Caitlin Clark has been limited to just 13 games this season due to a series of injuries, the latest being a groin issue that ruled her out for the remainder of the season.
With Indiana likely bound for another early playoff exit, the question that has naturally arisen is whether ratings will take a hit in the WNBA playoffs.
On Hoops 360, analyst Ice Young suggested the impact of Clark‘s absence may be overstated.
“I’ll play devil’s advocate. If you were tuning in last year for Caitlin Clark in the playoffs, you only saw two games. If you were going to tune in this year, what did we just talk about? They’d have to steal one game in order to get to the next round. You may only see two games,” Young said.
Young’s observation reflects the reality of Indiana’s postseason struggles. Even with Clark available last year, the Fever bowed out quickly, limiting her exposure on the biggest stage.
This season, a first-round matchup against the Atlanta Dream looms, and without their floor general, Indiana could once again be sent home early.
New storylines driving fan interest
While Clark’s absence is significant, the league has no shortage of reasons for fans to stay engaged. The Nashville Valkyries, in their debut season, sold out all 22 home games and set a new standard for expansion buzz.
The Las Vegas Aces, led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, closed the season with 15 consecutive victories and are chasing a historic third straight championship. Atlanta, under new coach Karl Smesko, delivered 29 wins, the most in franchise history. And last year’s finalists remain in contention, adding intrigue to the playoff picture.
The broader numbers also show the WNBA‘s reach is expanding beyond one player. On August 21, league officials announced that attendance had already surpassed 2.5 million through 226 games, eclipsing a mark that took 256 games to set back in 2002.
That figure has since grown past 3 million, demonstrating just how strong the appetite for women’s basketball has become.
Clark was instrumental in accelerating the WNBA‘s growth, but her absence provides an opportunity for the league to prove that momentum is sustainable. With fresh stars emerging, powerhouse teams pushing for titles, and fan engagement at record highs, the postseason may continue to deliver impressive viewership figures.
Read the full article here
