Caitlin Clark’s Absence Costs 64% Viewership as Iowa Hawkeyes Face Brutal Reality Check

Stephen A. Smith has bestowed upon Caitlin Clark the moniker of the “Golden Goose of WNBA” for her significant impact on the league’s popularity. Her presence has undeniably brought extraordinary growth, with her college success at Iowa foreshadowing the influence she would have in the WNBA. The effect of Clark’s presence is evident in the increased viewership of Iowa’s games, contrasting with initial expectations.

A report by Sports Media Watch examined viewership trends in women’s college basketball, highlighting a decline in viewers for Iowa’s games this season. The absence of Caitlin Clark from the roster has resulted in a 64% decrease in viewership compared to the previous season, emphasizing her impact on attracting viewers.

During her time at Iowa, Caitlin Clark set records for viewership, culminating in 3.02 million viewers for a game on CBS in the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament final. However, this season has seen a drop in TV viewership, indicating the lasting impact of Clark’s departure and the retirement of head coach Lisa Bluder.

Despite strong support from Iowa fans at home games, TV viewership numbers have not matched Clark’s era records, highlighting the enduring influence of the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” Her impact extends beyond basketball, as seen in her appearance at The Annika event, drawing attention from other sports stars like golf legend Annika Sörenstam and tennis player Caroline Dolehide.

How Caitlin Clark continues to shape sports and fan engagement

Annika Sörenstam and Nelly Korda both praised Caitlin Clark’s ability to draw crowds and captivate audiences, demonstrating her wide-reaching appeal. Her departure from Iowa has left a noticeable void, emphasizing the unique aura she brought to the sports world.