The absence of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark from the court has coincided with a significant downturn in WNBA television viewership, according to recent data. Since Clark’s injury, league ratings have dropped substantially, highlighting her immediate impact on the league’s visibility.
Clark, the highly anticipated second-year guard, has been sidelined with a strained left quad. She has participated in only four games this season, missing the Fever’s subsequent five matchups. Her limited time on the court appears directly linked to a sharp decline in national viewership figures.
The Impact on WNBA Viewership
Nationally televised WNBA game viewership has fallen by 55% since Caitlin Clark sustained her injury.
Focusing specifically on the Indiana Fever’s games televised nationally, the decline is similarly stark. Before Clark’s injury, Fever national games averaged 1,810,000 viewers. In the games played since she was sidelined, that average has dropped by 53% to just 847,000 viewers.
Caitlin Clark’s Status
The decision to keep Clark off the court is a cautious one. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White indicated the team is prioritizing Clark’s full recovery before she returns to play. This approach aims to ensure the star is completely ready.
In her brief four-game appearance this season, Clark demonstrated her dynamic playmaking ability, averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds. Her season opener included a notable triple-double performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The 4-5 Fever are looking ahead, with their next scheduled game set for Saturday, June 14, against the New York Liberty. While the team navigates the schedule without their marquee player, the viewership numbers clearly underscore Caitlin Clark’s powerful draw for the WNBA audience.
