Basketball fans and streaming enthusiasts alike are witnessing a transformative moment in the way live sports are consumed, as the convergence of premium athletic events and digital platforms accelerates at breakneck speed. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the ongoing saga of Caitlin Clark’s anticipated return to the Indiana Fever lineup, set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving sports media landscape.
On August 21, 2025, Amagi’s Global FAST Report landed with a bang, revealing that nearly two-thirds of streamers now watch live sports on at least one streaming platform. That’s right—live sports, once the exclusive domain of cable and broadcast television, are becoming a mainstay for digital audiences. In May 2025 alone, streaming captured a whopping 44.8 percent of U.S. television viewership, according to Nielsen Media Research, whose data was cited in the Amagi report. With YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video all racing to secure rights to major events like the NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA games, the digital revolution is in full swing.
This shift couldn’t be more timely for WNBA fans, especially those tracking the Indiana Fever’s fortunes as they await the return of star guard Caitlin Clark. Clark, who suffered a groin injury during a July 15 matchup against the Connecticut Sun, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding her comeback. During ESPN’s August 12 broadcast of the Fever versus the Dallas Wings, play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco shared, “That stretch where [the Fever] have the week off is where Stephanie White reiterated to us today, she’s hoping Caitlin Clark returns to practice. Stephanie talked yesterday about how Caitlin has been running more, doing more on-court work. She is hoping that Caitlin returns to practice next week, would need multiple days in practice before she then gets into a game.”
However, as the Fever’s week off concluded on August 21 and the team prepared to face the Minnesota Lynx on August 22, Clark had not yet returned to practice. To complicate matters, it was reported on August 20 that Clark also suffered a minor bone bruise in her ankle earlier in the month, before the Fever’s August 7 game. While opinions differ on how much this additional injury has delayed her recovery, it’s clear that Clark’s path back to the court has become more challenging.
The uncertainty has prompted ESPN to adjust its injury report for the Fever’s schedule. Just five days prior, Clark’s estimated return was set for August 26. Now, with the latest update, the target date has shifted to September 2, when Indiana faces the Phoenix Mercury on the road—the final game of a taxing three-game West Coast road trip. The Fever will then return home to play the Chicago Sky three days later, raising questions about whether Clark’s return might be held for a home crowd. Still, fans are clinging to hope that the September 2 estimate proves accurate, eager to see their star back in action.
All of this is unfolding as the sports streaming ecosystem surges. According to Amagi’s report, sports accounted for a staggering 84 percent of all live programming on FAST (Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels in the first quarter of 2025. In just eight months, the number of sports channels on FAST more than doubled from 107 to 220, making it the second-fastest growing content category. Cathy Rasenberger, co-Founder of Sports Studio, Inc., drew a compelling parallel: “Live sports is fueling increased viewership and advertising on FAST, just as live sports on ESPN drove the early success of cable TV.” She believes that while FAST now commands over 20 percent of media viewership, it represents just 8 percent of ad spending—a gap that live sports could help close.
The data backs up Rasenberger’s optimism. In a survey of more than 500 U.S. households, Amagi found that 35 percent of respondents watch live events daily and another 35 percent tune in weekly. A whopping two-thirds said they primarily watch live events on streaming services, far outpacing cable (39 percent), broadcast (32 percent), and even social media (26 percent). The lure of live programming is so strong that 41 percent of those surveyed said it plays a major role in their decision to subscribe to a paid streaming service, with another 41 percent noting it has some influence. Nearly half would consider a trial subscription if it included a free live event.
Major sports leagues like the NBA and Premier League are the top draw, influencing viewing choices for 56 percent of respondents. It’s no surprise, then, that platforms are racing to keep up. Roku, the largest TV streaming platform in the U.S., has made significant inroads since 2023 by acquiring rights to Formula E, MLB Sunday Leadoff, NBA G League games, and the 2024 NFL Munich Game. This year, Roku launched its own FAST channel, Roku Sports, which bundles live league programming and original content. Joe Franzetta, Roku Media’s Head of Sports, summed up the company’s vision: “All TV will be streamed, and all sports will be streamed.”
But not everyone is convinced that streaming has surpassed cable in quality. Sixty-two percent of survey respondents said they find live events on streaming to be equal to or better than cable, while 38 percent still see cable as more reliable. Despite this, the momentum is clearly on streaming’s side, especially among younger audiences—nearly half of sports fans under 34 consider streaming their “home base” for live sports, compared to just 30 percent overall.
Back in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever’s schedule remains packed, with the team facing the Phoenix Mercury on September 2 and the Chicago Sky at home three days later. Clark, who has been increasing her running and on-court activities, still requires multiple days of practice before making her much-anticipated return. The Fever’s coaching staff, led by Stephanie White, continues to monitor her progress closely, mindful of both her immediate health and long-term impact on the team’s playoff hopes.
As the sports world waits for Caitlin Clark’s return, her story is emblematic of the broader changes sweeping through live sports consumption. Whether fans are tuning in on Roku, YouTube, or another digital platform, one thing is certain: the intersection of star athletes and streaming technology is reshaping how—and where—we watch the games we love. With major platforms investing heavily and fans demanding more flexibility, the future of live sports viewing has never looked more dynamic.
For now, Indiana Fever supporters and WNBA followers everywhere are keeping a close eye on Clark’s recovery and the ever-shifting streaming landscape. With the next few weeks set to bring pivotal games and potentially Clark’s long-awaited return, the excitement isn’t letting up anytime soon.
