ESPN to Broadcast Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Preseason Game from Iowa City
On May 4, 2025, ESPN will air the Indiana Fever’s preseason game against the Brazilian National Team live from Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. This broadcast marks a historic first for the WNBA, as it will be the league’s first nationally televised preseason game. The event highlights Caitlin Clark’s highly anticipated return to her college home court and represents a major milestone in the growing visibility of professional women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark: The Rising Star Captivating a National Audience
Since being drafted by the Indiana Fever last year, guard Caitlin Clark has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in women’s basketball. Clark’s legendary collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where she became one of the greatest players in NCAA history, has earned her a devoted fan base. Her return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in an Indiana Fever uniform is expected to draw significant attention from both local fans and basketball enthusiasts across the country.
A Historic WNBA Preseason Broadcast
Scheduled to tip off at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT), this game will be the first WNBA preseason matchup to be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with a backup plan to move the game to ESPN2 if NBA playoff scheduling conflicts arise. This unprecedented coverage reflects the WNBA’s efforts to increase the league’s exposure and engage a wider audience early in the season.
High Demand and Sold-Out Arena
Tickets for the game sold out within 45 minutes of release, with resale prices reaching between $400 and $600, demonstrating the immense popularity of Clark and the Fever. Carver-Hawkeye Arena, which seats over 15,000 fans, will be packed to capacity for this special event. The game also features key veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, adding depth and experience to the Fever roster.
Looking Ahead: Fever’s 2025 Season and National Coverage
The Fever will open their regular season on May 17 against the Chicago Sky, a game that will be televised nationally on ABC. The 2025 season will feature a record 41 nationally televised Indiana Fever games, the most in franchise history. After finishing 20-20 in 2024—their best record since 2016—the Fever are poised to build on their momentum with Clark leading the charge.
Significance for the WNBA and Women’s Sports
ESPN’s decision to broadcast this preseason game underscores a growing commitment to women’s basketball and signals increased investment in the WNBA’s future. This expanded coverage not only helps grow the league’s fan base but also opens new opportunities for sponsorship and media partnerships. It marks a key step in elevating the profile of women’s professional basketball in the United States.
The Indiana Fever’s preseason game against Brazil in Iowa City is set to be a landmark event that kicks off the WNBA’s 2025 season with excitement and national attention. Fans across the country will have the chance to watch Caitlin Clark and her teammates compete live on ESPN on May 4. Don’t miss this historic moment in women’s basketball!
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