Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

WNBA Viewership and Attendance Surge Even Without Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

The league continues to see an increase in viewership and attendance despite injuries of big names.

Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana Fever’s star Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese are two of the most popular players in the WNBA currently. Apart from their individual popularity, Clark and Reese share an intense rivalry, which has garnered fans’ attention even before their WNBA debut. Both these players, especially Clark, have played a key role in increasing the popularity of the league, and take it to where it is right now. In 2024, the WNBA delivered its most-watched regular season in 24 years, and finished with its highest attendance in 22 years.

As the league entered the 2025 season, the management was hopeful of attracting more viewers and attendees at games. But as luck would have it, both Reese and Clark had to be sidelined for quite a few games due to their injuries. Not only this, but names such as Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are also sidelined. However, despite that the league continues to see growth in television viewership and attendance at arenas during the 2025 season.

According to the latest data, ESPN broadcasts are drawing higher ratings than those at this point last season. Not only this, but record also suggests that ABC games have gone up by 17%. In addition, Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press reports that the attendance in arenas has also gone up because of the league’s expansion. The Golden State Valkyries have sold out every home game and are averaging more than 18,000 fans per game.

When Will Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark Return?

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been out of action with her right groin injury, which she suffered during the clash against the Connecticut Sun on July 15. Since then, she missed 11 straight games and 19th overall game this season. However, despite such a prolonged absence, there is no official return timeline set for Clark. On Tuesday, the Fever locked horns with the Wings, and Clark was not seen in their practice session on Monday.

While there is no latest update, the Fever released an injury update regarding the 2024 Rookie of the Year. The statement read that Clark “underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered.” The team is working with the medical team for her speedy recovery and quick return.

On the other hand, Sky forward and Clark’s arch-rival, Angel Reese will miss her sixth straight game as the Sky lock horns with the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, August 13. She has been dealing with a back spasm since the All-Star break and has only played in two of the games.

Since the regular season is approaching its end, both teams would want to maximize their chances of winning most of the games. While the Sky’s chances of making it to the playoffs are almost null, they would still want to end the regular season with a winning spree. It is to be seen when Clark and Reese return to action.

Angel Reese

Caitlin Clark

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.