The 2024 WNBA season wrapped up in absolute dramatic fashion, with the New York Liberty snatching victory in a five-game Finals thriller against the Minnesota Lynx, leaving one question on everyone’s lips: Is this the WNBA’s time to shine like never before? Well, according to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, the answer is a resounding yes, with a side of optimism and a dash of corporate Zoom meeting wisdom.
While Clark enjoys her offseason (we assume she’s finally catching up on Netflix), she made an appearance via Zoom at a Nike event for women’s basketball—because even in the offseason, Clark’s got moves to make. Speaking like the true visionary she is, Caitlin Clark didn’t just praise the WNBA’s rise; she practically painted a future where WNBA jerseys are the hottest fashion item since yoga pants.
“From the number of fans showing up to games to the viewership numbers exploding, people want to rock a WNBA jersey,” said Clark. “It’s evolved so much in such a short period of time. There’s real opportunity here, and there has been for a while.” If Clark says it, it’s gospel. Who’s going to argue with a player who has her own gravitational pull when it comes to audience numbers?
Clark wasn’t just pulling stats out of thin air either. Fever games this season drew up to 2 million viewers (because who wouldn’t want to watch Caitlin drain three-pointers like they’re free samples at Costco?). Even Game 5 of the Finals had 2.2 million people glued to their screens, making it the most-watched WNBA Finals game in a quarter-century. That’s right—25 long years. It turns out, people have finally realized the WNBA is where the real entertainment is at, not just a sideshow to the NBA.
Bigger Than Blockbuster: WNBA’s Skyrocketing Popularity and Big-Bucks Deals
As if the viewership numbers weren’t enough to break a few glass ceilings, the league also snagged a jaw-dropping 11-year, $200 million annual media rights deal with heavy hitters like Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC. Move over, Mickey Mouse—there’s a new star in town, and she’s dunking on prime time.
But with big deals come big decisions, and the WNBA players are already making waves. The players recently voted to opt-out of their current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)—because why settle for less when you can push for more? More money, more benefits, more of everything that makes a job worth showing up for.
However, before you break out the popcorn for a potential work stoppage, fear not. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is all about keeping the peace. She’s “optimistic” and ready to “work together” on a new CBA that’s fair for all, ensuring that the league’s meteoric rise doesn’t come crashing down faster than a failed half-court shot. “We’re excited to create a CBA that supports growth and success for years to come,” Engelbert said. Translation: We’ve got this.
WNBPA: “Let’s Talk Compensation and Baby Perks!”
On the other side of the negotiating table, the WNBPA (that’s the players’ union for those new to this drama) has its own set of demands. Gone are the days of salary caps that make bank accounts weep. These players want to be paid what they’re worth—and honestly, who can blame them? In addition to bigger paychecks, they’re also asking for enhanced retirement benefits (because dunking on everyone forever isn’t realistic) and better support for childcare and family planning. In other words, they want it all—and they should get it.
As WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike put it, “This is a defining moment not just for the WNBA but for all of us who believe in progress.” A defining moment? More like a slam dunk moment for women’s sports. Let’s just hope the negotiations go smoother than the Liberty’s free-throw percentage in Game 4.
The Future Is Bright… and Probably Wearing Caitlin Clark’s Jersey
If Caitlin Clark has anything to say about it, the WNBA’s future is looking brighter than a neon backboard. With soaring viewership numbers, a massive media deal, and players finally fighting for the compensation and benefits they deserve, the league is poised for a historic new chapter. So, stay tuned, WNBA fans—this offseason might just be the start of something legendary.
