The WNBA has seen a resurgence in popularity with its highest-attended opening month in 26 years, driven by a strong rookie class including standout players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The league also experienced its most-watched start of the season games ever across all six networks that broadcast matches. The NCAA women’s basketball National Championship game featuring Clark’s alma mater, the Iowa Hawkeyes, drew a record-breaking 18.9 million viewers, setting the stage for the rookie’s entry into the WNBA and a new era in the league.
The increased interest in women’s basketball is attributed to the phenomenon surrounding players like Clark and Reese, as well as a growing representation of people of color and young audiences. Viewership among people of color grew by 60% year-over-year, with significant increases in Hispanic and Black audiences. The league also saw a 139% increase in young girls watching during its Tip-Off week. Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison emphasized the value of women’s sports and the demand that has always existed in the market, highlighting the WNBA as a valuable investment.
Aside from Clark and Reese, players like Cameron Brink and Kate Martin are also attracting more fans to the league. The average viewership per game on networks has increased significantly, with an average of 1.32 million viewers per game, compared to 462,000 viewers per game the previous year. The WNBA has also reported about 400,000 fans attending games in its arenas in the first month of the season, marking the highest first-month attendance in more than two decades.
Ticket sales for WNBA games have seen significant growth, with online ticketing site Tick Pick reporting a 435% increase year over year in total tickets sold for games in May. The average ticket price has also increased by 60%, with notable increases in ticket sales for teams like the Indiana Fever. This surge in ticket sales reflects the increased interest and support for the WNBA as fans flock to arenas to watch their favorite teams and players in action.
Overall, the WNBA is experiencing a resurgence in popularity driven by a strong rookie class, increased viewership on broadcast networks, and growing attendance at games. The league’s success is also attributed to its appeal to people of color and young audiences, as well as a growing recognition of the value of women’s sports. With standout players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese leading the way, the WNBA is poised for continued growth and success in the future.
