Even Without Caitlin Clark on the Court, Indiana Fever Continue to Draw Surging WNBA Ratings and National Audience Attention

The WNBA is in the midst of a surge unlike anything it has seen in decades, and at the heart of the conversation—directly or indirectly—is the name Caitlin Clark. But while the Iowa phenom and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has quickly become the face of the league in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, recent television ratings have shown that the team’s drawing power goes beyond her mere presence on the floor.

In games where Clark has been unavailable or less visible—either due to rest, injury, or limited minutes—the Indiana Fever have continued to command attention. Television numbers and streaming metrics have shown a noticeable uptick in viewers tuning in to Fever games, even when the centerpiece attraction is not actively competing. This phenomenon, both surprising and illuminating, reveals how Clark’s impact is not limited to what she does with the ball in her hands. She has elevated the Indiana Fever to a status of national relevance and curiosity that’s increasingly proving sustainable.

Some industry analysts chalk this up to residual momentum. The audience that followed Clark through her trailblazing collegiate career at Iowa—complete with sold-out arenas, viral highlight clips, and record-breaking scoring performances—has largely migrated with her into the professional ranks. For many of these fans, their commitment to watching Fever games has been about more than just seeing Clark take the court. It’s about following a story that continues to unfold in real time.

In the weeks following the season’s start, games involving the Fever have consistently been among the most-watched matchups in the league, regardless of the final score or Clark’s individual stats. One particular game in which Clark sat out due to precautionary reasons still drew in hundreds of thousands of viewers—more than some entire playoff series in recent WNBA seasons. That’s the kind of impact not seen since the early days of stars like Lisa Leslie or Diana Taurasi.

But what makes this ratings pattern even more compelling is how it suggests a broadening of the WNBA’s appeal. While there’s no denying that Clark is the initial hook, she’s also become a gateway to introduce audiences to a larger, richer WNBA ecosystem. Fans tuning in to see Clark may end up discovering the tenacious play of Aliyah Boston, the leadership of Kelsey Mitchell, or the elite athleticism of other top-tier players on both sides of the ball. In this way, Clark’s arrival isn’t just a personal spotlight—it’s a collective elevation.

This effect has been likened to how rookies like LeBron James or Zion Williamson once helped spike NBA ratings. The entire league benefited, not just their respective teams. Opposing franchises now market Fever games with the expectation of increased ticket sales and media coverage, regardless of whether Clark is available or not. Opponents are being showcased more than ever, and game-day environments are shifting to accommodate expanded media setups and bigger-than-usual crowd sizes.

Clark’s absence from the floor also adds to a growing narrative element. Every minute she’s on or off the court builds tension and intrigue. How does the team perform without her? Can they adjust their system? What does it say about the coaching staff and their ability to manage talent? These are questions that create compelling sports television, particularly for viewers with even a passing interest in the league.

From a team branding perspective, the Fever are capitalizing on the moment. They’ve revamped their social media strategy, pushed out behind-the-scenes content, and positioned themselves as a must-watch team beyond any single player. There’s a deliberate effort to convert one-time viewers into season-long fans by promoting the identity of the full roster and the team’s competitive narrative.

That strategy seems to be working. Merchandise sales are up across the board—not just for Clark jerseys, but for team-branded gear in general. Local and national sponsorships are rolling in. Community outreach programs are getting higher visibility thanks to the platform Clark has helped build. Every element of the Fever’s organization is being lifted by the windfall of attention, and crucially, they’re planning for long-term growth beyond the initial Caitlin Clark spike.

Interestingly, the WNBA as a whole appears to be learning from this success. League executives have hinted that the increased visibility of the Fever and the undeniable curiosity surrounding Clark have provided a blueprint for how other teams might grow their own audience. Investing in storytelling, giving players more media space, and scheduling high-profile matchups during primetime slots are now becoming norms rather than exceptions.

All this comes as the Fever continue to navigate the season with a roster still trying to find its rhythm. Clark’s transition to the professional game hasn’t been without its bumps—adjusting to the speed, the physicality, and the new team dynamics takes time. But in many ways, her occasional absence has given the team the opportunity to develop other players and test new systems without the crutch of always leaning on their rookie star.

Aliyah Boston, for example, has taken on more responsibility in the paint, becoming a foundational piece on both ends. Kelsey Mitchell has shown flashes of leadership and shot-making that indicate a readiness to anchor the team in crunch moments. Lexie Hull and Kristy Wallace have stepped into expanded roles as well. The Fever are beginning to evolve from a team with one transcendent figure to a team with multiple compelling contributors—and viewers are noticing.

There’s also the media component. Sports networks and streaming platforms are giving the Fever top billing even when Clark isn’t playing. Pregame shows, halftime breakdowns, and postgame interviews are all being used to amplify the team’s story. Clark is frequently a topic, but she’s no longer the only topic. The narrative has broadened.

For years, critics argued the WNBA lacked star power and marketable storylines. Now, that conversation has flipped. With one draft pick, the Fever helped usher in a new media era—one where social engagement, television ratings, and crossover cultural moments are finally aligning with the on-court product. And most importantly, they’re showing that this engagement is not fleeting. It’s deepening, even when the star attraction is momentarily out of sight.

This shift has implications far beyond Indiana. Other teams are already seeing the ripple effects, with attendance numbers climbing and more games being picked up by national networks. Young players coming into the league now have a much larger spotlight and infrastructure of support. There’s a growing belief among fans, analysts, and even casual observers that the WNBA is entering its golden age—not just because of Caitlin Clark, but because of what she has inspired around her.

That inspiration is particularly evident in how viewers are engaging with the Fever as a team, not just a vehicle for Clark’s talents. From tactical discussions about defensive switches to conversations about bench depth and roster development, the basketball discourse is getting more sophisticated. And that’s a sign of a healthy, maturing fan base—one that will stick around even after the novelty fades.

So while Clark remains the brightest light in the current WNBA constellation, the stars around her are starting to shine more brightly, too. And in Indiana, a franchise that spent years rebuilding and weathering irrelevance, the return on that investment is beginning to show in more ways than one.

Even when she’s off the court, Caitlin Clark is still changing the game. But perhaps the most powerful signal yet is that the Fever—and the league—are proving they can carry that momentum forward with or without her in uniform. That’s not just good news for the short term. That’s a sign of enduring transformation.