The WNBA has kicked off its 2024 season with a historic surge in attendance and viewership, marking the highest-attended opening month in 26 years. This remarkable achievement has been largely fueled by a standout rookie class, featuring basketball sensations Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, whose presence has captivated fans and revitalized interest in women’s basketball.
According to the league’s announcement on Monday, the start of this season has set new viewership records across all six broadcasting networks: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION, and NBA TV. The excitement surrounding the WNBA has been palpable, thanks in part to the buzz generated by Clark, whose impact on the game has been transformative.
Clark’s journey from leading the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women’s basketball National Championship to making a stunning professional debut with the Indiana Fever has drawn widespread attention. Her entry into the WNBA brought in the largest audience the league has seen in two decades, signaling a new era for women’s sports.
The league has also seen a significant increase in diversity among its viewers. The WNBA reported a 60% year-over-year growth in viewership among people of color, with notable spikes in Hispanic and Black audiences. Additionally, Tip-Off week saw a 139% rise in viewership among young girls, highlighting the expanding appeal of the WNBA to a broader and younger demographic.
“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” said Colie Edison, Chief Growth Officer for the WNBA, in a press release.
In addition to Clark, other rookies like Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks, and Kate Martin of the Las Vegas Aces have also contributed to the growing fanbase. The average game viewership on the networks has climbed to 1.32 million, a significant increase from last year’s 462,000 viewers per game.
The excitement has translated into increased attendance at arenas, with approximately 400,000 fans attending games in the opening month, the highest figure in over two decades. Online ticketing site Tick Pick reported a staggering 435% increase in tickets sold for WNBA games in May compared to the previous year, with the average ticket price rising by 60%. Notably, the Indiana Fever saw a phenomenal 4,493% increase in May ticket sales.
As the season continues, the WNBA’s record-breaking start underscores a vibrant and growing interest in women’s basketball, driven by dynamic new talent and a dedicated fanbase eager to support the sport.
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