The WNBA is enjoying a historic rise in popularity, and no one has fueled it quite like Caitlin Clark. Even when sidelined by injury, her presence continues to drive headlines and viewership.
This season, WNBA ratings spiked by 21% overall. But notably, during a five-game stretch where Clark was out, ratings plummeted by 55%. The moment she returned? A stunning 2.8 million viewers tuned in.
Until recently, ESPN appeared hesitant to fully acknowledge Clark’s influence. Fans called out the network earlier this year after it released draft comparison graphics that skipped over 2024, Clark’s record-breaking draft class. That only deepened the perception that ESPN was downplaying her impact. But the narrative appears to be shifting.
Veteran guard Sophie Cunningham, now hosting the unfiltered podcast Show Me Something, reignited the conversation. Speaking candidly she acknowledged what many have speculated, which is that some WNBA players had targeted Clark with excessive physicality.
“I know the talks that Phoenix had in the locker room,” Cunningham said. “‘We’re going to show her what the W really is.'” While all rookies face tough play, Cunningham noted that Clark’s treatment seemed unusually harsh.
ESPN analyst Ramona Shelburne added perspective. “Some of that is just hazing,” she said, “but some of it is exactly what Sophie said.”
Shelburne also praised Cunningham for emerging as Clark’s unofficial enforcer, citing a recent clash with Jacy Sheldon as an example. When Sheldon pushed Clark to the ground, Cunningham answered with a hard foul of her own, and both players were ejected.
ESPN begins to recognize Clark’s true role
Now, ESPN voices are publicly labeling Clark as the most marketable name in women’s basketball. Some have even compared her impact on the WNBA to the cultural and commercial shifts brought by Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the NBA.
The network, long accused of treading carefully around Clark’s growing stardom, appears to be realigning its coverage.
Still, Clark’s on-court availability remains uncertain. She has missed over half of the Indiana Fever’s games this season due to lingering quad and groin injuries. Despite this, her numbers remain strong, averaging 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
However, her shooting has suffered, particularly on the road, where she’s made just 2 of 35 three-point attempts this season.
The Fever, holding a 14-12 record, have managed to stay competitive thanks to Aliyah Boston’s double-doubles and Kelsey Mitchell’s leadership. But there’s no doubt: when Clark returns, both the team and the league will benefit. And this time, even ESPN might be ready to give her the spotlight she’s earned.
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