WNBA All-Star Game viewership drops, but second-most watched ever
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA – Viewership for the WNBA All-Star Game, held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, saw a notable drop from its record-breaking 2024 numbers, averaging 2.2 million viewers on ESPN. Despite the decrease, the league announced on Tuesday, July 22, that the annual showcase was still the most-watched program of Saturday night across all television and the second most-watched All-Star Game in WNBA history.
Factors Behind the Viewership Shift
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game benefited significantly from the presence of Indiana Fever sharpshooter Caitlin Clark and a unique format that pitted the U.S. Olympic team against All-Stars not selected for the national roster. This year’s game, while still highly anticipated, faced different circumstances.
Caitlin Clark, expected to be one of the biggest attractions for the event in her home market, was unfortunately sidelined days before the game due to a groin injury. Although she was present on the sidelines, supporting the team she co-captained, her absence on the court likely contributed to the viewership adjustment. Additionally, the return to a more traditional All-Star format, as opposed to the Team USA vs. All-Stars setup of 2024, may have also played a role in the slight dip from last year’s unprecedented numbers.
Despite the decline from the 2024 record of 3.4 million viewers, the 2.2 million average viewership for 2025 still represents a substantial increase (158%) compared to the 2023 All-Star Game, which averaged 850,000 viewers. This indicates continued significant growth for the league.
Skills and Three-Point Contests See Soaring Numbers
While the main All-Star Game saw a dip from its peak, the preliminary events on Friday, July 18, demonstrated tremendous growth. The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest garnered an average of 1.3 million viewers, marking an impressive 89% increase over the previous year’s figures.
In the individual competitions, New York Liberty captain Sabrina Ionescu claimed her second consecutive title in the 3-Point Contest, showcasing her elite shooting prowess. Her teammate, Natasha Cloud, secured victory in the Skills Challenge.
All-Star Game Outcome
In the All-Star Game itself, Team Collier, captained by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, defeated Team Clark 151-131, providing an entertaining, high-scoring affair for the fans in attendance and those tuning in.
The WNBA All-Star Weekend, even with changes in format and player availability, continues to draw substantial attention, highlighting the league’s expanding popularity and the growing engagement of its fanbase.
