The 2024 WNBA season was truly a game-changer, with viewership and attendance reaching unprecedented levels. Young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese captured the hearts of fans, leading to a record-breaking 54 million unique viewers tuning in to watch games across networks like Disney’s ABC and ESPN, Paramount Global’s CBS, E.W. Scripps’ Ion, and NBA TV.
This surge in popularity also translated to a 50% increase in game attendance compared to the previous season, with 154 sellout games – more than triple the number in 2023. The success of this season has paved the way for the WNBA to expand further, with the announcement of a new team in Portland set to join the league in 2026.
However, this rise in attention also highlighted some challenges, as more players reported experiencing online harassment and racism. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced criticism for not explicitly condemning the vitriol towards players but later clarified her stance against “hate or racism.”
The impact of rising stars like Caitlin Clark was evident not only on the court but also in the stands, with every WNBA team seeing a double-digit increase in attendance. The Fever experienced a remarkable fourfold jump, surpassing even the Los Angeles Sparks’ impressive growth.
Moreover, the league saw significant growth in merchandise sales and social media engagement, with nearly 2 billion video views on WNBA social media accounts – quadruple the number from the previous season. This surge in popularity led to a $2.2 billion media rights contract for 11 seasons, with a potential price reevaluation after the 2028 season.
Viewership records were shattered during the 2024 WNBA season, with 22 regular-season game telecasts averaging at least 1 million viewers. ESPN and CBS Sports saw their most-watched seasons ever, with several games breaking viewership records. The postseason has also seen record-breaking audiences, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the semifinals.
At Extreme Investor Network, we are excited to see the WNBA’s continued growth and success, as the league captivates audiences with its talented players and compelling matchups. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest developments in the world of sports business.