CAITLIN Clark is not playing in the WNBA All-Star game, and her exclusion could lead to a ratings drop for the first time in years.
Clark announced on Thursday that she would be unable to play due to injury.
Boston, MA – July 15: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to a possible injury in the fourth quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)[/caption]
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark talks to fans before a WNBA basketball game against the New York Liberty Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)[/caption]
Clark was the captain of one of the All-Star teams and was set to compete in the three-point contest.
The Indiana Fever guard won’t be involved in either of the events now.
“I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend,” Clark said.
“I want to thank the Indianapolis Host Committee and all of the people that have put endless work in over the past year to put this event together. I know this will be the best All-Star yet.
“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body.
“I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win.
“Can’t wait to see you all out there!”
Last year’s All-Star game drew record viewership with a record average of 3.44 million viewers on ABC.
That more than doubled the previous record of 1.44 million in 2003.
In 2023, the All-Star game averaged 850,000, which was the most watched in 16 years.
It was possible that this year’s game could surpass last year’s viewership with the star power involved.
Names like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers were all set to face off.
However, with no Clark there is likely no chance the broadcast crosses the 3 million threshold this year.
Fans have already shared their plans to not watch the game after Clark’s injury on social media.
WNBA 2025 All-Star Roster
Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have been named captains of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
Guards:
- Paige Bueckers* – Dallas Wings
- Caitlin Clark* – Indiana Fever
- Sabrina Ionescu* – New York Liberty
- Allisha Gray* – Atlanta Dream
- Kelsey Mitchell – Indiana Fever
- Skylar Diggins – Seattle Storm
- Kelsey Plum – Los Angeles Sparks
- Brittany Sykes – Washington Mystics
- Natasha Cloud – New York Liberty
- Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces
Frontcourt:
- Napheesa Collier* – Minnesota Lynx
- A’ja Wilson* – Las Vegas Aces
- Breanna Stewart* – New York Liberty
- Aliyah Boston* – Indiana Fever
- Nneka Ogwumike* – Seattle Storm
- Satou Sabally* – Phoenix Mercury
- Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
- Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics
- Gabby Williams – Seattle Storm
- Alyssa Thomas – Phoenix Mercury
*Voted as a starter
“RIP to me watching,” one fan said.
“Viewership down by 2 million,” another fan said.
“My week is ruined,” a third fan said.
“Nobody watching now,” fourth fan said.
“Well there goes those ratings,” a fifth fan said.
