WNBA All-Star Game: Record-Breaking Viewership Reflects Rising Interest in Women’s Sports

The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game has set a new milestone, attracting an unprecedented 3.4 million viewers on ABC. This remarkable figure, confirmed by Nielsen, highlights the growing popularity of women’s sports and the WNBA’s increasing prominence.

The All-Star Game, held on July 20, showcased the immense talent of the league’s top rookies, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, whose star power has significantly boosted viewership. The 3.442 million average viewership not only surpasses the previous record of 1.441 million set in 2003 but also marks the highest audience ever for a WNBA event on ESPN Networks, including regular season games, playoffs, and drafts.

This surge in viewership reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in women’s sports globally. The game achieved a peak audience of over 4 million viewers, underscoring the excitement and engagement around the event. Compared to last year’s All-Star Game, this year’s broadcast saw a staggering 305% increase in viewership.

The game’s success, where Team WNBA triumphed over the U.S.A. Basketball Women’s National Team with a score of 117-109 in Phoenix, is a testament to the league’s growing fan base and the rising profile of women’s sports. The WNBA’s ability to captivate such a large audience highlights the sport’s potential to reach new heights and further solidify its place in the sports industry.

As the WNBA continues to break records and draw significant viewership, it stands as a powerful example of the expanding interest in and support for women’s sports, paving the way for future growth and opportunities within the industry.