The energy around the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis was supposed to revolve around Caitlin Clark. Last year, her move to the Indiana Fever triggered a booking frenzy in hotels and sent ticket prices soaring.
This summer, however, the biggest event on the WNBA calendar faced a major curveball when Clark, nursing a groin injury, made it official: “I can’t participate in the 3-point contest or the All-Star game.” Almost instantly, tickets for Fever vs Sky plummeted by 70 percent, and the question lingered-without the rookie sensation, would the fans still come?
For Ben Pickman and Zeina Keita, hosts of the “No Offseason” podcast, the story was about more than just one missing superstar. “I think there was a little bit of caution heading into the weekend once Caitlin Clark was ruled out with an injury of just what would the energy be like,” Pickman reflected. That apprehension was understandable. Even Sue Bird had voiced concerns last year about the league’s struggle to match the cultural impact of college basketball. “It wasn’t the same platform as college basketball,” Bird said, pointing to empty seats and lackluster media attention.
All-Star Weekend in Indy delivers despite Clark’s absence
Yet as soon as All-Star festivities began, those worries faded. The city was alive with orange carpet arrivals, corporate sponsor events, street courts, and live streams. “The Orange Carpet was live,” said Kelsey Plum, who highlighted how this year’s event felt like the league’s most electric showcase yet. Pickman agreed, noting that “the energy was awesome… you felt it when you watched WNBA live.”
While Clark‘s absence was felt, fans still waited over half an hour to meet their favorite players, and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse was packed for the marquee events.
Ratings took a dip, down 36 percent from last year’s All-Star game, but 2.2 million viewers still tuned in-making it only the third time in league history the game crossed a million viewers. Remarkably, the 3-point contest and skills challenge drew an even bigger audience than last year, up 89 percent despite Clark‘s absence. Keita summed up the significance: “When it came to the popularity of the WNBA, vs the popularity of the college game… now, it feels as if it’s there.”
The league’s momentum is not solely built on one player. “Sure, Caitlin Clark helped bring the surge and her appearance still dictates ratings, but they aren’t all depending on her anymore,” Keita said. While Clark‘s stardom sparked a cultural shift, fans are now invested in the league as a whole, with a new generation of stars stepping into the spotlight.
Clark’s recovery and the Fever’s cautious approach
Clark‘s absence stems from a right groin injury-her third setback of the season. Fever head coach Stephanie White has made it clear that the team will not rush her return: “Gradually integrate the athlete back.”
According to an official statement, “Caitlin Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered. Clark will continue working with the medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being. There is no timetable available for her return.”
The Fever, and the WNBA, are learning to adjust. The future looks promising, with or without the player who started it all. The All-Star Weekend was proof that the WNBA’s growth is real-and just maybe, its best days are still ahead.
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