The WNBA is experiencing a notable dip in television ratings as Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a quadriceps injury. The absence of the league’s standout player has not only affected the Fever but also the WNBA’s overall viewership, as Nielsen data indicates a 55% decline in nationally televised viewership since her injury on May 2, 2025. This drop highlights the significant impact Clark has on the league’s ratings.
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA Rookie of the Year, has missed five consecutive games since she strained her quadriceps during the Fever’s 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty last month. Initially expected to return in two weeks, Clark has yet to be cleared for Saturday’s game against the Liberty, which would mark her third week of absence. Her absence has had a ripple effect on the league’s ratings, with reports indicating a substantial decline in viewership for both the Fever and the league as a whole.
Nielsen data, as reported by USA Today, shows that nationally televised WNBA viewership is down 55% since Clark was injured on May 24. OutKick clarified these figures, noting that three of the four games Clark played in were aired on CBS and ABC, with one broadcast on NBA TV and another unlisted due to its broadcast on Amazon Prime. The Fever’s most recent game against the Chicago Sky drew an average of 1.92 million viewers, the WNBA announced Tuesday. This number reflects the third-highest viewership for a game carried by CBS, marking a significant increase from the network’s average regular season game viewership.
Despite the low viewership, the Fever’s matchup against the Chicago Sky saw a surge in interest, with the game drawing a substantial audience. Fever head coach Stephanie White indicated that the team is prepared for Clark to begin ramping back up, although she did not confirm if Clark is cleared for basketball activities yet. White mentioned that Clark and Sophie Cunningham, who has been sidelined since May 30, had ‘limited’ reps during practice. Clark’s performance this season has been impressive, averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists, and six rebounds in four games, underscoring her crucial role in the league’s success.
The league’s ratings drop is a clear indicator of how much Clark’s presence impacts the audience. Her absence has not only affected the Fever but has also contributed to a broader decline in the WNBA’s television ratings. Until she returns to the court, the league may continue to face challenges in maintaining its viewership numbers. The league’s management is likely under pressure to address these declining ratings and find ways to sustain the interest of its audience. As the season progresses, the impact of Clark’s injury on the WNBA’s ratings could become even more pronounced, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to maintain audience engagement.