Caitlin Clark’s impact continues to be felt in the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick’s effect on numbers continues to skyrocket.
After a headline-grabbing first month following Clark’s entry, the W announced on Monday that more than 400,000 fans attended the May games. Last month’s attendance is the highest in 26 years, which is impressive considering the league is in its 28th season.
Additionally, the league’s viewership has increased considerably since Clark’s arrival.
On ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and CBS, WNBA games are averaging 1.32 million viewers, which is nearly triple last season’s standard of 462,200 viewers.
Indiana’s May 14 game against the Connecticut Sun, May 18 game against the New York Liberty and May 20 game against the Sun set viewership records as the most-watched WNBA games on their respective networks .
Caitlin Clark’s rookie year helped WNBA numbers grow in first month of season
The opening game between Indiana and Connecticut on May 14 averaged 2.12 million viewers
The opening night game between Indiana and Connecticut on May 14 averaged 2.12 million viewers on ESPN 2, May 18 averaged 1.71 million on ABC, and May 20 averaged of 1.56 million on ESPN.
The strong rookie class entering the WNBA Draft in April also contributed to overall growth, as three newcomers rank in the top five in jersey sales.
Merchandise sales increased 236 percent from last season, with Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink among the top five.
Through the first two weeks of the season, WNBA League pass signups tripled and reached the highest average minutes seen in history. The number of May 2023 subscriptions increased by 335 percent last month.
Finally, stadiums were filled to an average of 94 percent capacity, a 17 percent increase from last season.
The WNBA announced Monday that more than 400,000 fans attended games in May.
Clark and fellow rookies Angel Reese and Cameron Brink are in the top five in jersey sales.
Arenas were filled to an average of 94 percent capacity leaguewide during the first month.
In a press release, WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison said the recent growth is the embodiment of her faith in the league.
“What is happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we have always known: the demand is there and women’s sport is a valuable investment,” Elison said.
“We are encouraged by the growing engagement across all of our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse audiences to our fandom,” Elison added. “The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this increased momentum.”