The WNBA Playoff Ratings Crisis: A Deep Dive into the Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Absence

In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sports, the WNBA has carved out a significant niche, captivating fans with its thrilling gameplay and dynamic athletes. However, as the 2025 WNBA playoffs commenced, a stark reality emerged: ratings were plummeting, and the absence of star player Caitlin Clark loomed large over the league’s viewership. The Benandle Podcast recently addressed this alarming trend, calling attention to the numbers and the implications for the league’s future.

The Ratings Reveal

As the podcast kicked off, the host, Ben, set the tone with a candid approach, stating, “We’re calling a spade a spade.” This no-nonsense attitude resonated with listeners who were eager for an honest assessment of the WNBA playoff ratings. Game one of the playoffs had just concluded, and the numbers were in—ratings were dismal, with every game failing to hit the one million viewer mark. This was particularly shocking given the heightened expectations surrounding the playoffs.

Ben humorously recounted receiving a letter from the WNBA, filled with offers of press credentials and invitations to league events, but with an unmistakable undertone of desperation. The league seemed to be pleading for positive coverage amidst a ratings disaster, and Ben’s refusal to sugarcoat the situation was clear. “If you refuse to bolster ratings, your invitation will be revoked,” he read, underscoring the league’s precarious position.

.

.

.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ standout guard, had become a household name in women’s basketball. Her electrifying performances and ability to draw viewers had made her a pivotal figure in the league. However, her absence due to injury during the playoffs had a profound impact on viewership. Ben highlighted that the Indiana Fever’s game against the Atlanta Dream, which should have been a marquee matchup, fell flat without Clark’s star power.

The numbers told a stark story: the Fever’s ratings had plummeted, with the game failing to attract even one million viewers. “You’re telling me the Indiana Fever did such a great job turning off Caitlin Clark fans?” Ben remarked, expressing disbelief at how the league had mishandled Clark’s injury and its repercussions. The frustration was palpable as he discussed how the Fever’s management had failed to engage fans during this critical time.

A Deeper Look into the Numbers

Despite the overall decline, Ben pointed out that other games in the playoffs had seen an uptick in viewership. The rest of the WNBA playoff games averaged 545,000 viewers, a 28% increase compared to the previous year’s opening games. However, this was overshadowed by the catastrophic ratings of the Fever versus Dream matchup, which had drawn only 951,000 viewers—a number that would have been significantly higher with Clark on the court.

Ben delved into the specifics, noting that the game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Minnesota Lynx had attracted 680,000 viewers, a respectable number that still paled in comparison to the potential ratings with Clark playing. The contrast was stark; a regular season game featuring Clark had drawn 1.14 million viewers, while the playoff game without her failed to meet that benchmark.

The Fallout from Poor Management

The discussion turned critical as Ben addressed the WNBA’s management, particularly the handling of Caitlin Clark’s injury and the subsequent fallout. “The way they treated fans this year, the way the Fever went about the Caitlin Clark injury, it’s a disaster,” he lamented. This sentiment echoed the frustrations of many fans who felt disconnected from the league’s narrative due to poor communication and management decisions.

The podcast highlighted the disconnect between the league’s marketing efforts and the reality of the viewership experience. Fans were left feeling unvalued and frustrated, leading to a significant drop in engagement. “This league has been such a disaster this year,” Ben stated, emphasizing the need for the WNBA to reassess its strategies moving forward.

The Broader Implications for the WNBA

As the podcast progressed, Ben painted a broader picture of the WNBA’s challenges. The league had seen a slight increase in regular-season ratings, with ESPN and ABC reporting a 6% increase in viewership. However, this was not enough to offset the significant drop in playoff ratings. The new Nielsen data collection methods had also skewed comparisons, making it difficult to gauge true audience engagement accurately.

Ben’s frustration was evident as he dissected the playoff ratings further. He pointed out that even with a 19% increase in viewership for some games, the numbers were still disappointing. “Plus 19% and we still can’t get over half a million? That’s sad. That’s pathetic,” he declared, calling for accountability and change within the league.

The Path Forward

The podcast concluded with a call to action for the WNBA. Ben urged the league to prioritize fan engagement and transparency, especially regarding star players like Caitlin Clark. “Get your league in order,” he insisted, stressing the importance of addressing the issues that had led to the current ratings crisis.

As the playoffs continued, the WNBA faced a critical moment in its history. The absence of Caitlin Clark had exposed vulnerabilities within the league, highlighting the need for better management, marketing, and communication strategies. The future of the WNBA depended on its ability to adapt and respond to the needs of its fans, ensuring that the excitement and energy surrounding the league could thrive, even in the face of challenges.

Conclusion: A League at a Crossroads

The Benandle Podcast’s deep dive into the WNBA playoff ratings crisis served as a wake-up call for the league. Caitlin Clark’s absence had not only affected viewership numbers but had also illuminated broader issues within the WNBA’s management and fan engagement strategies. As the league navigated this tumultuous period, it became clear that the path forward would require a concerted effort to connect with fans, promote its stars effectively, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

With the right changes, the WNBA could reclaim its momentum and ensure that its playoff games, and the athletes who make them special, receive the recognition and viewership they deserve. The stakes have never been higher, and the future of women’s basketball hangs in the balance.