The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, with its highest-attended opening month in 26 years and the most-watched start of the season games ever across all six networks that broadcast matches. This growth is attributed to a powerhouse rookie class, including players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Clark, in particular, has drawn attention due to her success in both college and professional basketball, with her professional debut drawing the largest WNBA audience in two decades.
Interest in women’s basketball is on the rise, with viewership growing 60% year-over-year among people of color, particularly Hispanic and Black audiences. The league’s Tip-Off week saw a 139% increase in young girls watching, indicating a growing interest among the younger generation. This increase in viewership is seen as confirmation of the demand for women’s sports and the value of investing in women’s basketball, according to Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison.
In addition to Clark and Reese, players like Cameron Brink and Kate Martin are also attracting more fans to the WNBA, with an average of 1.32 million viewers per game on networks, compared to 462,000 viewers per game the previous year. Despite the season being in its early stages, the WNBA has already seen about 400,000 fans attending games in arenas, marking the most first-month attendance in more than two decades.
The increase in popularity is also reflected in ticket sales, with Tick Pick reporting a 435% increase year over year in total tickets sold for WNBA games in May. The average price of tickets has also increased by 60%, indicating a higher demand for tickets to games. Teams like the Indiana Fever have seen a significant increase in tickets sold, with a 4,493% increase in May compared to the previous year.
Overall, the WNBA is experiencing a significant boom in interest and viewership, driven by a strong rookie class, increased representation of people of color and young fans, and a growing demand for tickets to games. This surge in popularity bodes well for the future of women’s basketball, highlighting the value and investment potential in women’s sports. With players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Kate Martin leading the charge, the WNBA is poised for continued success and growth in the years to come.
