WNBA Record-Breaking Year of Attendances

With three weeks remaining in the WNBA 2025 regular season, the league is on track to close out a record-breaking year in terms of attendance, drawing attention from broadcasters, sponsors, and stakeholders across the global sports business landscape.

The WNBA has already exceeded its previous full-season attendance record of 2.36 million, set in 2002. As of mid-week, the league’s 13 teams had collectively attracted 2.49 million fans through the gates, with the final total projected to approach 2.86 million.

Average attendance has also reached new highs, with the league currently averaging 11,009 fans per game, up 12.2% from last season’s record figure of 9,807. This growth comes amid broader momentum in women’s sport, with the WNBA capitalising on high-profile player storylines, venue upgrades, and a recalibrated media strategy.

Several teams are significantly contributing to the surge. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion side debuting this season, have sold out all 17 home games at San Francisco’s 18,064-seat Chase Center.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty, both averaging over 16,400 per game, are emerging as key drivers of commercial success and fan engagement.

Strategic Implication

The league has shifted key matchups to larger venues to accommodate rising demand. For example, the Washington Mystics will relocate an upcoming home game against the Fever to CFG Bank Arena (capacity 14,000+), more than tripling the capacity of their regular venue, CareFirst Arena. Similarly, the Las Vegas Aces will host the Minnesota Lynx at T-Mobile Arena, which drew over 18,500 fans earlier in the year for a marquee matchup.

From a commercial standpoint, these numbers carry implications for rights negotiations, sponsorship valuations, and the league’s expansion strategy.

Strong gate performance not only enhances match day revenue but strengthens the WNBA’s case for improved broadcast deals and broader investment in infrastructure and market growth.

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