NEW YORK (Reuters) -WNBA All-Star Game viewership dropped to an average of 2.2 million viewers this year from a record 3.4 million on ESPN in 2024, the network said on Tuesday, even as the annual showcase was the most-watched program of Saturday night across TV.
The 2024 affair had the benefit of the wildly popular Indiana Fever sharpshooter Caitlin Clark and a dramatic format that pitted the U.S. Olympic team against the All-Stars who were snubbed from the Team USA roster.
Clark was expected to be one of the biggest attractions for the game in her home market Indianapolis but dropped out days before due to a groin injury. She was on the sidelines in support of the team she captained.
It was the second most-watched All-Star Game in league history.
Friday’s skills and 3-point contests, meanwhile, netted 1.3 million viewers on average, up 89% over the previous year.
New York Liberty captain Sabrina Ionescu won her second title in the 3-Point Contest while her teammate Natasha Cloud took the skills event. Team Collier beat Team Clark 151-131.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkEditing by Toby Davis)
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