USA Today Sports playing this news where it should be played, at the top of the app. The last time Caitlin Clark was out, more than half of the WNBA’s TV audience disappeared. Some people might not like that fact, but it’s the truth.

USA Today Sports is giving Caitlin Clark the spotlight she deserves, placing coverage of her absence right at the forefront. And rightly so. Her presence—or lack thereof—has proven to be a major factor in the WNBA’s viewership numbers. When Clark missed a game recently, the league saw a staggering drop in television audience, with more than half of viewers tuning out. That kind of shift isn’t just a fluke; it’s a clear sign of her growing influence both on and off the court.

Caitlin Clark’s magnetic appeal has transformed how fans engage with women’s basketball. From her college days to her professional debut, she’s drawn record-breaking audiences and brought in fans who may have never watched the WNBA before. Her sharp shooting, competitive spirit, and charisma have created a kind of gravitational pull that the league hasn’t seen in years. Whether people admire her skills or just want to witness the buzz firsthand, Clark is undeniably the central figure of this new era in women’s sports.

For some, the idea that one player could have such an outsized impact may be uncomfortable. Critics argue that it shouldn’t be this way, that a single athlete shouldn’t drive the ratings of an entire league. But the numbers don’t lie. Sports history is filled with game-changers—figures like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and LeBron James—whose fame reshaped how fans experienced their sports. Clark appears to be following in those footsteps, drawing national attention every time she steps on the court.

Her influence goes beyond the numbers. Caitlin Clark is becoming a cultural phenomenon, commanding headlines and redefining what it means to be a star in women’s basketball. Her popularity is pushing networks, brands, and even sports media to pay closer attention to the WNBA. In a league that has long battled for visibility and recognition, Clark’s rise could be the tipping point that finally shifts public perception and coverage.

Ultimately, the data speaks volumes. Caitlin Clark’s ability to move the needle in terms of viewership proves that her role in the league is far from ordinary. Her impact isn’t just hype—it’s measurable, significant, and still growing. And while some may resist giving one player so much credit, her effect on the WNBA is both undeniable and historic. As the league continues to evolve, Clark may very well be the catalyst driving it into its most-watched era yet.