WNBA fans react as Caitlin Clark’s injury triggers shocking 55% ratings collapse: "I was assured that Angel was the real draw"

Caitlin Clark’s injury has had a significant impact on the WNBA, and a recent report highlights just how drastic the drop in viewership has been since the Indiana Fever star was sidelined. The reigning Rookie of the Year hasn’t played since May 24, when she sustained a left quad strain during a game against the New York Liberty.

According to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt, national TV ratings have taken a staggering hit in Clark’s absence. The report states that the WNBA’s nationally televised viewership has dropped by 55% since her injury. Additionally, Indiana Fever games, which were averaging 1,810,000 viewers with Clark on the court, have seen that number fall to 847,000 — a 53% decline.

The report quickly made the rounds on X, prompting a wave of strong reactions. Fans emphasized Clark’s undeniable influence on the league’s popularity and called out critics who have previously downplayed her impact on the WNBA.

"What???? NO WAY! I was ASSURED that Angel was the real draw! Could it have ACTUALLY been Caitlin?" a fan said.

CoastguardNavyMom

@jtxccgn

LINK

What????

NO WAY!

I was ASSURED that Angel was the real draw!

😉

Could it have ACTUALLY been Caitlyn?

🤔

Another fan said:

Andy froemel

@FroemelAndy

LINK

The Caitlin Clark effect is real. People trying to downplay her impact are just hating, jealous, or both. The numbers don’t lie.

A fan commented:

Anthony Bibbs

@AnthonyBibbs19

LINK

(Sarcasm) You’re not supposed to say that out loud. You must hate women. You must hate black ppl. You must hate black women. I need to check with the mental health department and figure out why my brain is broken. (Sarcasm) 😂

Another fan commented:

Cyrus

@C6Cyrus

LINK

This data will make some folks nuts.

A fan wrote:

Jay

@STLLEGEND

LINK

Watch how they try to lie and spin this though.

Another fan wrote:

Carlos America

@CarlosBtnoCigar

LINK

The only ppl watching the WNBA are there for Caitlin Clark. Nobody’s paying money to see Angel Reese and the Rugmunchers shoot bricks and complain that the basket is racist bc the net is white. 🫤

Caitlin Clark has missed five consecutive games for Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark was initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks after being diagnosed with a left quad strain. While that timeline has passed, it appears she still has some way to go before making her much-anticipated return to the court.

The one-time All-Star has been cleared to begin ramping up her activity, but the Indiana Fever’s medical staff is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing her long-term recovery over a rushed comeback. So far, Clark has missed five consecutive games, with the Fever dropping three of those matchups.

Indiana is set to face the New York Liberty in their next game on Saturday. All eyes will be on whether Clark will be cleared in time to suit up for the high-profile showdown.