Landmark Year for Women’s Basketball
By Vinny Lima
Sports Editor
After a deciding game five overtime win, the New York Liberty won their first WNBA title in franchise history. The win marked more than just a milestone moment for the team, but the end of a milestone year for not only the league but the sport as well.
There was huge momentum for women’s basketball going into the season, coming off the back of a historically successful March Madness on the women’s side. The final between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa and undefeated South Carolina brought in the largest ever TV crowd for a National Championship game. The game peaked at 24 million viewers and was the most watched basketball game since 2019, NBA included.
The subsequent draft class of 2024 brought in huge viewership and recognition to the WNBA, specifically no.1 overall pick Caitlin Clark. Clark’s fame and success throughout college were unlike anything ever seen before in women’s basketball, with all eyes on her rookie season with the Indiana Fever.
That attention showed, as league viewership and attendance hit all-time highs. The season was the most watched in league history with a 170 percent increase from 2023. Total attendance was the highest in 22 years, with a new single game record of 20,711. Three games drew in crowds of over 20,000, all featuring Caitlin Clark and the Fever.
Clark’s impressive three point shooting and creative passing made heads turn all over the sports world, as she led the league in three-pointers and assists. Her rookie classmate Angel Reese, with whom she had developed a rivalry in college, also excelled on the Chicago Sky. Reese set a league record in rebounds per game. The competition between the two was a focal point all season, with their clash on June 23rd ending as the most watched game of the season. Clark ultimately took home Rookie of the Year as well as being named to the All-WNBA First Team.
The year was indeed a huge success and marked fantastic progress for women’s basketball. There is however still room for improvement in terms of league salaries and the narrative surrounding the sport. By no means has the end goal been reached, but this is a step in the right direction towards these phenomenal athletes receiving the recognition they truly deserve.