The WNBA All-Star Game held on Saturday experienced a notable drop in viewership, largely attributed to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark missing the game due to injury. Saturday’s broadcast on ABC attracted an average of 2.19 million viewers, which marks a 36% decrease compared to last year’s game, when Clark’s participation significantly boosted interest.
Last Year’s Game Set a High Benchmark With Caitlin Clark Leading the Charge
Last summer’s WNBA All-Star Game drew 3.44 million viewers during a special event where Clark and her fellow WNBA All-Stars, after being excluded from the Paris Olympic team, competed against the U.S. Olympic squad. This matchup generated exceptional attention and fueled strong ratings, as noted by Ryan Glasspiegel in Front Office Sports.
WNBA All-Star Game 2.19 million viewers on ABC Down 36% from last year (3.44M) when Caitlin Clark and teammates played the Olympic team @FOS — Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) July 22, 2025
Viewership Remains Historically High Despite the Downturn
While the drop in ratings was expected with Clark sidelined, the 2.19 million viewers made this year’s All-Star Game still the second most-watched in the history of the event. Previously, before last year’s surge, the WNBA All-Star Game had struggled to attract over one million viewers since 2005, which saw 1.25 million tuning in.
Growth in Audience for Related Events Offers Encouraging Signs
Positively, the league recorded substantial gains in viewership for the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge held on Friday. These combined events nearly doubled their audience from the previous year, achieving an average of 1.32 million viewers on ESPN, indicating growing interest in WNBA specialty competitions beyond the main All-Star Game.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. During the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, Clark was spotted in the same suite as Swift. This marked the first time they attended a game together. Clark mentioned that Swift had invited him earlier this season.
Q. Why is Taylor Swift sitting with Caitlin Clark?
A. Taylor Swift was spotted sitting with WNBA player Caitlin Clark at the Chiefs home game against the Houston Texans. Shortly before this, Clark mentioned that Swift asked her to come to a Chiefs game.
Q. What did Taylor Swift give Caitlin Clark?
A. Taylor Swift gifted Caitlin Clark every T-shirt and sweatshirt from the Eras Tour collection. In 2024, when WNBA star Caitlin Clark went to Taylor’s concert in Indianapolis, Taylor made sure she got four bags of tour merchandise.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark hanging out with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark mentioned she and Swift enjoyed themselves a lot at the Kansas City playoff game, saying it was the ideal match to attend with Swift. Clark added that it was nice to see Swift so enthusiastic about the Chiefs and expressed joy in sharing that excitement with her.