The women’s basketball team representing the United States in Puerto Rico for a place in the FIBA championship looks, on paper, like a powerful and nearly unbeatable squad. However, there is something that does not seem to fit perfectly, and it is not a new issue but one that has been present for years.
Despite having great players such as:
- Caitlin Clark
- Angel Reese
- Paige Bueckers
- Chelsea Gray
- Kelsey Plum
Even with that talent, something still feels missing from this lineup.
They completely dominate their rivals, as they did in their most recent matchup against Italy, which they won 93-59. The individual numbers were impressive:
- Caitlin Clark: 12 points, 5 assists in 22 minutes on the court. 4-5 field goals
- Paige Bueckers: 12 points
- Kahleah Copper: 15 points
Unfortunately, they and everyone present realized something discouraging: very few people were in the stands to enjoy their brilliant plays.
This continues to happen, just as it did in the past. The stands look half empty.
Perhaps on US soil, these players are well known and generate considerable excitement among audiences, but beyond that, the reality is very different.
Fans notice the lack of attendance at the FIBA championship qualifier
It is painfully evident that the stands appear empty in the games played during this qualifying tournament.
That cool. Seats still look empty, though.
Not a single soul in the seats,
Pitched in another.
Yes, the Team USA qualifiers, even with Caitlin Clark, have drawn limited interest so far. Across three games, they have averaged just over 3000 spectators in a venue that holds nearly 18000. Because the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot is so large, the emptiness becomes even more noticeable.
Even so, many expected a much larger turnout simply because of Clark’s long-awaited return after eight months away.
Commented a fan.
And in their games, very few people have gone to watch them.
- Against New Zealand, there were only 36 people
- Against Senegal only 131 fans in the stands
Although this is not new. Qualifying tournaments have almost always drawn small crowds. Many prefer to watch on television or through streaming. The reality hits fans and players alike: outside the country, they remain little known and generate minimal local interest.
This contrast between elite talent and sparse attendance has become a recurring theme around the team. Game after game, the players deliver highlight passes, deep shots, and fast-paced sequences that underline their quality.
Yet the atmosphere inside the arena rarely reflects the level of play unfolding on the court. Rows of empty seats remain visible throughout the contests.
But it also highlights an ongoing challenge for women’s basketball beyond the United States. Star power alone has not yet translated into packed arenas during qualifiers.
Until broader international interest grows, scenes like those in Puerto Rico will likely continue. An uncomfortable reality for a team filled with stars.
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