Split Image of Angel Reese and Caitlin ClarkAngel Reese and Caitlin Clark (Photos via Imagn Images)
Angel Reese has likely come to the realization that she may have misjudged her influence on WNBA affairs, as the ratings tell a different story in Caitlin Clark’s absence.

Clark is undoubtedly the biggest draw in women’s basketball at the moment, so WNBA ratings ha dropped following an injury that has ruled her out for more than two weeks.

The WNBA had experienced a significant uptick since the point guard was selected as the No. 1 overall pick last year, but Reese claimed she was also part of the attraction as she argued that Clark was not solely responsible for the improved ratings.

“We got celebrities coming to games. Sold out arenas…The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of 1 person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that,” she said last year.

WNBA And Fever Games Take A Hit Following Caitlin Clark’s Injury

Angel Reese standing next to Caitlin ClarkAngel Reese and Caitlin Clark (Photo via Imagn Images)
It does appear that Angel Reese was not entirely correct, as the data suggests otherwise. According to Nielsen (H/T USA Today), WNBA viewership is down 55 percent since Clark stopped playing.

 

The Indiana Fever star has missed five games since suffering a quad injury in a game against the New York Liberty on May 24.

Nationally televised Fever games are down 54 percent. The average viewership was at 1,810,000 before she was injured and has dropped to 847,000 since she got sidelined.

Clark’s involvement earlier in the season saw to sold-out arenas and record-breaking television ratings, but the appeal has left with her.

The dip in ratings has exposed how much the WNBA relies on Caitlin Clark as a draw. Fortunately, she should not be out for that much longer, but the league would benefit from developing other marketable players to avoid such drastic changes whenever she is out.