Attendance was a major talking point throughout the 2024 WNBA season, fueled by the excitement surrounding rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. This led to a significant surge in attendance numbers, with the league experiencing an impressive 48 percent increase from 2023 to 2024, according to espnW. Overall, 2.3 million fans attended WNBA games this season, marking the highest attendance in 22 years.
The league is clearly on an upward trajectory in terms of both attendance and viewership. While Clark and Reese played a big part in this growth, other stars like A’ja Wilson also deserve credit. Wilson, the current face of the league, was named the 2024 WNBA MVP.
Clark finished fourth in MVP voting, while Reese may have been in contention for the award if she hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury in early September. Despite that, both rookies had standout seasons.
The rise in attendance has also brought more attention to other star players. The WNBA’s effective marketing of its athletes is paying off, with many teams enjoying strong attendance and viewership numbers as a result.
Looking ahead, the WNBA appears poised to sustain strong attendance figures. Beyond Clark and Reese, established stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and Arike Ogunbowale have become fan favorites. In today’s sports landscape, marketing star players is key to attracting attention.
The NBA has excelled in this area, with players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry becoming global icons. Similarly, the NFL has seen Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady reach celebrity status, drawing in viewers even beyond hardcore football fans.
The WNBA now has superstars on the brink of similar recognition, which should only continue to boost interest in women’s basketball. While Clark, Reese, and Wilson are central to this movement, players across the league will contribute to its continued growth.
The future looks bright for the WNBA. Although surpassing the remarkable attendance figures from 2024 will be challenging, the league’s potential makes it possible.
