Caitlin Clark’s injury underscores potential issues WNBA’s new star-powered era

The GIST: This week, WNBA fans are learning about the downsides of the Caitlin Clark Effect as the Indiana Fever superstar is sitting out for at least two weeks with a quadriceps strain. It’s the first time Clark has missed any time during her collegiate or pro career, leaving fans and venues in the lurch.

• While an injured star athlete isn’t a new phenomenon in sports, it’s somewhat new to women’s basketball, where Clark has been a primary draw for many IRL fans and viewers who are backing out in her absence. Leaving out the side door.

The shift: Two of the Fever’s four games in this two-week span will be away games, including one against the Washington Mystics and another vs. the Chicago Sky that were both moved to larger arenas. However, ticket prices have tanked — after the injury was announced, prices fell 47% for the Mystics game and 71% for the Sky matchup.

The precedent: While this level of precarious demand centered around a superstar is new for women’s basketball, this has been happening on the men’s side for years. The NBA has weathered load management controversies, and fans and invested brands recently felt the sting when Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles during the playoffs.

• Clark has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi in terms of popularity, and the international soccer sensation experienced a similar situation last year. With Messi sidelined, the Chicago Fire was prepared to reimburse fans a guaranteed credit if he didn’t play. However, the W hasn’t indicated if they will provide any fan compensation while Clark heals up.

Looking forward: Clark has a long career ahead of her, and with rookie Paige Bueckers drawing similar crowds, W teams have to be prepared in case these superstars don’t suit up. The Fire may have lost money when fans didn’t show up, but it also guaranteed fans would stay loyal and join future games thanks to its fan-forward policy.

• This is a pivotal moment for the WNBA to determine how it’s going to address these situations, which are always guaranteed to happen in sports. Watch this space.