WNBA Sets Records with Record-Breaking Attendance and Viewership

Record-Breaking Start to the WNBA Season: Increased Attendance and Viewership

The WNBA has kicked off its new season on a high note, with record-breaking numbers in both television ratings and attendance. According to a recent announcement by the league, the month of May saw the highest attendance in 26 years for the opening month of a season, with approximately 400,000 fans attending games across the WNBA. This surge in attendance represents a remarkable 156% increase from the previous year.

Moreover, more than half of all WNBA games were sellouts, indicating a significant rise in demand for women’s basketball. WNBA arenas across the league boasted an average capacity of 94%, showing that fans are eager to support their favorite teams and players.

The increased interest in the WNBA has not only been reflected in attendance but also in television viewership. The league’s broadcast partners have experienced new ratings records this season, with an average of 1.32 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS. This is a threefold increase from the average of 462,000 viewers per game last year.

Colie Edison, the Chief Growth Officer of the WNBA, expressed her excitement about the growing engagement and diverse audiences that are embracing women’s sports. She stated, “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. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum.”

One player who has undoubtedly contributed to the increased interest in the league is Caitlin Clark. The “Caitlin Clark Effect” has been widely discussed, as her performances in the first three games of the season have set records for the most-watched WNBA games of all time on their respective networks. The season opener between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun on May 14 averaged 2.12 million viewers on ESPN2. On May 18, ABC drew 1.71 million viewers for the Fever’s game against the New York Liberty, and on May 20, 1.56 million viewers tuned in to watch the Sun and Fever match on ESPN.

In addition to the impressive attendance and viewership numbers, the WNBA has also experienced a significant increase in WNBA League Pass subscriptions, with a staggering 335% growth. This subscription allows fans to stream live games, providing them with more accessibility to enjoy the sport.

The WNBA’s record-breaking start to the season is a testament to the growing interest and demand for women’s basketball. As the league continues to embrace this momentum and attract diverse audiences, it solidifies its position as a valuable investment in women’s sports. With talented players like Caitlin Clark captivating viewers and breaking records, the future looks bright for the WNBA.