The WNBA is facing an unprecedented crisis after the news broke that Caitlin Clark, the league’s brightest new star, is sidelined with a left quad strain. What began as an unfortunate injury has now triggered a domino effect, causing ticket prices to plummet and igniting a widespread panic within the league’s management.

Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation, has quickly become the face of the WNBA. Her influence on ticket sales and viewership has been nothing short of revolutionary. Before the injury, ticket resale sites were thriving, with Fever tickets being sold for upwards of $150. However, after the news of her injury, ticket prices have fallen dramatically—some by as much as 71%. Tickets for the Fever’s next road game against the Washington Mystics, originally priced at $41, are now going for just $22, and the June 7th game in Chicago has seen prices drop to $25.

This staggering decline is a wake-up call for the league, which has spent months riding on the coattails of Clark’s popularity. As one executive put it, “Caitlin Clark is the best business player the WNBA has ever had.” She not only generated a substantial portion of the league’s revenue—an estimated 26.5%—but also brought mainstream attention to the sport, turning ordinary match nights into cultural events. Now, with her absence, the WNBA is facing a financial crisis.

The numbers are stark. Clark’s rise to prominence has boosted the Fever’s valuation from $90 million to a staggering $340 million, four times its original value. Her star power alone has driven up attendance and ticket prices, with some fans paying premium prices just to see her in action. But without Clark, the WNBA is left scrambling.

Even more shocking, experts have estimated that Clark’s presence has already brought in an additional $36 million in revenue for the city of Indianapolis, thanks to increased tourism, hotel bookings, and sold-out games. But now, with Clark sidelined, the league is losing both its biggest star and a major revenue generator.

In addition to financial turmoil, there is also growing concern about the culture within the league. Behind the scenes, some veteran players have voiced their frustration over what they see as Clark-centric marketing. Despite their own accomplishments, they feel overshadowed by the media’s fixation on the rookie. Comments about media favoritism and the perception that Clark didn’t “earn” her spotlight have sparked tension in the locker room, and even on social media, where some fans have gone so far as to celebrate her injury, further deepening the divide.

The WNBA now faces a critical crossroads. With Clark’s absence, will the league continue to thrive, or will it collapse under the weight of its overreliance on a single player? There are already whispers that Clark might consider playing in overseas leagues like those in Turkey or Spain, where players can earn six or seven figures, far outpacing the WNBA’s salary offerings.

For now, the WNBA is scrambling to adjust. Fans are wondering whether the league can survive without its superstar, and whether it will learn from its mistake of not providing Clark with the necessary protection. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining if the WNBA can continue to ride the wave Clark created—or if this injury marks the beginning of a larger collapse for the league.