WNBL26 Finals Series Delivers Record Attendance Growth

The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has officially concluded its 2025/26 campaign, recording a landmark commercial and engagement milestone that underscores the rapidly ascending trajectory of elite women’s sport in Australia.

The WNBL26 Finals Series, which spanned seven high-stakes fixtures throughout February and March, delivered a staggering thirty-four per cent increase in total attendance compared to the previous season.

Commenting on the announcement, WNBL CEO, Jennie Sager, noted that the record results reflect a deeper, more permanent connection between the competition and the Australian public.

“The interest in the WNBL is at an all-time high, with more people turning out to watch our game than ever before.”

“Throughout the WNBL26 Finals Series we saw packed venues, an electric atmosphere and fans deeply invested in our athletes and clubs,” Sager said.

This surge in spectator interest culminated in a historic championship decider at the Perth High Performance Centre. In what has been described as one of the most competitive grand finals in the league’s history, the Townsville Fire secured the WNBL26 title in front of a capacity, sold-out crowd.

The match was defined by extraordinary tactical volatility, featuring forty-one lead changes before the Fire ultimately claimed the trophy in a high-intensity finish.

The organisation’s commercial health was further highlighted by the robust average attendance figures recorded across the entire post-season.

On average, more than two thousand eight hundred fans attended each of the seven finals games, demonstrating a consistent appetite for the product beyond the championship match itself.

This growth is being viewed by league executives as a validation of the current strategic program, which focuses on building fierce rivalries and showcasing the high-performance athleticism of the world-class playing cohort.

Crucially, the league is leveraging this professional success to bolster grassroots participation.

Current participation data indicates that one in five young girls in Australia now play basketball nationally.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.