The WNBA has kicked off its season with a bang, setting new records for both attendance and viewership in its opening month. With 400,000 fans attending games since the season began on May 14, the league witnessed its highest attendance figures in 26 years. Moreover, more than half of all WNBA games were sellouts, marking a significant 156 percent increase compared to the previous year.
In addition to record-breaking attendance, the WNBA has seen a remarkable surge in viewership, with games averaging 1.32 million viewers across all network partners. This figure nearly triples last season’s average viewership of 462,000, indicating a substantial growth in the league’s audience.
Colie Edison, chief growth officer of the WNBA, highlighted the significance of these milestones, emphasizing the strong demand for women’s basketball and the league’s value as an investment. She expressed optimism about the increasing engagement across various platforms and the welcoming of new and diverse audiences into the WNBA fandom.
The Indiana Fever, led by rookie Caitlin Clark, contributed to the record-setting viewership with two highly watched games. Their opening night matchup against the Connecticut Sun averaged 2.12 million viewers, becoming the most-watched game on Disney platforms to date. Additionally, their game against the Sun six days later drew an average of 1.56 million viewers, making it the most watched game on ESPN in WNBA history.
The WNBA’s remarkable success in the opening month underscores the growing popularity and relevance of women’s sports, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the world of professional athletics.
