WNBL Breaks Opening Round Records as Attendance and Viewership Surge

The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has opened its 2025–26 season with record-breaking numbers across attendance, broadcast, and digital engagement.

According to WNBL data, Round One attendance rose 51% year-on-year, marking the strongest opening weekend in the competition’s history.

Former Opal, Lauren Jackson AO OLY, who attended the opening game, described the moment as a turning point for the league.

“What we’ve seen this opening weekend is the start of a new era for women’s basketball in Australia. Record crowds, incredible talent, and a level of excitement that shows just how far the league has come in a short amount of time,” Jackson said.

Attributing the success to growing grassroots interest and increased accessibility across platforms, WNBL CEO, Jennie Sager, said: “The crowds were loud, the basketball was elite, and the fans, especially kids, were completely immersed in the moment,”

“Our players could feel that passion from every corner of the country and it’s incredible to see Australians embracing women’s basketball like never before,” Sager said.

Every home team exceeded their 2024–25 Round One figures and their average crowds from the previous season, reflecting a tangible uplift in fan interest.

The league’s opening fixture between the Southside Flyers and Canberra Capitals at John Cain Arena drew nearly three times last season’s average attendance.

The surge coincides with the WNBL’s strategic revamp ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, designed to enhance fan experience and expand the league’s reach.

Early indicators suggest this approach is paying off: digital engagement increased more than 300%, while app installations rose 483% and website traffic climbed 617% over the opening weekend.

Broadcast performance was equally strong, with early audience data showing gains across 9Go, 9Now, and ESPN on Disney+, reflecting broader mainstream traction for women’s basketball.

The league’s refreshed partner roster, including AAMI, Bunnings, Blackmores, Hungry Jack’s, Ford, Latina Fresh and Minor Hotels — represents one of its most diverse sponsorship portfolios to date, with commercial revenue projected to triple compared to last season.

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