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Indiana Fever-Atlanta Dream Break WNBA Viewership Record

8/19/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Fever Overtime Win

Indiana Fever defeated Atlanta Dream 95-91 in overtime, marking the most-watched WNBA game ever.
ESPN said the Aug. 16 game averaged 2.6 million viewers and peaked at 4 million, a record.
All-Star Allisha Gray scored 32 points for Atlanta, and Caitlin Clark added 26 points with nine assists.
Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 24.2 points on 50.3% shooting, posted at least 20 points in her 20th straight game, tying Wilson’s record.

Summary

Reese Rebounds

Angel Reese logged 49 “mebounds” this season, 25 more than any other WNBA player.
Her presence cuts opponents’ effective field-goal percentage by 7.7% and raises turnover rate by 2.9% per possession.
Reese posted 20-plus rebounds in three straight games and reached 1,000 career rebounds in 79 games.
Enes Kanter Freedom vowed to dunk on Reese if she becomes No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA draft, prompting a league rebuke.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA launched its inaugural season on June 21 1997 when the New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 67-57 before 14,284 fans at the Forum. That early fan surge set a viewership baseline that the Indiana Fever-Atlanta Dream overtime game surpassed, drawing an average 2.6 million viewers and a 4 million peak, prompting advertisers to increase spending.

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Fever Overtime Win

Indiana Fever defeated Atlanta Dream 95-91 in overtime, marking the most-watched WNBA game ever.
ESPN said the Aug. 16 game averaged 2.6 million viewers and peaked at 4 million, a record.
All-Star Allisha Gray scored 32 points for Atlanta, and Caitlin Clark added 26 points with nine assists.
Kelsey Mitchell, who averages 24.2 points on 50.3% shooting, posted at least 20 points in her 20th straight game, tying Wilson’s record.

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