The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) experienced a remarkable renaissance during the 2024 season, reaching unprecedented heights in viewership and attendance that underscored the league’s burgeoning popularity. With more than 54 million unique viewers, the league set an all-time record, breaking through the barriers that have long defined women’s sports. Notable networks such as ABC, ESPN, CBS, Ion, and NBA TV all contributed to this surge, illustrating the growing mainstream acceptance of female athletics.
In addition to skyrocketing viewership, the WNBA recorded its highest attendance figures in over two decades. This season, attendance grew nearly 50% compared to the previous year, showcasing a renewed interest in women’s basketball that has not been seen in years. The league witnessed an astounding 154 sellout games—an increase from the mere 45 in 2023. These remarkable statistics reflect a significant cultural shift, indicating that interest in women’s sports is rippling across the country.
Among the compelling narratives fueling this ascent in viewership are phenomenal young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their compelling performances have not only captivated fans but have also sparked intense media and public interest. Clark, playing for the Indiana Fever, recorded an astonishing increase in her team’s attendance, which rose more than fourfold. This success story was reflected across the league, with every team reporting a double-digit growth in attendance—further establishing that the youth movement is reshaping the WNBA’s fan base.
The star power of Clark and Reese comes at a critical time as the Las Vegas Aces aimed for their third consecutive championship, fueling competitive narratives that have resonated with viewers. Increased television ratings have been directly linked to the dynamic play of these athletes, showcasing the potential of the league to not just attract casual sports fans but also new followers who may have previously overlooked women’s basketball.
The rising viewership has coincided with a pivotal moment for the WNBA regarding its media rights. The league secured a groundbreaking $2.2 billion agreement for media rights over the next 11 seasons, significantly increasing its financial clout. As part of a broader negotiation effort within the NBA’s own media rights agreement, the push to elevate the WNBA’s profile has produced fruitful results. This deal is noteworthy not only for its scale but also for its potential to reevaluate pricing after the 2028 season, indicating strong faith in sustained growth and popularity.
Moreover, the WNBA has announced plans to expand with a 15th team set to debut in Portland by the 2026 season. This expansion signals confidence in the league’s trajectory and the broader audience that has embraced women’s professional basketball.
Despite the overwhelming success, the league faces challenges that can be attributed to the increased attention garnered during the 2024 season. Some players reported experiencing online harassment and racism, highlighting the darker side of fame and public scrutiny. While WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke out against hate and racism, her initial response to criticism surrounding player treatment was met with backlash, indicating that the league needs to tackle these issues more directly and empathetically.
The 2024 WNBA season is undoubtedly a landmark year, suggesting a promising future for women’s basketball. With substantial growth in both attendance and viewership, coupled with emerging talent, the league is at a turning point. The heightened engagement on social media—nearly doubling video views and far exceeding previous figures—also illustrates the potential for the WNBA to cultivate a vibrant community of fans.
As the WNBA season progresses into the playoffs, it will not only be a platform for the game’s best talents to shine but also a testing ground for how well it manages both its successes and challenges. With the semifinals looming and a rematch between the Aces and New York Liberty on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher, keeping fans and stakeholders alike eagerly riveted to their screens.