On Thursday afternoon, Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s star player, announced that a right groin injury sustained in the final moments of Tuesday’s 85-77 win over Connecticut would sideline her from Friday’s 3-point contest and Saturday’s All-Star Game. This is her third injury in two months. A left groin strain cost her five games, including the Commissioner’s Cup Championship.
A left quad issue led to another five absences. Clark, the 23-year-old who topped All-Star fan votes, has missed nearly as many games (11) as she’s played (12) this season. Her absence will be felt on and off the court, especially regarding TV ratings, as most WNBA fans joined the league last year during her Rookie of the Year campaign, making her a key draw.
Clark’s Injury Sidelines a Ratings Magnet
Caitlin Clark’s withdrawal dims the spotlight on this year’s All-Star weekend, particularly after her injury-free 139-games in her college career and all rookie season. This third injury in a tough second year has her sidelined for 11 of 23 games. Last year, her controversial Olympic Team snub fueled the most-watched All-Star Game ever, with 3.44 million viewers on ABC-more than doubling the 2003 record of 1.44 million-when her WNBA All-Stars beat the Olympic squad.
Without her on-court presence or Olympic drama, viewership is expected to dip, though the WNBA has proven resilient, with several Clark-less games still pulling over a million viewers. The 2025 game may still outpace 2003 to rank second, but topping last year’s numbers looks unlikely. As Indianapolis’ host team star, plastered on airport signs and set to debut in the 3-point contest, her absence leaves a void, though coach Stephanie White prioritizes her long-term health.
It’s a big deal to have All-Star in Indianapolis, and of course, with Caitlin being a focal point of that. As the coach of the Indiana Fever it’s not a bigger deal than our long-term season, but it’s also part of the fun. The big picture is most important for her health and wellness long-term and for our team.
Spotlight Shifts to Reese, Bueckers, and Collier
With Clark out, the WNBA will turn to its other star players to offset the expected drop in ratings. Angel Reese, the league’s hottest player, is riding a nine-game double-double streak. She’s averaging 18.1 points and 14.9 rebounds, shooting at a .504% clip-her career peak-and chasing her own 15-game rookie record.
Reese in 21 games has recorded 15 double-doubles, and is on pace to become the first player to reach 500 rebounds in a season, surpassing A’ja Wilson’s 451 rebounds record from last year. Had it not been for the injury she suffered at the end of her rookie year, Reese would have been the record holder.
The Fever, who have five more wins than Reese’s struggling Chicago Sky, will still benefit from her absence. Another rookie sensation, Paige Bueckers, averages 18.4 points and 5.5 assists. MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier adds star power. Shining the spotlight on these players could soften the blow to viewership, though Clark’s absence will surely impact the numbers.
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