The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has seen significant growth recently, fueled by impressive athletes like Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. In 2024, the league experienced a surge in interest, with average attendance rising to nearly 9,807 fans per game—a 48 percent increase from the previous year. More than 2.35 million people attended games in person, marking the highest attendance in over twenty years.
Alongside packed arenas, TV viewership also soared, with regular-season games drawing an average audience of 1.19 million viewers across ESPN platforms, representing a remarkable 170 percent jump from 2023. These trends highlight the WNBA’s expanding influence and popularity among basketball fans nationwide.
NBA 2K26 Introduces Mixed NBA and WNBA Player Lineups
Adding to the excitement surrounding the league, NBA 2K announced a groundbreaking update for its upcoming NBA 2K26 game. For the first time ever, players can include WNBA athletes in MyTEAM mode, allowing gamers to build rosters that blend stars from both the NBA and WNBA. This feature lets fans draft athletes such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Brittney Griner alongside NBA legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry.
Build from the best of both leagues in #NBA2K26 MyTEAM For the first time ever, you’ll be able to collect and play with WNBA Player Cards, and pair them with your favorite NBA superstars in the same lineups,
NBA 2K stated on Instagram.
The integration immediately sparked enthusiastic reactions among gamers, especially around Clark and Reese. Many fans shared playful predictions about how the new mixed rosters might look during gameplay.
We gonna see Caitlin Clark dunking on Shaq lmao,
one fan joked, while another added,
Angel Reese, boxing out and greening a rebound over Shaq will be the day I stop playing 2k forever,
showcasing the competitive spirit this update has unleashed. Another fan commented,
If I get dunked on by Caitlin Clark im turning ts off so fast,
reflecting excitement and surprise at her presence in the game.
Even NBA 2K’s Ronnie2K joined the conversation, writing,
Steph and CC gonna go crazy,
and another fan imagined,
Caitlin Clark and Luka back court,
hinting at possible dynamic pairings.
Implications of NBA 2K26’s WNBA Integration for the League’s Expansion
This innovative game feature offers players new creative possibilities and strategies by mixing NBA and WNBA talents on one virtual floor. Beyond gaming, it represents a meaningful step for WNBA visibility, introducing the league’s brightest stars to millions of users who may not otherwise engage with women’s basketball.
The timing aligns perfectly with the WNBA’s ongoing momentum, which includes new expansion teams such as the Golden State Valkyries and deeper broadcast coverage. These developments signal the league’s ambitious vision for growth, backed strongly by the NBA and its vast fanbase.
By extending the WNBA’s presence into popular gaming platforms, NBA 2K26 could help foster a broader fan following and reinforce the league’s rising stature in the sports world. As Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continue to shine both on the court and in gaming arenas, their impact is set to inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.