WNBA Finals Reach Historic Viewership Milestone
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 WNBA season, the fifth game of the finals between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty drew a record-breaking 3.3 million viewers on ESPN, making it the most-watched WNBA finals game in 25 years. This impressive achievement is all the more remarkable considering the stiff competition from other sports events that aired simultaneously, including the NFL’s “Sunday Night Football” and MLB’s National League Championship Series.
A Growing Popularity for Women’s Sports
The WNBA Finals series saw a significant surge in viewership, more than doubling last year’s numbers. This growth in popularity is not limited to the WNBA, but rather reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in women’s sports. The closely contested battle between the Lynx and the Liberty, with four of the five games decided by 5 or fewer points, undoubtedly contributed to the excitement and attention surrounding the series.
A Bright Future Ahead
The WNBA’s success is set to continue, with several new teams joining the league in the coming seasons, including the Golden State Valkyries in 2025. Additionally, the league will expand its regular season schedule from 40 to 44 games and introduce a seven-game finals format instead of the current five-game series. With a new media rights deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 seasons, the WNBA is poised for continued growth and success.
Players Association Opts Out of Collective Bargaining Agreement
In a surprise move, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association announced that it would opt out of the collective bargaining agreement reached with the league earlier this year. While the current CBA will remain in place for the 2025 season, this development could potentially lead to changes in the league’s labor relations and player contracts.
A Milestone Season
The 2024 WNBA season will be remembered as a milestone year for the league, marked by historic viewership numbers, increased engagement, and attendance. As the league continues to grow and expand, fans can look forward to an exciting future for women’s basketball.
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