Clark’s All-Star Absence Raises Eyebrows as WNBA Ratings Plummet
The WNBA All-Star Game tipped off with a bold message, literally. Several players, including Caitlin Clark, wore T-shirts reading “Pay us what you owe us” before Saturday’s game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Calling attention to ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the league and the WNBA Player’s Association.
But while the players made a strong visual statement, the television numbers painted a far more concerning picture.
According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game drew 2.19 million viewers on ABC, marking a 36% drop from last year’s audience. That’s a steep decline, and it’s raising questions across the league.
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Could Clark’s Injury Have Affected Viewership
Last year’s All-Star format featured Team WNBA vs. Team USA in preparation for the Paris Olympics, a setup that drove high engagement. Caitlin Clark, who wasn’t part of the Olympic squad, played for the All-Stars, giving fans an underdog narrative to rally around.
This year, Clark was named a team captain, but didn’t play due to a groin injury. Her absence, along with the lack of an Olympic lead-in, may have contributed to the lackluster ratings. While it’s impossible to know for sure, it’s no secret that Clark’s presence has driven viewership spikes across the season.
Some fans remain outraged that Clark was snubbed from Team USA. And her playing in the All-Star Game again might have reignited that debate, and the ratings.
As the league fights for better pay and broader recognition, it’s clear that star power and momentum are more crucial than ever.
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