Holly Rowe, ESPN’s longtime sideline reporter, broke down in tears before the Indiana Fever‑Toronto Tempo game tipped off Tuesday, filming a nearly minute‑long video that captured a sold‑out Scotiabank Arena of 19,000 fans.
Rowe said, “I’m trying to work a basketball game tonight… I keep crying because look at what they have built. I literally cannot quit crying to do my job right now. We have 19,000 people here to watch women’s basketball and I’m so proud.”
The clip, posted by ESPN, showed Rowe covering her mouth, wiping tears, and turning the camera on herself for about 30 seconds while the crowd roared.
Caitlin Clark effect heads north of the border
The surge in attendance follows Clark’s record‑breaking viewership numbers, which topped 1 million for the Fever‑Dream matchup earlier this season, according to Nielsen data.
The Indiana Fever have become a marquee attraction, drawing crowds comparable to the Harlem Globetrotters, and ESPN has increased its broadcast schedule to meet demand.
Sophie Cunningham also made her first appearance in Toronto, signing autographs before tip‑off, while the Fever’s rising profile has turned the game into a must‑see event.
Rowe’s emotional reaction underscores the growing cultural impact of the WNBA, as the league shatters TV ratings and draws massive crowds across North America.
Cunningham said the crowd was awesome despite booing, confirming that the atmosphere added to the event’s excitement.
