Caitlin Clark JUST EXPOSED ESPN’s BIG LIE About the WNBA All‑Star Game

When the dust settled on the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, one undeniable theme emerged: Caitlin Clark’s absence cost the league—and ESPN—a golden moment of viewership glory.

ESPN’s Misleading Spin

In the days following the All-Star showdown, ESPN PR touted a staggering 158% increase in viewership—a statistic they splashed across promotional graphics to highlight the league’s perceived momentum. At first glance, it looked like the WNBA was riding a new wave of popularity. But the celebration quickly unraveled upon scrutiny. The comparison wasn’t to 2024, a year in which Clark exploded onto the scene and played in the game. Instead, ESPN compared 2025’s numbers to 2023, a year marked by notably lower interest since Clark was still in college at the time.

Clark Fans Call It Out—and Rightly So

Veteran sports journalist Christine Brennan didn’t hold back on X, calling out ESPN’s messaging as misleading:

“Why does ESPN PR continue to mislead its followers? […] In 2024, 3.44 million watched when Caitlin Clark played in the game. This year, with Clark injured, viewership plummeted to 2.2 million.”

In reality, the numbers showed a 36% drop year-over-year, not an increase. While 2025’s All-Star still drew over 2 million viewers—making it the second-highest audience in history—it was undeniably lower than the record-setting 2024 game, which peaked at 3.44 million viewers.

Why It Matters

Caitlin Clark has become more than a player—she’s a movement. Her presence on the court consistently drives attendance, TV ratings, and media attention. Even sidelined with a groin injury, Clark remained a central figure, serving as a team captain this year, but her absence on the floor was felt—and measured.

By comparing 2025 to 2023, ESPN obscured the obvious: Clark’s injury directly impacted viewership, and the decline was no anomaly to gloss over. Critics argue that the misleading comparison ignored how much the league relies on her star power—and the narrative momentum she brings.

The Takeaway

This episode goes beyond nitpicking numbers. It highlights how media framing can shape—or mislead—public perception. While the WNBA still enjoyed a relatively strong All-Star weekend, it wasn’t the breakout moment ESPN claimed.

Caitlin Clark didn’t just expose ESPN’s “big lie”; she reminded everyone how vital her presence has become. Without her, that televised event wasn’t just missing a player—it was missing the spark that turns casual viewers into fans.