The WNBA star claims that Caitlin Clark’s Fever’s playing more national TV games than the reigning champions is “kind of crazy.”

The WNBA’s upcoming season has sparked considerable discussion surrounding its national television broadcast schedule. While the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, are undeniably dominant, it is the Indiana Fever—led by highly anticipated rookie Caitlin Clark—that will receive the most national TV exposure. This disparity in coverage has prompted reactions from WNBA players, media personalities, and fans alike, with Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier describing the situation as “kind of crazy.”

The Fever’s National Spotlight

Caitlin Clark, a standout player from the University of Iowa, has been one of the most highly anticipated rookies in WNBA history. Her college career was marked by record-breaking performances, exceptional shooting ability, and an unprecedented fan following. As a result, the Indiana Fever’s schedule for the 2025 WNBA season includes 41 of their 44 games being broadcast on national television.

By contrast, the Las Vegas Aces, who have won back-to-back championships, will have 33 nationally televised games. This has led to debates over whether the Fever’s coverage is justified or if it signals a shift in the WNBA’s media strategy toward prioritizing marketability over championship pedigree.

Player Reactions: Napheesa Collier Weighs In

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was among those who voiced their surprise at the Fever’s dominant national coverage. While acknowledging Clark’s undeniable influence on viewership and interest in the league, Collier questioned whether the balance of coverage was fair.

“Obviously, people want to watch Caitlin play, and you have to put the people on TV that people want to see,” Collier said in an interview. “At the same time, there are stars all over the league, and you want good basketball as well.”

Collier’s comments echo a broader sentiment among WNBA veterans who believe the league should spotlight its existing talent as much as its new star. Many argue that established superstars such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Collier herself should be given more national exposure to showcase the league’s depth of talent.

The Business Side: TV Ratings and Attendance Impact

Despite the controversy, there is no denying Caitlin Clark’s impact on basketball viewership. During her final season at Iowa, Clark’s games shattered college basketball rating records. The 2023 NCAA Women’s National Championship, in which Clark played, peaked at 12.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever.

That momentum has carried over to the WNBA. In early season games, the Indiana Fever’s matchups averaged 1.178 million viewers, nearly tripling the league-wide average of 394,000 for other games. Additionally, Fever home games have drawn an average attendance of 16,084 fans, almost doubling the average WNBA attendance of 8,552. These numbers indicate a clear financial incentive for networks and the league to prioritize Clark’s games.

From a business perspective, it makes sense for the WNBA and broadcast partners such as ESPN, ABC, and CBS to maximize their investment in Clark. The Fever’s extensive national coverage is expected to drive overall ratings, increase sponsorship deals, and enhance league-wide visibility.

Balancing Marketability and Competition

While Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable, some argue that national TV coverage should be distributed based on competitive merit. The Las Vegas Aces have dominated the WNBA in recent years, led by superstars A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray. Given their championship pedigree, many feel they deserve the highest level of national exposure.

However, the WNBA has historically struggled with media coverage and mainstream visibility. With Clark’s arrival injecting new energy into the league, officials may see this as an opportunity to expand the fan base and create long-term benefits. If Clark’s games generate more viewers, other teams could benefit from the increased spotlight on the league as a whole.

Still, Collier’s comments highlight the potential downside of this approach: if too much attention is given to one player or team, the league risks alienating its existing stars and fan bases. Finding the right balance between capitalizing on Clark’s popularity and maintaining fair exposure for all teams will be a challenge for the WNBA moving forward.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The debate over the Fever’s national TV schedule has also ignited discussions among fans on social media. Some supporters argue that Clark’s popularity and impact justify the coverage, pointing out that growing the league should take precedence over past championships. Others, however, believe that teams like the Aces and New York Liberty deserve equal or greater exposure given their success on the court.

Many WNBA fans have also expressed concerns about the pressure placed on Clark. As a rookie, she is still adjusting to the professional level, and excessive media attention could create undue expectations. Additionally, opponents may feel extra motivation to challenge the Fever in high-profile games, making Clark’s transition even more demanding.

What This Means for the WNBA’s Future

The WNBA’s decision to prioritize the Indiana Fever in national broadcasts represents a strategic shift toward increasing mainstream visibility. Clark’s marketability provides a unique opportunity to draw new fans, sponsors, and media interest. However, this approach must be carefully managed to ensure that the league’s competitive balance and existing stars remain appreciated and promoted.

As the season progresses, the impact of this media strategy will become clearer. If the Fever’s games continue to drive record viewership and attendance, it could set a precedent for how future stars are marketed. On the other hand, if the coverage imbalance leads to discontent among players and fans, the league may need to reassess its approach to national broadcasts.

Regardless of where fans and players stand on the issue, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark has already transformed the landscape of the WNBA, and her influence will continue to shape the league for years to come.