Caitlin Clark Boosts WNBA Ratings and Attendance
- Caitlin Clark's presence in the WNBA has led to record-breaking ratings and attendance.
- The league saw its highest attendance since 1998 and the best television ratings in history.
- The rookie outfits of Clark and other players have also been a highlight of the season.
The WNBA experienced a surge in attendance and television ratings in the first month of the season, with the highest figures since 1998. The addition of prominent rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink contributed to the increased popularity. Games are averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season's average. The league saw a 96% increase in Hispanic viewers and a 67% increase in Black viewers. Merchandise sales rose 236% from the previous year. Rookie star Caitlin Clark made a significant impact on the ratings and attendance, setting records for the most-watched WNBA games. The league reported more than half of its games were sellouts, with arenas filled to 94% capacity. Some games were moved to larger venues to accommodate the growing fan interest. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth and embrace heightened momentum.