Wed Jun 18 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article for Fox News:

**Summary:**

The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty in a highly anticipated game, fueled by Caitlin Clark’s standout performance of 32 points and seven 3-pointers. The game drew significant viewership, becoming the third most-watched WNBA game ever on ABC, with an average of 2.2 million viewers and a peak of 2.8 million. This surge in viewership is part of a larger trend for the WNBA, which has seen increased popularity coinciding with Clark’s debut and record-breaking performances. The high WNBA ratings are even rivaling those of the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final, highlighting the league’s growing appeal. New York Liberty’s head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the importance of the increased viewership and the impact of Caitlin Clark.

**News Article:**

**Fever Stun Liberty, Caitlin Clark’s Star Power Fuels Record WNBA Viewership**

**NEW YORK** – Caitlin Clark continues to electrify the WNBA, leading the Indiana Fever to a stunning 102-88 victory over the New York Liberty Saturday. Clark’s dominant performance, including a season-high 32 points and seven 3-pointers, captivated audiences and propelled the game to become the third most-watched WNBA game ever on ABC.

The highly anticipated matchup averaged 2.2 million viewers, peaking at 2.8 million, a staggering 76% increase from last season’s regular-season average on the network, according to ESPN.

While the Liberty suffered their first loss of the season, head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the significance of reaching a wider audience. “I love it. That’s what we’ve been trying to aim for since the league started a long, long time ago,” Brondello said. “It certainly was a good show, and Caitlin put on a great performance there.”

The Fever’s victory and the impressive viewership numbers underscore the growing popularity of the WNBA, a trend that began last season with record-breaking regular season viewership and attendance. A substantial portion of this success has been attributed to Clark, who has already set league records for assists and triple-doubles in her rookie season.

The WNBA’s surge in popularity has even led to ratings numbers rivaling major sports leagues. As The Athletic reported Tuesday, the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers has averaged between 2.3 and 2.6 million viewers in the U.S. for the first four games of the series, a 25% decrease from last season.

“The more people can get eyes on our game, they’ll fall in love with it because this is the best place in the world,” Brondello added.

The Indiana Fever’s victory and Clark’s continued dominance are solidifying the WNBA’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional sports.

*The Associated Press contributed to this report.*

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