WNBA All-Star Game Sets Viewership Record

NEW YORK – The WNBA All-Star Game held in Phoenix on Saturday night achieved a historic milestone, attracting 3.44 million viewers, the highest in the league's history. The All-Stars triumphed over the U.S. Olympic team with a score of 117-109, significantly surpassing the previous record of 1.44 million viewers for the 2003 game. The event peaked at over 4 million viewers, marking it as the third most-watched WNBA event ever. This year's All-Star Game not only broke viewership records but also highlighted the growing popularity of women's basketball. It represented the largest audience for the WNBA since its inaugural nationally televised games in 1997. In stark contrast, last year's All-Star Game, which also aired in prime time, attracted only 850,000 viewers, showcasing a remarkable increase in interest. The 2023 season has been particularly notable, with 17 WNBA games surpassing the 1 million viewer mark. Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has been a significant draw, appearing in 15 of these high-viewership games. In the All-Star contest, Clark contributed four points and 10 assists, further solidifying her impact on the league. As the WNBA continues to gain traction, the record-breaking viewership of the All-Star Game underscores the increasing recognition and support for women's sports, paving the way for future growth and opportunities within the league.