Sunday marked the beginning of the offseason for the WNBA, following a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season that saw the New York Liberty claim their first championship in a contentious victory over the Minnesota Lynx. But this championship isn't the only milestone; the league has made significant strides in viewership and fan engagement.
According to ESPN statistics, the WNBA Finals achieved their highest ratings in 25 years, averaging 1.6 million viewers—an impressive 115% increase from the previous year. Notably, Games 3, 4, and 5 set records as the most-watched WNBA Finals ever to be broadcast on cable.
The postseason as a whole averaged 1.1 million viewers, marking another record for the league and a remarkable 139% jump since 2023. This surge in viewership mirrors the entire season, which averaged 1.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA season on ESPN platforms, up 170% from last year.
Standout Game
The standout game of the 2024 season occurred on June 23, when 2.3 million viewers tuned in to watch Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky narrowly defeat Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever 88-87. The rivalry between the two rookies, which has roots in their college days, continues to captivate fans, even as both players have downplayed any animosity.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese MVP in terms of popularity
Reese and Clark's transitions from college to the pros have been instrumental in the WNBA's growth, as their impressive performances have filled arenas and set new expectations for the league. The anticipation surrounding their careers was evident during the 2024 WNBA Draft, which attracted an average of 2.4 million viewers—making it the most-watched draft ever, a staggering 328% increase from the previous year. Their participation in the WNBA All-Star Game drew an average audience of 3.4 million, the largest ever for that event.
Alongside a remarkable 413% rise in social media engagement, the WNBA's upward trajectory suggests that the 2025 season will continue to break records. While the exact start date for the upcoming season has yet to be announced, it's expected to kick off in May 2025, and fans can look forward to another exciting year ahead.
