The WNBA’s 28th season has begun with unparalleled success, showcasing the highest attendance figures in over two decades and record-breaking viewership across numerous networks. Since the season began on May 14th, viewership among Hispanic and Black audiences has surged by 60% year-over-year, with respective growth rates of 96% and 67%. Viewership among those under 35 has soared by 124%, with a 139% increase in young girls tuning in, embodying the league’s goal to inspire future generations.
The rookie class of 2024 has been a major catalyst for fan engagement. Key players like Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever, Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky, and Cameron Brink from the Los Angeles Sparks have significantly boosted social media interactions. The WNBA has reported a 236% rise in merchandise sales, with Clark, Reese, and Brink leading the charge in jersey sales.
The league’s app has also seen an impressive 613% year-over-year increase in monthly active users. Reese’s observations ring true: while both seasoned players and newcomers contribute to the league’s growth, Clark’s impact is particularly noteworthy. This is evident in the fact that the most-watched games share a common factor, even if the team’s record is akin to that of the Detroit Pistons.
For ESPN – The Opening Night game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun attracted an average of 2.12 million viewers across ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, peaking at 2.34 million viewers, setting a new record for the most-watched WNBA game on Disney platforms.
For ABC – The matchup between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty averaged 1.71 million viewers, making it the most-viewed WNBA game on ABC and the second-most-viewed game across Disney networks, following the ESPN broadcast.
The league’s broadcast success extends further. Games aired on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS are averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly three times last season’s average. ION and NBA TV have also reported unprecedented viewership. ION’s broadcast of the Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks game averaged 724,000 viewers, the highest ever for the network. NBA TV recorded its most-watched WNBA game with the Los Angeles Sparks vs. Indiana Fever, averaging 430,000 viewers. These achievements highlight the league’s expanding reach and appeal.
Star rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have significantly boosted fan engagement and merchandise sales. Despite previous tensions with Clark, Reese acknowledges her role in the sport’s rising popularity, stating, “In 20 years, I’ll look back and see that women’s basketball’s popularity isn’t just because of one person. It’s because of me, too.” While Reese’s bold claim holds merit, Clark’s influence is a key factor driving this season’s projected record-breaking numbers, even if she misses the playoffs, which seems probable.
Lastly, attendance figures have been remarkable, with approximately 400,000 fans attending games since the season’s start, the highest in 26 years. More than half of all games were sellouts, a 156% increase from last year, and WNBA arenas have been filled to 94% capacity, up 17% from 2023. These statistics underscore the growing popularity and success of women’s basketball.