**WNBA Ratings Decline Amid Caitlin Clark’s Injury**
**Meta Description:** WNBA viewership has dropped significantly as Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a quad injury, impacting both her team and league ratings.
**URL Slug:** wnba-ratings-decline-caitlin-clark-injury
**Headline:** WNBA Faces Significant Ratings Decline as Caitlin Clark Remains Injured
The WNBA is experiencing a notable decline in television ratings, coinciding with the absence of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who is currently sidelined due to a quadriceps injury. Clark has missed five consecutive games since straining her quad during a close match against the New York Liberty last month. Initially projected to be out for two weeks, the second-year guard has yet to receive clearance for the upcoming game against the Liberty, marking nearly three weeks since her injury.
Clark’s absence has not only affected the Fever but has also had repercussions for the WNBA’s overall viewership. According to a report from USA Today, Nielsen data indicates that nationally televised WNBA viewership has plummeted by 55% since Clark’s injury on May 24. Furthermore, games featuring the Fever have seen a 53% drop in viewership.
OutKick provided additional context, noting that of the four games Clark participated in prior to her injury, two were broadcast on CBS and ABC, while another aired on NBA TV. The fourth game was streamed on Amazon Prime and not rated by Nielsen. In contrast, three of the Fever’s games following Clark’s injury were shown on NBA TV or ION. The Fever’s latest matchup against the Chicago Sky attracted an average of 1.92 million viewers, marking the third-highest viewership for a game aired on CBS and a significant increase over the network’s average for regular season games, although it fell short of the season opener’s numbers.
Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed optimism on Monday, stating that the team is prepared for Clark to begin “ramping back up,” although she did not confirm whether Clark has been cleared for basketball activities. White also mentioned that both Clark and teammate Sophie Cunningham, who has been out since May 30, had “limited” participation in practice.
This season, Clark has been averaging 19 points, 9.3 assists, and six rebounds over her four games. The impact of her injury on both her team and the league’s viewership underscores her significance as a player in the WNBA.
**FAQ:**
**Q: How has Caitlin Clark’s injury affected WNBA viewership?**
A: Since Caitlin Clark’s injury on May 24, WNBA viewership has dropped by 55%, significantly impacting both her team, the Indiana Fever, and the league’s overall ratings.