Journalist Criticized for Claiming WNBA Popularity Unaffected by Caitlin Clark's Playoff Exit
Analysis of WNBA attendance and viewership during the playoffs highlights the significant impact of Caitlin Clark's presence.
Former NBA player and journalist Etan Thomas faced criticism for suggesting that Caitlin Clark's exit from the WNBA playoffs would not affect the league's attendance and viewership. Thomas posted a video of Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals between the Atlanta Dream and the New York Liberty, framing it as a full house and sarcastically remarking on the supposed decline in interest.
However, observers pointed out that the upper bowl of State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of nearly 17,000, was tarped off, with an announced attendance of 9,745 for the game. This has led to questions about why a larger venue was not utilized if interest was still high without Clark's team, the Indiana Fever, participating.
Data shared by social media users indicates that games featuring the Indiana Fever, and specifically Caitlin Clark, have drawn significantly larger crowds and viewership numbers. For example, two regular-season games between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on June 20, 2026, and August 16, 2026, both reportedly sold out with 17,044 attendees. The August 16 game alone garnered 2.6 million viewers on ESPN, making it the most-watched WNBA game ever on cable at the time.
Critics argued that while other players like Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson are performing well, they do not generate the same level of ticket sales, shoe sales, or overall audience engagement as Clark. The analysis suggests that claims of Clark's influence being negligible are a misrepresentation of her impact on the WNBA's popularity.
This situation also brings to mind previous controversies, such as journalist Etan Thomas's commentary on a flagrant foul incident involving Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington. Thomas had previously accused Cunningham of exhibiting "White privilege" following the foul, an assertion that also drew scrutiny. The ongoing discourse around Clark's impact on the league continues to be a point of discussion among fans and media.