This Team USA superteam is one of the most exciting in recent memory. Angel Reese on the boards and in the paint. Paige Bueckers moving like liquid for her midrange shots. Caitlin Clark with her trademark passes and logo threes. Add that with Olympians like Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum, this is a team made of superstars and yet, they face a similar problem. 

Caitlin Clark and Co. balled out to dominate Team Italy in their third qualifying game for a 93-59 win. Clark had 12 points and five assists while playing 22 minutes of action. She made 4-of-5 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from long range. Paige Bueckers also finished with 12 points. Kahleah Copper led all scorers with 15 points and was among five players who put up double-digits. Nevertheless, many noticed there were very few in the stands to enjoy this performance.

Bleacher report posted a highlight of Caitlin Clark’s step-back three from ground view. In the background multiple empty seats remained, just ready for the taking. For the fans, this was a surprising turn. Clark, the most popular WNBA star and the second most prominent basketball star in the USA, was returning to basketball after a long-term injury. Ideally the seats should have been packed and fans immediately pointed out the reality for Team USA. 

Fans Spot The Attendance Problem For Team USA Despite Caitlin Clark’s Inclusion

“That cool. Seats still look empty, though,” commented a fan. “Not a single soul in the seats,” pitched in another. Yes, the Team USA qualifiers, even with Caitlin Clark, have had a dwindled interest so far. In three games, they have averaged just more than 3000 in a stadium of almost 18000. So, it looks even worse than what it is because the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot is just so big. Even so, many expected a much higher number just because of Clark’s much-anticipated return to basketball after 8 months.  

Believe me, Team USA has it so much better. Spain’s opening game against New Zealand had an attendance of 36. The Senegal vs. New Zealand game had only 131 fans attending. But that is not a new phenomenon. Qualifying tournaments, where the most popular teams like the USA have already qualified, often experience low attendance. This is an event people often prefer to watch on a streaming platform or TV, a broadcast first event if you will. Even Caitlin Clark can’t drag the WNBA level of fans from the USA mainland to Puerto Rico to watch low-intensity qualifier games yet. The travelling barrier is just too much. 

“All the 10 fans going crazy!!” came another sarcastic comment. The issue is not a new one, and there is an argument that it is actually an uptick for the World Cup. At the 2022 World Cup in Australia, Team USA averaged just 3851 fans. That is through 5 group phase games and 3 playoff games. Some fans think a different location could have brought more people to those seats. 

“All that empty seats. Should be in Canada or Vegas,” commented a fan. Canada competes separately, so it couldn’t host Team USA qualifiers. And the hosting for Fiba is not a straightforward process. The locations are decided via bidding. National federations submit proposals assessed on venue quality, logistics, revenue potential, and development impact. And San Juan won the bid through that. 

In any case, the Caitlin Clark effect, or the growth of women’s sports can be seen in the brand new TNT-FIBA deal. These qualifiers are the first tournament being telecasted under this new deal featuring both women’s and men’s basketball. “This partnership with FIBA adds another marquee basketball property to TNT Sports’ portfolio and grows further our leadership position in women’s sports, while also delivering for U.S. fans a new way to experience elite international competition,” said Anthony D’Inverno, VP of Content Acquisitions at TNT Sports. FIBA and fans expect the World Cup in Germany to have much higher fanfare.