WNBA season kicks off with record attendance and audience

Professional women’s basketball is breaking records this season. The WNBA reported Monday that the opening month of the 2024 season saw record growth in May in attendance and viewership.

“What’s happening in women’s basketball right now is confirmation of what we’ve always known: the demand is there and women’s sports are a valuable investment,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. in a press release.

After kicking off on May 14, the league finished the month with its highest attendance in 26 years and its highest number of viewers since its debut 28 years ago.

Viewership was particularly strong among people of color, with Hispanic and Black fans increasing 96% and 67% year over year. During Tip-Off Week, viewers under 35 also saw 124% growth, while diverse audiences drove an increase in WNBA app usage of 613% compared to the previous year. ‘last year.

The WNBA attributed these record numbers to this season’s rookie class, including Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks. All three players ranked among the league’s top five in jersey sales during the first week of the 2024 season, pushing WNBA merchandise sales 236% higher than a year earlier.