The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, with fans tuning in and attending games at record levels. The league reported that the 28th season, which began on May 14, has been the most-watched in its history on TV networks. Across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS, the WNBA is averaging 1.3 million viewers per game, triple the average of 462,000 viewers from last season.
In terms of attendance, about 400,000 fans attended games in May, making it the month with the highest number of attendees in 26 years. More than half of the games were sold out, indicating a strong demand for women’s basketball.
One of the key factors contributing to the growing fan engagement is the league’s powerful rookie class. Players like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky have garnered attention and boosted merchandise sales. In fact, jersey sales have seen a significant increase of 236% compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the WNBA has seen a more diverse viewership. The number of people of color tuning in to games on TV has grown by 60% year over year. Furthermore, viewership in the first week of the season more than doubled among young girls and people under the age of 35.
Colie Edison, the Chief Growth Officer of the WNBA, expressed optimism about the growing engagement across all verticals and the welcoming of new and diverse audiences into their fandom. This upward trend indicates that women’s basketball is gaining recognition and support on a broader scale.
Overall, the WNBA’s increasing popularity is evident through its record-breaking TV viewership and high attendance numbers. The league’s powerful rookie class and efforts to attract a more diverse audience have contributed to this growth. As women’s basketball continues to thrive, it is becoming a prominent force in the sports industry.
