Unprecedented Surge in Fan Engagement and Viewership
The 2024 WNBA season has taken the world by storm, smashing records left and right. Fans have been flocking to arenas in unprecedented numbers, with over 400,000 attendees in the first month alone – the highest in 26 years. More than half of the games have been sellouts, a staggering 156% increase from last year.
“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment.” – Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer
Diverse Audiences Fueling the WNBA’s Rise
The surge in popularity isn’t limited to in-person attendance. Viewership has nearly tripled, with an average of 1.32 million viewers tuning in, up from 462,000 last season.
Games like the Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun opener saw a peak of 2.34 million viewers, the most-watched WNBA game ever on Disney platforms.
Rookies and Social Media Driving Engagement
The influx of new talent, particularly the highly anticipated rookies like Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, has played a significant role in attracting a larger and more diverse audience. Their highlights and performances have generated significant engagement on social media, with the WNBA seeing a 380% increase in video views during the first week compared to last season.
Revenue Records Shattered
The excitement surrounding the WNBA has translated into massive revenue growth. Jersey sales have skyrocketed, with Clark, Reese, and Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks among the top sellers. Compared to last year, WNBA Store sales are up 756%, already setting a single-season record. WNBA League pass subscriptions have also seen a 335% increase.
Black Community’s Pivotal Role
One of the driving forces behind the WNBA’s success is the unwavering support from the Black community. The viewership statistics reveal a substantial increase among Black and Hispanic supporters, solidifying the league’s connection with diverse audiences.
“We’re encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse audiences into our fandom.” – Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer
