WNBA Faces Sharp Viewership, Ticket, Betting Drops Without Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark has emerged as a transformative figure in the WNBA, dramatically boosting fan engagement, ticket sales, viewership, and sports betting activity, as evidenced by multiple reports following her injury absence. Her sidelining led to a sharp decline in ticket prices—some dropping over 90%—and a near 200% drop in TV viewership for Indiana Fever games, highlighting her unique drawing power. Despite her impact, WNBA commissioner Cathy Angelbert faced criticism for not emphasizing Clark's influence in her analysis of the league's growth. Clark's presence has been linked to the WNBA's increased popularity, with 22 games surpassing one million viewers this season, breaking longstanding records. However, some figures within the WNBA have downplayed Clark's role, attributing her popularity to factors beyond performance, which has sparked debate over fairness and recognition in the league. Overall, Clark's talent and star power appear central to the WNBA's current momentum, making her indispensable to its continued success.