WNBA ratings and attendance are still strong despite top stars missing games with injuries

The WNBA continues to thrive this season despite the absence of some of its top stars. Injuries have sidelined players like Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Angel Reese, but fan interest remains high.

Despite the setbacks, the league has seen strong ratings and attendance numbers. ESPN games have seen a slight increase over last season, while games on ABC have seen a significant 17% rise. The addition of the Golden State Valkyries has also been a boon for attendance, with the team selling out all of their home games and averaging over 18,000 fans.

However, not everything has been smooth sailing for the WNBA. Negative attention was drawn to the league when a number of sex toys were thrown onto the court at various arenas over a two-week period. Fortunately, this behavior has subsided in recent days.

On the court, teams have shown resilience even without their star players. Minnesota, for example, has managed to win all three games without MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier, who is nursing a right ankle sprain. The Lynx currently sit comfortably in first place in the standings.

Similarly, Indiana has gone 6-2 in their last eight games without Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined with a right groin injury. Clark, in an interview with Sue Bird, expressed a sense of responsibility to get back on the court knowing the impact she has on fans of the league.

In other news, Seattle Storm will honor Sue Bird with a statue, making them the first franchise in WNBA history to do so for a former player. Bird will also be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next month.

In terms of rankings, Minnesota remains the top team with Atlanta and New York following closely behind. Las Vegas and Phoenix round out the top five, with the Aces on a four-game winning streak.

A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas was named the AP player of the week after an impressive performance, including the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in league history. Other standout players include Kelsey Plum of Los Angeles and Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix.

Looking ahead, a highly anticipated matchup between New York and Minnesota is set for Saturday. The Lynx will be looking to continue their winning streak against the Liberty, who will be playing back-to-back games on the West Coast before heading to Minnesota.

For more WNBA news and updates, visit the AP WNBA hub at https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball.