The 2024 season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) marked a significant milestone in the league’s trajectory, showcasing an unprecedented rise in both viewership and attendance. This leap can be attributed to a confluence of factors, with the emergence of captivating young talents like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese leading the charge. By the end of the season, the league had recorded over 54 million unique viewers across diverse broadcasting platforms, setting a new benchmark. Major networks including Disney’s ABC, ESPN, CBS from Paramount Global, E.W. Scripps’ Ion, and NBA TV were instrumental in this remarkable achievement, demonstrating how the league’s appeal has transcended barriers.
The improvements in game attendance were equally impressive. The WNBA reported its highest attendance figures in more than two decades, experiencing nearly a 50% increase compared to the previous season. With a staggering 154 sellout games — a significant increase from a mere 45 sellouts in 2023 — the 2024 season has undoubtedly underlined the league’s growing stature in the sports world. This surge not only highlights the intense competition but also reflects the mounting interest from fans eager to witness the electrifying performances of the league’s star players.
At the heart of this success were standout rookies contributing to their teams and elevating the league’s profile. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky became household names, drawing fans to their respective games and boosting attendance figures significantly. Clark’s remarkable performance translated into the Fever seeing an astonishing fourfold spike in attendance, compared to the 69% growth experienced by the Los Angeles Sparks, which came in second place. This explosive growth symbolizes a wider trend within the league, where each team witnessed double-digit increases in audience engagement.
The season’s success extended beyond attendance to encompass merchandise sales, with a notable surge in social media engagement. The WNBA’s social media accounts attracted nearly 2 billion video views, more than four times the amount recorded in the previous season. This level of interaction indicates a vibrant and engaged fan base that is not only consuming content but actively participating in the conversation surrounding women’s sports, driving the narrative of empowerment and competition.
The tangible success experienced in 2024 translated into significant economic opportunities for the league. With the heightened attention and expanding fanbase, the WNBA negotiated a lucrative media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion over the next 11 seasons. This deal included provisions for a reassessment of the contract after the 2028 season, indicating the league’s commitment to ongoing growth and financial viability. The media rights negotiations took place alongside a broader $77 billion, 11-year agreement for the NBA, emphasizing the increasing recognition of the WNBA’s rising profile. The NBA’s push for higher compensation during these negotiations signals optimism regarding the WNBA’s potential and underscores its importance within the broader sports landscape.
As the regular season progressed, viewership figures continued to climb. Several games recorded average audiences exceeding 1 million, with the ESPN network reporting a staggering 170% increase in viewership compared to the previous year. The presence of the top seven most-watched WNBA games of all time on ESPN during this season reflects a turning tide and growing acceptance of women’s basketball as a competitive and entertaining sport.
Despite these impressive accomplishments, the league faced its share of challenges. Many players reported experiencing online harassment and racism, which became a topic of discussion among the league’s leadership. In a critical moment, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced criticism for her initial ambiguous response to these issues, spotlighting the need for stronger advocacy and support for the athletes. As the leagues continue to grow, it is crucial for the WNBA to create an environment that promotes not just competitive excellence, but also safety and inclusivity for its players.
The WNBA’s 2024 season was a groundbreaking year characterized by record-breaking viewership, dynamic new talent, and substantial economic gains. As the league prepares for future expansions and challenges, the momentum built this season offers a promising outlook for women’s professional sports and reinforces the necessity of advocating for a safe, equitable environment for all players.