by The WNBA has experienced unprecedented and well-deserved growth and success in the past two years, marking a significant milestone in the league’s 28-year history with record-breaking viewership and attendance. In 2023, the WNBA reported a 24% increase in average attendance compared to 2022.
The 2024 WNBA season opened with the highest attendance figures in 26 years, with approximately 400,000 fans attending games through the end of May. More than half of all WNBA games have been sellouts so far, representing a 156% increase from the previous year. Additionally, WNBA arenas have also been filled to 94% capacity, up 17% from last season.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Viewership
- Games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS average 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season’s average of 462,000 viewers.
- The opening night matchup between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun drew 2.12 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game on Disney platforms ever.
- CBS saw its most-viewed WNBA game ever, with 704,000 viewers tuning in to watch the New York Liberty face the Minnesota Lynx.
Financial Growth and Investment
- WNBA merchandise sales increased by 236% year-over-year.
- WNBA App monthly active users rose by 613% compared to the previous year.
- League Pass subscriptions more than tripled in the first two weeks of the season.
- In 2023, the league’s revenue reached over $200 million, representing a staggering 200% year-over-year increase.
Expanding Audience Demographics
- Viewership among people of color grew by 60% year-over-year.
- Hispanic and Black fan viewership increased by 96% and 67%, respectively.
- Under-35 viewership saw a 124% increase, with young girls’ viewership growing by 139%.
Impact of Stars and Rookies
Vets like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Diana Taurasi and polarizing rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink have significantly contributed to the league’s success.
- Four of the five most engaging moments on social media during Tip-off Week featured highlights from these rookies.
- The 2024 WNBA draft was the most watched in history, averaging a record 2.446 million viewers, a 307% increase over 2023.
The WNBA is investing in its future
- New teams are set to join in the Bay Area and Toronto.
- Teams are upgrading facilities to accommodate increased demand, with some moving games to larger arenas.
- The Seattle Storm unveiled a new $64 million practice facility, the first WNBA training center designed specifically for a women’s basketball team.
The WNBA’s success in 2024 demonstrates the league’s growing appeal and the increasing demand for women’s professional basketball. With record-breaking attendance, viewership, and revenue, along with strategic investments and partnerships. The WNBA is becoming a hot commodity in the sports world and is set for continued growth and success in the upcoming years.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/18/business/wnba-salaries-caitlin-clark.html
https://www.fastcompany.com/91123973/inside-wnba-mission-make-2024-biggest-season-ever
https://www.wnba.com/news/tip-off-2024-success-breakdown
