The WNBA’s 2024 season marked a turning point in the league’s history, fueled by the star power of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their transition from college basketball to the professional stage ignited fan interest, driving record viewership numbers. Notably, the finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx captivated audiences, with games three, four, and five setting new benchmarks on cable television. Averaging 1.6 million viewers across the series, this year’s finals saw a 115% increase from 2023, achieving the league’s highest viewership in 25 years.
One of the standout moments of the season came from a showdown between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky, which attracted 2.3 million viewers—the most for any WNBA game this year. The excitement around the league extended beyond the court, with the 2024 WNBA draft drawing 2.4 million viewers, a staggering 328% jump compared to the previous year. These remarkable milestones highlight a surge in fan engagement, further cementing the influence of Clark and Reese on the league’s trajectory.
In response to the league’s growing visibility, WNBA players have chosen to opt out of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league, demanding improved pay and working conditions. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the Players’ Association, emphasized that the current agreement, reached in 2020, no longer reflects the players’ value or the league’s progress. “This is a defining moment for the WNBA,” Ogwumike said, urging the league to embrace change to avoid falling behind. “It’s not just about bigger paychecks—it’s about securing the future and ensuring that the success we’ve built benefits both current players and future generations.”
With heightened media attention and increased revenue opportunities, players are calling for a more equitable distribution of the profits their performance generates. Ogwumike previously remarked that the influx of sponsorship dollars and investment requires intentional efforts to grow the league while fairly compensating athletes. “We need to ensure these dollars are used to value players and support the long-term development of the league during this transformational period,” she said.
The WNBA’s 2024 season not only shattered records but also set the stage for pivotal changes in how players are valued within the league. As negotiations unfold, all eyes will be on whether the league meets the rising expectations of its stars. This season’s unprecedented success highlights the importance of investing in the sport’s future, ensuring that the momentum built by athletes like Clark and Reese continues to drive the WNBA forward.
