Caitlin Clark's injury jeopardizes WNBA viewership and ticket sales, highlighting her crucial impact on the league's popularity.
When the Indiana Fever’s broadcast shifted away from Caitlin Clark’s sidelined figure, fans across the country immediately felt the void. The WNBA, which had recently enjoyed a surge in attention largely due to Clark’s electrifying play, found itself facing an abrupt challenge in maintaining growing viewer engagement and ticket sales.
Caitlin Clark impact on WNBA ratings and attendance has been undeniable, as her injury forced a sudden reassessment by broadcasters and promoters anxious about the league’s ability to sustain newfound momentum without its brightest star on the court.
Jeff Teague Highlights Risks to WNBA’s Popularity Without Clark
Jeff Teague, a former All-Star and 2021 NBA champion, expressed stark concerns on the Club 520 Podcast regarding the fragility of the WNBA’s recent popularity spike now that Clark is sidelined with a quadriceps injury. From his perspective as both a former player and broadcaster, he succinctly captured the looming threat with his blunt remark,
“Well, there goes the views. They said she was supposed to generate a billion dollars and s*** for the WNBA.”
—Jeff Teague, Former NBA All-Star and Commentator
Teague’s warning underlines how much the league’s current success is intertwined with Clark’s presence. Media outlets and sponsors are closely monitoring upcoming ratings, aware that declining numbers could jeopardize future broadcast agreements and marketing efforts.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed Clark’s exceptional influence during an interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast. She praised Clark as a “generational talent” whose arrival brought tens of millions of new viewers into the WNBA. Engelbert stated,
Image of: Caitlin Clark
“It is a balance, but she’s a generational talent… No league is ever about one player, but in this case, Caitlin brought tens of millions of new viewers into the W, and there’s no denying that impact — not just in the WNBA, but the world of sports.”
—Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
The league’s broadcast partners had expanded coverage this spring, heavily relying on Clark’s star power for ESPN prime-time slots and ION Sports telecasts. Now, networks face the challenge of adjusting to potentially lower audience numbers without her involvement.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Immediate Consequences of Clark’s Absence
Last year, Clark’s performances ignited unprecedented viewership levels. The May 17, 2025 Indiana Fever versus Chicago Sky game drew 2.7 million viewers on ESPN, peaking at 3.1 million—a high not seen in a quarter-century for a WNBA regular-seasonmatchup.
However, Clark’s injury has swiftly led to a significant drop in interest. Secondary ticket market prices for the June 7 Fever–Sky game plummeted from nearly $165 to as low as $35, indicating a steep fall in demand. Similar trends appeared in Sports Illustrated’s reporting, highlighting a 71% price drop from $86 to $25 following the injury news.
“The get-in price for Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky vs. Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever game on June 7 was $86 just 48 hours ago… now it’s down to $25 after Clark’s injury announcement”
—NBACentral via @TheDunkCentral
Sports commentator Skip Bayless emphasized Clark’s dominant role in boosting the Fever’s profile and the league’s overall ratings, saying,
“You’re just going to have to accept that she and she alone is driving the ratings way, way above what all of you together were able to generate before she first set foot on a WNBA stage.”
—Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
Caitlin Clark’s Exceptional Performance in the 2025 Season
In her second WNBA season, Clark demonstrated remarkable skill and leadership. On May 17, she produced a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a decisive 93–58 victory over the Chicago Sky, announcing herself as a formidable force early in the campaign.
Even during a less efficient shooting night on May 22 in Atlanta, Clark contributed 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds, helping the Fever secure an 81–76 win over the Dream. Her performance remained impactful despite off nights from beyond the arc.
A thrilling game on May 24 against the New York Liberty saw Clark explode for 18 points and 10 assists, though the Fever narrowly lost 90–88 after a controversial strip in the final moments. Throughout these early contests, Clark averaged 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, leading the league in playmaking and ranking near the top in scoring.
Her influence extends beyond statistics; Clark has become a symbol of the WNBA’s growth, both as an ambassador and as a key factor in the league’s expanding visibility.
Future Outlook for the WNBA Amid Clark’s Absence
Clark’s injury poses a critical test for the WNBA at a pivotal moment in its development. The months ahead will reveal how resilient the league can be without its brightest star, as TV ratings, ticket sales, and fan engagement data are closely watched for signs of lasting impact.
For now, the league faces the risk of losing momentum recently gained over two seasons of growth. When Clark returns, she will need to reignite nationwide enthusiasm amid a changed landscape, confronting not only opposing teams but also the challenge of revitalizing the broad excitement that her presence once sparked.
