{
  "id": 11473427,
  "title": "WNBA Faces Ratings Test Without Caitlin Clark, Fever",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/wnba-faces-ratings-test-without-caitlin-clark-fever",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T15:56:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/wnba-faces-ratings-test-without-caitlin-clark-fever/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The first round of the WNBA playoffs has showcased thrilling matchups and impressive ratings. The New York Liberty upset the Minnesota Lynx, marking the first time an 8 seed defeated a 1 seed. Arike Ogunbowale set a playoff scoring record, allowing the Dallas Wings to advance. The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever played a decisive Game 3, with the Aces ultimately winning. The Fever's absence due to Caitlin Clark's injury has raised concerns about the league's potential ratings impact. However, the Fever remain the league's biggest viewership draw this season, with regular-season games featuring them drawing the most-watched games across all broadcast partners. Their absence could still allow the WNBA to set new finals ratings records, following strong growth in non-Fever game viewership.",
  "summary": "Indiana was eliminated from the playoffs Thursday by the Las Vegas Aces.",
  "key_points": [
    "New York Liberty upset Minnesota Lynx in first round",
    "Arike Ogunbowale set playoff scoring record",
    "Fever's absence raises ratings concern despite being biggest viewers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}