The WNBA has seen a massive boost in viewership, averaging 657,000 viewers for the 2024 season. Who’s behind this surge? For a major part, Caitlin Clark, the rookie sensation with the Indiana Fever. CC didn’t just bring in regular numbers—she brought record-breaking ones. While the W enjoys this Caitlin Clark effect, the NBA seems to be at a crossroads. 

The numbers say it all. NBA viewership is actually on the decline, and Adam Silver, Commissioner NBA, is eager to find the next big star capable of drawing in viewers the way Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant had. 

Let us tell you that the gold medal game in the Olympics, where all three hit the court together, was the most-watched Olympic men’s basketball game since 1996. Sure, Curry, the trion created a ratings boom in the Olympics, but what about young stars like Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker? 

Unfortunately, they just haven’t caught on quite as well. “Young stars like Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker have yet to attract the same audience as the aforementioned trio, in part because of their lack of titles,” Front Office Sports reported.

Even they’ve fallen behind international players like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo. And the numbers clearly show a real dip here. TNT’s Thursday night games, for example, have taken a 29% hit this season compared to last year. And it’s not just that one game—NBA TV’s coverage of a game between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers drew 1.52 million viewers, down 49% from the previous year’s. Even games like Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks lost serious steam.

Meanwhile, the 2024 WNBA ROTY has thrown a huge spotlight on just how much star power can impact viewership. During the 2024 regular season, games featuring Clark pulled in an average of 1.178 million viewers, nearly triple the usual viewership for WNBA games. A single Fever-Aces game even shattered NBA TV records, surpassing the viewership for a 2023 NBA playoff game between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. Hence, the NBA desperately seeks the next big name to transition their college fan base into pro stardom, just like CC.

It’s a rare phenomenon, though—not every player has the same magic. But there could be someone who might make this happen.

Can Cooper Flagg bring in the NBA’s viewership?

We’re talking about Cooper Flagg, a Duke freshman who’s already being hyped up as one of the most talked-about college players since LeBron James back in 2003. After reclassifying at just 17 years old, Flagg is drawing comparisons to some of the best to ever do it and is set to become the second youngest NBA player in 2025.

He’s been dominating as a defensive force with exceptional shot-blocking ability, high basketball IQ, and versatility. His 18-point, 7-rebound, and 5-assist debut performance against Maine has turned heads.Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, recently commented on Flagg’s maturity and skills, saying that he’s never seen a 17-year-old garner so much attention. Scouts are calling him a “defensive powerhouse”—a trait you don’t often see emphasized with rookies. 

But can Flagg actually live up to the hype once he hits the NBA? History has shown that very few athletes are able to make that leap. But let’s not forget Shaquille O’Neal did it, and Tim Duncan wasn’t far behind. The potential’s there for the 6-foot-9 Duke prodigy, but only time will tell.