Tough to drum up any local energy around a team that\u2019s 10-23, but that will be forgotten tonight as the WNBA\u2019s Toronto Tempo host Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. EST).<\/p>\n
Clark has reinvigorated the WNBA since joining the Fever as the first overall draft pick in 2024. The jump in interest in the WNBA has been enormous \u2013 covering TV audiences, merchandise sales, attendance, digital consumption and commercial value.<\/p>\n
The WNBA reached more than 54 million unique views in 2024, an all-time record. Twenty-two regular-season broadcasts averaged at least one million viewers. ESPN platforms averaged 1.19 million viewers per game, up 170% from 2023.<\/p>\n
Clark has become a travelling attendance machine, a reason why the Tempo moved tonight\u2019s game in Toronto \u2013 the first time Clark has played here \u2013 to Scotiabank Arena. Opponents frequently move games against Clark and the Fever into larger buildings. The Tempo usually play at Coca-Cola Coliseum.<\/p>\n
According to Reuters, Nielsen reported the WNBA accumulated 3.8 billion viewing minutes before the 2026 All-Star break, while league sponsor valuation had increased 71%. As of this month, attendance is at an all-time high, with viewership running 15% above 2025.<\/p>\n
The Fever are the most-watched team in the WNBA by a mile. Betting interest has followed.<\/p>\n
That brings us to tonight\u2019s matchup. These are two teams heading in opposite directions.<\/p>\n
Indiana has won four straight, is 23-12 on the season, and has the WNBA\u2019s highest-scoring offence at 96.3 points per game.<\/p>\n
The Tempo are an expansion team, are 10-23 on the season, and have lost 10 straight, outscored by 16.4 points per game during that skid.<\/p>\n
Clark is healthy again, coming off a 26-point, 9-assist effort against Atlanta. This season she\u2019s third in the WNBA in PPG with 22 and first in assists at 8.3. Kelsey Mitchell is averaging 24.2 points and has scored 20-plus in 19 straight games for the Fever.<\/p>\n
On the betting end, Brittney Sykes, the Tempo\u2019s star defender, out since June 16 (the last time these two teams met, with the Fever coming out on top 113-91) with a left plantar fascia injury, is listed as probable to return for tonight\u2019s game, according to Sportsnet. She\u2019ll be a huge boost to the Tempo\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n