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The Women’s National Basketball Association experienced a surge in viewership and attendance during the 2024 season, fueled by the rise of young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Games across various networks garnered over 54 million unique viewers, a record high. Attendance levels reached a 22-year peak, with 154 sellout games, triple the amount from the previous year.
The season’s success was attributed to standout rookies, the dominance of the Las Vegas Aces, and the announcement of a new team in Portland for the 2026 season. Despite this positive momentum, reports of online harassment and racism towards players prompted criticism towards WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Caitlin Clark’s impact was evident in the Indiana Fever’s attendance numbers, with a significant increase compared to other teams. The league also saw growth in merchandise sales and social media engagement, with nearly 2 billion video views on WNBA platforms.
Media rights negotiations resulted in a $2.2 billion contract over 11 seasons, reflecting the league’s growing popularity. The 2024 season set records for viewership on ESPN and CBS Sports, with high ratings continuing into the playoffs. The semifinals feature a highly anticipated matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty.
The WNBA’s success in 2024 showcases the league’s increasing appeal and solidifies its position in the sports industry.
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Emily Jensen, graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the UK in 2015 with a degree in Economics. She specializes in financial markets and international trade. After graduating, she worked as an analyst at an investment bank in London, where she developed expertise in global economic trends. She later transitioned into consulting, focusing on fintech ventures and providing insights into global economic developments. Emily is passionate about the intersection of finance and technology and aims to drive innovation in the financial sector.
