(NewsNation) — The WNBA recorded its highest-attended opening month in 26 years, a feat made possible by the 2024 rookie class.
The league’s 28th season kicked off May 14. Breakout stars like the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese helped bring approximately 400,000 fans through arena doors through the end of the month.
Other rookies mentioned by the WNBA for their contributions to the sport include the Los Angeles Sparks’ Cameron Brink and Las Vegas Aces’ Kate Martin.
Ratings were also up, with each partnership network — ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION and NBATV — noting not only a record-breaking viewership rate but a massive shift in audience diversity.
According to the WNBA, viewership among people of color jumped considerably, with 96% more Hispanic and 67% more Black fans tuning in compared to last year.
More younger people, especially younger girls, were watching, too. Tip-Off Week presented by CarMax noted a 124% increase in viewership under 35, while the number of young girls watching increased by 139%.
“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison in a press release.
“We’re encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse audiences into our fandom. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum,” Edison added.
The league’s products are also reaping the benefits of that increased viewership.
Sales on the WNBAStore website have already set the record for the most single-season sales in its history, recording a 756% increase in overall transactions compared to 2023.