Despite Caitlin Clark missing several games, initially highlighted by Athlon Sports, WNBA viewership has surged significantly in 2025. Even with Indiana Fever guard Kate Linklark sidelined for half the season, the league has seen impressive growth in its audience numbers.
Now in her second professional year, Clark continues to be the WNBA’s most recognizable figure and top draw. However, despite 13 out of 27 key games without her, national broadcasts are seeing increased ratings, reflecting the league’s expanding popularity.
Across 56 nationally televised games, the WNBA is averaging 794,000 viewers, marking a 21% increase from the full 2024 season, according to Nielsen data. Fever games remain particularly popular, drawing an average of 1.26 million viewers. Interestingly, games without the Fever have seen a 37% rise in viewership compared to last year, averaging 549,000 across 37 games, proving the league’s strength beyond Clark’s presence.
Clark still draws attention, with her season opener vs. Chicago Sky attracting 2.7 million viewers, but the game she missed did not diminish overall interest. CBS has aired two games this season that surpassed 1.9 million viewers, one featuring Clark and the other not. Other games averaged 906,000 viewers—a 33% increase from the same period last year, even exceeding the 2023 WNBA Finals’ numbers.
Viewership on ESPN (including ABC and ESPN2) increased by 3% year-over-year, and other platforms with varied distribution models rose by 4%. NBA TV, usually a minor outlet for WNBA content, saw a remarkable 58% viewer jump. This growth reflects not just Clark’s appeal but also the broadening national interest in different teams, matchups, and new talent.
These rating gains coincide with critical labor talks and rapid league expansion. During the 2025 All-Star Weekend, the WNBPA and WNBA commissioners met amid player protests demanding better compensation under a collective bargaining agreement expiring October 31st. Players seek higher pay, changes to revenue sharing, and guaranteed charter travel, expressing concerns about potential lockouts.
The league is growing fast, with plans to increase to 13 teams by 2025, followed by additions in Toronto and Portland in 2026, and possible further expansion in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia by 2030. This expansion aligns with a new $2.2 billion media rights deal starting in 2026. Rising TV numbers indicate the league’s growth extends beyond reliance on any single player, strengthening negotiation positions.
The surge in viewership signals a league maturing in its business and brand identity, alongside active labor discussions and expansion strategies. Ratings growth isn’t solely about Clark; it reflects fans’ broader excitement about the evolving WNBA narrative and market dynamics. These trends set a promising tone for the upcoming broadcast season.
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Fan Take: This news is a huge win for WNBA fans because it shows that interest in the league is expanding beyond individual stars, signaling a stronger, more sustainable future for women’s basketball. The rising viewership combined with labor talks and expansion plans hints at a growing, thriving league that’s ready to reach new heights both on and off the court.
