Attendance was a hot topic in the WNBA during the 2024 season. The excitement around rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese contributed to a significant increase in attendance. ESPN reports a 48% rise in attendance from 2023 to 2024, with a total of 2.3 million fans tuning in this season, the highest in 22 years.
The WNBA’s popularity is on the rise, thanks to players like Clark, Reese, and A’ja Wilson, who won the 2024 MVP award.
Clark finished fourth in MVP voting, while Reese’s exceptional rookie season was cut short by an injury. The league’s increased attendance has brought more visibility to star players.
The WNBA’s success in drawing fans has allowed other players to shine, showcasing the league’s marketing efforts. Many teams saw strong attendance and viewership numbers.
The league is set to maintain high attendance rates with the rising popularity of players like Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and Arike Ogunbowale.
The WNBA is following the NBA’s footsteps in marketing its stars to attract a wider audience beyond basketball fans.
This celebrity status is vital for increasing interest in the sport, as seen in the cases of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Patrick Mahomes.
The WNBA is producing superstars like Clark, Reese, and Wilson, paving the way for the league’s continued growth.
With the potential of the sport, the future looks bright for the WNBA, aiming to surpass the impressive attendance numbers of 2024.