The WNBA Finals recently recorded its largest audience since 2001, drawing in over 1.35 million viewers for Game 2 alone. This surge in viewership comes despite the absence of one of the league’s biggest current stars, Caitlin Clark. The Iowa standout, who has taken the basketball world by storm since entering the league, was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs with the Indiana Fever, but her presence continues to loom large over WNBA discussions.

The Finals’ increased ratings mark a major moment for the WNBA, which has seen significant growth in popularity this season. According to reports, it’s been over two decades since the league has consistently drawn over a million viewers for its championship series, making the 2024 Finals a key turning point for women’s basketball.

However, much of the debate surrounding the WNBA’s ratings is tied directly to Caitlin Clark’s influence. The Indiana Fever guard has been a massive draw for audiences, as shown during the first round of the WNBA playoffs, when viewership skyrocketed. Many feared that once Clark’s team was eliminated, ratings would drop dramatically. Substantial discussions have arisen around this topic, including commentary from WNBA legend Sue Bird, who recently addressed the issue on her podcast.

In a passionate take, Bird acknowledged Clark’s impact but also highlighted the sustained increase in WNBA viewership, even without her participation in the Finals. Bird noted that the league’s semifinals still broke records, surpassing a million viewers per game. This, she argued, showed that the WNBA’s popularity is not solely tied to one player. Bird also expressed frustration with ESPN commentators, such as Stephen A. Smith, who emphasized Clark’s significance in ways that, in her view, overlooked the broader appeal of the league.

Stephen A. Smith responded to Bird’s comments on his podcast, defending his position by stating that Clark’s presence had an “astronomical” impact on the WNBA’s growth. He argued that Clark’s influence helped build interest in the sport and raised the profile of the entire league. According to Smith, the attention Clark brought to the WNBA has helped keep fans engaged even after her team’s exit. He stated that media coverage should reflect the reality of her contribution, adding, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Smith’s remarks echo what many have observed throughout the WNBA season: Caitlin Clark has been a ratings phenomenon. According to reports, during the regular season, games featuring Clark and the Indiana Fever averaged 1.78 million viewers—significantly higher than the 394,000 average viewership for other games across the league. In comparison, the Finals series has seen viewership consistently exceed a million, showcasing both the long-term benefits of Clark’s influence and the growing interest in the league overall.

One of the most significant indicators of Clark’s impact came during her time at Iowa. The 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game, where she led the Iowa Hawkeyes, peaked at an astounding 24 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for women’s sports viewership. With Clark now in the WNBA, her fanbase has followed her, helping propel the league’s ratings to unprecedented heights.

Despite Clark’s absence from the Finals, the series between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx has been compelling, featuring excellent basketball and minimal off-court drama. Both teams have contributed to the Finals’ success, but it’s clear that the “Caitlin Clark Effect” continues to play a role in drawing fans to the sport.

Sue Bird’s perspective, though valuable, highlights the tension in balancing appreciation for Clark’s individual influence with recognizing the league’s overall growth. While Clark undoubtedly serves as a major attraction, Bird argues that the WNBA must continue to cultivate interest across all teams and players. The surge in viewership, even without Clark in the Finals, suggests the league is heading in the right direction.

As the WNBA prepares for Games 3, 4, and potentially Game 5 of the Finals, the future of the league looks brighter than ever. With record-breaking viewership, rising stars, and compelling storylines, the WNBA has positioned itself alongside other major sports leagues. If Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever make a deep playoff run in the future, the league’s viewership could reach new heights, potentially breaking records not just for women’s basketball but for professional sports as a whole.

This year’s Finals, even without Clark, have shown that the WNBA is more than just one player—it’s a league on the rise. Fans, players, and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what’s next for both Caitlin Clark and the WNBA.

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