.
.
.
Full video:
ESPN Under Fire For Controversial Decision After Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Playoff Exit
WNBA fans aren’t too happy.
Caitlin Clark’s sensational rookie campaign came to an end when the Indiana Fever suffered a Game 2 loss at the hands of the Connecticut Sun this past Wednesday.
Clark’s arrival as the WNBA No. 1 overall pick came with unprecedented fanfare, bringing countless new eyes to the women’s game. Every game she played in this season was appointment TV, shattering viewership and attendance records at every turn.
But with Clark knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, postseason viewership is likely to experience a major dip.
It appears ESPN could be preparing for that fact.
Sunday’s second-round playoff matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty was broadcast on ABC. The second-round Game 1 clash between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun will air on ESPN.
But, Game 3 and a potential Game 5 for each of these playoff series have been scheduled to take place on ESPN2.
Both of Clark’s playoff games were aired on ESPN’s primary channel.
“ESPN2? They really said no Caitlin Clark? Bye!” one fan wrote.
“Scheduling WNBA semifinals on ESPN 2 is just shameful and disrespectful. Can’t believe it, this is crazy,” another said.
“If CC was still in these games wouldn’t be on ESPN 2. This is nasty work,” another added.
“This is definitely a fumble for the WNBA and ESPN,” another wrote.
The Liberty took care of the reigning-champion Aces with a 77-87 final score in Game 1 on Sunday afternoon. Sunday night’s Game 1 matchup between the Sun and Lynx will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.
