Caitlin Clark, a standout of the WNBA, continues to be one of the league’s most popular athletes, with her jersey sales surpassing those of LeBron James since 2024. This season, every game featuring Clark ranked among the top 15 in WNBA broadcasts, and her appearances consistently attracted sellout crowds. Despite her significant influence in the sport, journalist and former NBA player Etan Thomas attempted to argue that Clark's playoff exit would not affect WNBA attendance or viewership, but this claim received widespread criticism.
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On Monday, Thomas shared a video on X showing the crowd at Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals between the Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty. Although the crowd appeared energetic, it was misrepresented as a sellout. State Farm Arena, which can hold nearly 17,000 spectators, announced an attendance of 9,745 for the game, with the upper bowl tarped off, suggesting significant interest was lacking without Clark’s presence.
Critics pointed out previous attendance figures, noting that during earlier matchups between the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, crowds reached 17,044. One user remarked that the decision to host the playoff game in a larger venue likely resulted in financial losses given the empty seats. Viewership numbers from previous games also pointed to a substantial decline without Clark, who brought a unique draw to the WNBA.
Thomas faced backlash on social media for his comments, with users highlighting the stark contrast in attendance and viewership numbers compared to games featuring Clark. His post drew humorous responses, including a reference to "The Lion King" that likened empty seats to a metaphorical representation of neglect.
This exchange underscores the ongoing conversation about the visibility and popularity of different players within the WNBA, particularly Clark, whose appeal surpasses that of her peers. As Thomas continues to critique Clark and her supporters, he risks further ridicule, especially when the final viewership data is released.