The WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis was supposed to be a marquee weekend for women’s basketball. But one major star was noticeably absent — Caitlin Clark, who missed the event due to a groin injury. Her absence didn’t just affect the game on the court, it may have impacted viewership, too.
Caitlin Clark, who’s become one of the league’s biggest draws since being drafted No. 1, sat on the sidelines as fans hoped for her return. Even so, ESPN PR took to social media on Tuesday to celebrate the event’s success with a graphic that said viewership was up 158% compared to last year’s game.
There was just one problem: the numbers didn’t tell the whole story.
ESPN’s Ratings Comparison Sparks Criticism
The issue wasn’t with the numbers themselves, they were technically accurate. But ESPN compared the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game to the 2023 version, not the 2024 game, which is the one Caitlin Clark actually played in.
USA Today’s Christine Brennan didn’t hold back. She called out the network for being misleading.
“Why does ESPN PR continue to mislead its followers?” Brennan posted on X. “The 2025 All-Star Game viewership was not historic. It was a huge drop from last year.”
She went on to point out that the 2024 game, which featured Clark, drew 3.44 million viewers. This year’s game with Clark sidelined saw a drop to 2.2 million.
That’s more than a one-million viewer difference, and a significant one at that. ESPN’s choice to highlight percentage growth based on 2023 rather than comparing to last year’s record-breaking broadcast raised eyebrows, and fans were quick to jump on the backlash.
WNBA Still Riding Momentum Despite Clark’s Absence
Despite the controversy, the WNBA continues to ride a wave of growing interest. The All-Star Weekend showcased elite talent and fan energy. But the numbers reinforce what many already suspected: Caitlin Clark moves the needle.
Caitlin Clark’s status remains uncertain, as she also missed Tuesday’s game against the New York Liberty. Her coach hasn’t provided a clear timetable for her return, and fans are hoping it won’t be long.
In the meantime, expect more heated debates. And even sharper eyes on how the league and media present the game’s growth.
