The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 29, 2025
Today: March 29, 2025

WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018

Mercury Griner Basketball
September 15, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) โ€” The WNBA once again had strong metrics as the league had its most-watched regular season in 21 years and its highest average attendance since 2018.

Viewership was up 21% over last year across its national television partners and the league's average attendance of 6,615 fans was the WNBA's highest since the 2018 season. An expanded schedule to 40 games this season helped the league gain its highest total attendance in 13 years (1,587,488).

โ€œThe significant rise in key business metrics is a testament to the captivating games being played and the WNBAโ€™s expanding appeal," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "This surge in interest not only showcases the immense talent and athleticism on the court but also highlights the compelling narratives that continue to emerge about the players and the league.โ€

WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018
Sky Aces Basketball

The defending champion Aces had the highest average attendance increase, with a league-high 9,551 fans per game โ€” up 66% from last season. Las Vegas also hosted the highest-attended game this season, drawing a crowd of 17,406 on Sunday against Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on the final day of the regular season. That game was played at the bigger T-Mobile Arena as opposed to the Aces regular venue, which seats about 12,000.

โ€œIt helps when you win championships,โ€ Aces president Nikki Fargas said in a phone interview. โ€œBut also what you're seeing is that the community respects the work that these women do every day. It's fun, it's entertaining, it's safe, it's inclusive.โ€

The league also set new highs across its digital platforms, social media engagement and sports betting on the website FanDuel. The number of bets and amount wagered doubled from last year.

The WNBA media rights deal with ESPN is up in 2025.

WNBA has most-watched regular season in 21 years; highest average attendance since 2018
Liberty Aces Basketball

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Related Articles

Brittney Griner could face 1-year window to take advantage of new talent on Atlanta Dream roster Mercury acquire Satou Sabally from Wings as part of 3-team deal, AP source says Caitlin Clark and Fever will play exhibition against Brazilian National Team at Iowa Man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark proclaims himself 'guilty as charged' in 1st court appearance
Share This

Popular

Sports|Local|News

L.A. City Council approves proposed venue plan change for 2028 Olympic Games

L.A. City Council approves proposed venue plan change for 2028 Olympic Games
Local|News

Bass unveils revamped MyLA311 system for service requests

Bass unveils revamped MyLA311 system for service requests
Health|Local|News

Can blood pressure during pregnancy signal future hypertension risk?

Can blood pressure during pregnancy signal future hypertension risk?
Sports|Local|News

Dodgers acquire pitcher Noah Davis, will open North American season vs Tigers in L.A.

Dodgers acquire pitcher Noah Davis, will open North American season vs Tigers in L.A.

Sports

Entertainment|Sports|US

Alysa Liu delivers the US its first women's figure skating world championship in nearly 2 decades

Alysa Liu delivers the US its first women's figure skating world championship in nearly 2 decades
Sports|US

Tennessee is heading back to the Elite Eight as defense clamps down in 78-65 win over Kentucky

Tennessee is heading back to the Elite Eight as defense clamps down in 78-65 win over Kentucky
Celebrity|Entertainment|Sports|US

Ring bling: Dodgers show off glittering World Series rings in pregame ceremony

Ring bling: Dodgers show off glittering World Series rings in pregame ceremony
Australia|Political|Sports|World

Welcome Down Under: Russian-born Daria Kasatkina becomes an Australian citizen

Welcome Down Under: Russian-born Daria Kasatkina becomes an Australian citizen