WNBA Playoff Ratings Drop 91% After Caitlin Clark’s Exit

The WNBA is grappling with a dramatic 91% decline in playoff viewership following the elimination of Caitlin Clark, the electrifying former Iowa star. Clark, who dazzled fans with her exceptional skills and game-changing performances, had become a major draw, sparking unprecedented interest in women’s basketball.

Her exit from the postseason not only dealt a blow to her loyal fanbase but also caused a sharp drop in ratings, underscoring the pivotal role standout athletes like Clark play in capturing audience attention. This steep decline has left league officials concerned and has sparked discussions on how to maintain viewership without star power on the court.

While this significant dip in ratings is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for the WNBA to recalibrate its strategies and find new ways to connect with audiences. The league’s ability to navigate this challenge will be crucial in maintaining momentum for women’s basketball and ensuring its continued growth in the sports landscape.

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA impact: Record-breaking 2.5 million viewers for playoffs, will they stay?

The Indiana Fever guard continues to attract massive audiences, pushing WNBA viewership to new heights

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Playoff Game Smashes TV Viewership Records with 2.5 Million Viewers(AP Photo/Jessica Hill)LAPRESSE

In the world of women’s basketball, few players have captured the spotlight like Caitlin Clark. Since her electrifying debut in the WNBA, Clark has redefined the sport’s viewership potential, taking the league to unprecedented heights and shattering records. The 2024 WNBA playoffs were no different, with Clark once again at the heart of the excitement.

For years, women’s basketball has fought for visibility, and Wednesday night’s playoff showdown between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun was another major breakthrough. ESPN reported that Game 2 drew an incredible 2.5 million viewers, setting a new record for the most-watched WNBA game ever aired exclusively on cable. This figure isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reflection of Clark’s magnetic appeal and the growing cultural shift in how fans are embracing women’s sports.

Although the Fever fell to the Sun in the first-round series, Clark’s impact on ratings is undeniable. Even Sunday’s Game 1, which aired on ABC during the NFL’s prime time—a notorious ratings competitor—still managed to attract 1.8 million viewers. That number, impressive on its own, becomes even more remarkable given the challenges of competing in what’s often called a “death zone” for TV ratings. Clark’s presence has become a game-changer for the WNBA, both on and off the court.

Throughout the regular season, Caitlin Clark’s games consistently drew in viewers at a historic rate. According to Fox Sports’ Michael Mulvihill, games featuring Clark and the Indiana Fever averaged 1.178 million viewers—nearly triple the 394,000 average for other WNBA games. For a league that has long struggled for visibility compared to its male counterparts, these numbers mark a pivotal shift in its trajectory.

### Caitlin Clark’s College Stardom Still Outshines the WNBA, but the Gap Is Closing

To put this into perspective, last year’s WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty averaged 728,000 viewers. Yet Clark’s regular season games were already surpassing these numbers, highlighting how extraordinary her presence has been in the league’s history. However, there is still room to grow. While Clark’s WNBA impact has been significant, her college career remains a benchmark in terms of viewership.

The 2023 NCAA Women’s National Championship game, which featured Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes against South Carolina, drew an astonishing 18.7 million viewers—a number that the WNBA can currently only dream of reaching. But with Clark’s undeniable star power, the gap between college and professional women’s basketball viewership may not remain so vast for much longer.

### Offseason Adventures and Future Plans

Now that the Fever are out of the playoffs and Clark has wrapped up two grueling back-to-back seasons, she’s finally able to take a well-deserved break. When asked about her offseason plans, Clark responded in her typically lighthearted, competitive style:

“I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow, I don’t know what I’m going to do the next day. Maybe play some golf. That’s what I’m gonna do until it becomes too cold in Indiana,” she joked.

It didn’t take long for the LPGA to join the conversation, responding with: “Count us in.” Once again, Clark proves her influence extends beyond the basketball court—her next adventure may be on the green, showing that her charm and competitive spirit transcend sports.