Did WNBA Ratings Go Up…or Down Without Caitlin Clark?

It has been a tough season for Caitlin Clark. In and out of the Indiana Fever lineup due to injuries. The former Hawkeye eventually was declared done for the season as the Fever prepared for the playoffs. So how would the WNBA fare without its biggest star on TV?

What Were the Average WNBA Ratings This Season?

The Des Moines Register reports that ESPN recently released a ratings recap for all the games that aired on ESPN and ABC this WNBA season. How did they compare to last season's record-breaking ratings? The 25 WNBA regular-season games on ESPN in 2025 were the most-watched on the platform in nearly 30 years. The Register reports that WNBA games on ESPN averaged 1.3 million viewers, up 6% from last year.

WNBA ratings were up in nearly every demographic. The Register reports that female viewership went up 13% and male viewership was up 2% in 2025.

READ MORE: Check out Caitlin Clark's Nike Logo!

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever Still the Top Draw

According to the Register, nine of the top ten most-watched WNBA games this season were Indiana Fever games. That includes the most-watched WNBA game EVER, the May 17th matchup between Caitlin Clark's Fever and Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. The Fever's 93-58 blowout of the Sky was seen by 3.1 million viewers!

Caitlin Clark's Injury Hurt the WNBA All-Star Game

The one game that was hurt by Caitlin Clark's absence was the WNBA All-Star Game. The Register reports that the game, held in Indianapolis, saw 36% fewer viewers than last season.