WNBA viewership dips after Caitlin Clark’s elimination, but Sunday’s Aces vs. Liberty game still sets a new record for semifinal viewership in over 20 years. Read on for more insights.
WNBA Viewership Sees a Drop Post-Clark, but League Growth Remains Strong
The WNBA is continuing its growth in popularity, but recent viewership numbers show the league’s reliance on breakout star Caitlin Clark. The semifinal matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty on Sunday averaged 929,000 viewers, a significant drop from the previous week’s Indiana Fever game featuring Clark, which drew 1.8 million viewers.
However, there’s more to the story. Sunday’s viewership number, while lower, still set a WNBA record, becoming the most-watched semifinal game in 22 years. The game aired on ABC at 3 p.m. ET and marks a key milestone in the league’s ongoing rise in popularity.
Clark’s Impact on WNBA Viewership
Caitlin Clark, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, has undeniably become a major draw for the WNBA. When the Fever played the Connecticut Sun the previous Sunday, 1.8 million viewers tuned in—highlighting the young star’s massive appeal. With Clark and the Fever out of the playoffs, it’s clear that her absence has had an effect on viewership numbers.
Despite this, Sunday’s Aces vs. Liberty game still attracted more viewers than any Finals game from the previous year. This indicates that while Clark is a significant draw, the league as a whole is still growing.
NFL’s Influence on WNBA Viewership
Sunday’s numbers also shed light on the challenge the WNBA faces in competing with the NFL for viewers. Game 2 of the Fever-Sun series, which aired on a Wednesday without NFL competition, averaged 2.5 million viewers—a WNBA playoff record for cable viewership. Comparatively, the first-round games that aired on Sundays alongside NFL games saw far fewer viewers.
This “NFL effect” highlights the competition between the two leagues for sports fans’ attention, especially during the crucial fall months when both the NFL season and WNBA playoffs are in full swing.
Expansion Draft on the Horizon
In addition to playoff action, the WNBA is also gearing up for major changes in 2025. The league announced details for the 2025 expansion draft, as the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the WNBA next season.
The expansion draft, scheduled for December 6, will allow the Valkyries to select from players on other teams, with each team permitted to protect up to six players. This is the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008 when the Atlanta Dream joined the league.
The addition of the Golden State Valkyries reflects the league’s continued growth and commitment to expanding its presence nationwide.
What’s Next?
While the drop in viewership post-Clark is evident, the WNBA’s trajectory remains upward. With the playoffs continuing, fans can expect more intense matchups as the Aces and Liberty continue their battle. Game 2 of both semifinals series aired on ESPN2 to make room for MLB playoffs, but the numbers will likely offer more insights into the league’s audience trends.
As the WNBA looks ahead to its expansion in 2025, it’s clear that the league’s growing fanbase and rising stars, like Clark, are helping to push it into new heights.
