The 28th season of the WNBA will be remembered for its impressive viewership numbers and the breaking of long-standing records. Much of this surge in popularity is credited to the arrival of Caitlin Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year, which fans refer to as the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” However, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledges Clark’s influence but is hesitant to attribute all the success to the No. 1 pick.
As the season concluded and players entered the off-season, Reeve participated in a post-season press conference for the Lynx. During the session, she addressed several topics, from off-season plans to the team’s preparation for next season. One question that stood out concerned the record-breaking attendance figures this season and how this year’s championship differed from previous ones.
Reeve noted that the WNBA’s popularity had been growing even before the season began, especially when Clark announced her entry into the draft. Reeve recalled the excitement generated by Clark’s decision, which led to the WNBA draft selling out all 1,800 tickets in just nine minutes. Despite the undeniable buzz surrounding Clark, Reeve emphasized that the league’s growth had multiple contributing factors. She pointed out that several other players in the draft also sparked excitement, helping to build momentum for the WNBA’s rise in popularity.
Reeve expressed her excitement about the league’s progress, particularly the attention her team, the Minnesota Lynx, received throughout the season. She mentioned the visible support for the team in Minneapolis, such as citywide signage, which was a significant part of the season’s identity for the Lynx. However, Reeve lamented that this same level of support wasn’t seen in every city, calling it unfortunate. Still, the overwhelming response to the league this season was undeniable.
One example of the league’s growing popularity was Game 5 of the Finals. The game drew 2.15 million viewers, making it the most-watched Finals game in 25 years and the highest-viewed game of the championship series in this century. This record-breaking viewership highlighted that the WNBA’s appeal extended beyond Clark. In fact, Game 5 ratings surpassed the numbers from the 2000 Finals between the New York Liberty and Houston Comets, which had 2.12 million viewers.
Additionally, the Game 5 showdown, which went into overtime after a thrilling regulation finish, captivated audiences on ESPN, solidifying its place as the second highest-rated WNBA playoff game ever. The only game to surpass it was Caitlin Clark’s final appearance with the Indiana Fever against the Connecticut Sun, which drew 2.5 million viewers.
This season’s viewership growth was driven by two key factors. First, Caitlin Clark consistently attracted large audiences, bringing in a wave of new fans to the WNBA. Second, these new fans also became invested in the league as a whole, as viewership for games without Clark and the Fever saw significant increases as well.
In the end, the 28th WNBA season set new records for viewership and excitement, and as Reeve reflected, the palpable interest and buzz surrounding the league and her team made it an especially memorable season.
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