Indiana Fever versus the Chicago Sky on June 23 garnered 2.3 million viewers as Clark faced fellow rookie Angel Reese.