Let’s just say the WNBA isn’t the same without Caitlyn Clark. Since the Fever’s elimination, Game 1 of the Aces versus Liberty matchup on Sunday only drew 929,000 viewers, down nearly 50% from last week’s Fever versus Sun game.
Viewership wasn’t the only thing that dropped—attendance did too. WNBA players are feeling the hit, and many are vocal, blaming Clark’s absence for the fan drop-off. The semi-final stats prove their point, and it’s not looking good for the league. Since Caitlyn Clark’s playoff exit, thanks to some controversial fouls, the WNBA has been struggling to keep fans engaged.
Just two Sundays ago, Caitlyn Clark’s game brought in 1.8 million viewers despite competing with NFL games. Last Sunday, A’ja Wilson managed just 900,000. That’s right—the WNBA’s viewership has halved since Clark’s elimination, and the situation is likely to get worse as the playoffs progress.
You want me to say “I told you so,” or are you ready to admit that the WNBA is in trouble without Caitlyn Clark? She’s the league’s Golden Goose, and it’s baffling how they’ve allowed their biggest star to be treated poorly all season long. No home playoff game for the Fever, and now the league is seeing the consequences as viewers tune out.
If Jason’s predictions hold and viewership keeps dropping, it’s worth asking: what other sports league sees declining ratings as it gets closer to the championship? This trend speaks volumes about Caitlyn Clark’s impact. Without her, the WNBA is struggling to keep fans excited.
And what’s next for Clark? Rumor has it she’s heading to Europe for a break, but she could be tempted by a big-money EuroLeague offer. Ice Cube already offered her $5 million to play in less than 10 Big 3 games—why wouldn’t she jump for a better deal?
And don’t forget the snub. Clark missed out on a unanimous Rookie of the Year win because one voter went with Angel Reese. That voter needs to come forward, because it should have been unanimous. Clark was the first rookie to post a triple-double, dominating with 19 points, five rebounds, and eight assists per game. This kind of oversight is just adding to the WNBA’s troubles.
Clark’s absence is hitting hard. Players like A’ja Wilson, even after winning MVP, have felt the fan disconnect. Wilson has even expressed frustration with people calling her game “boring.” The numbers don’t lie—Clark brought the buzz, and now that she’s gone, the league is struggling to retain that excitement.
