The WNBA reached a historic new peak on Friday, surpassing 2.43 million fans in regular-season attendance, according to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports. This breaks the previous record of 2,364,736, which stood since 2002, marking a significant milestone for the league’s growth and fan engagement.
The Indiana Fever, led by star guard Caitlin Clark, currently boast the highest home game attendance this season, attracting more than 300,000 fans across 18 home matches. This surge in attendance reflects the strength of what has been dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Fever” phenomenon, even as Clark has missed over half of those games due to groin injuries.
Clark’s Injury and Team Prospects Ahead of Playoffs
Clark’s limited availability has raised concerns for the Fever’s postseason hopes, but head coach Stephanie White remains cautiously optimistic about her return before the playoffs begin. Speaking to reporters, White conveyed,
The hope is that she’s back.
She also emphasized the importance of managing Clark’s health carefully, explaining,
The experience throughout the year, trying to come back and come back quickly, has also taught her that she needs to make sure that she’s 100 percent,
and added,
Yes, every competitor wants to play, but at the same time doing it the right way and making sure, after we’ve had a couple of setbacks, that we’re prioritizing her long-term health and wellness is the most important thing.
Despite these setbacks, the Fever’s performance remains strong, including a notable 21-point comeback victory achieved while coping with injuries to key players such as Clark and teammate Sophie Cunningham.
Injuries Impact Fever Roster
Adding to the team’s injury challenges, Sophie Cunningham suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game against the Connecticut Sun. Cunningham’s absence is a significant blow to the Fever’s depth, but the team continues to rally behind its core players.
Broader Factors Driving Increased WNBA Attendance
The spike in attendance this season is not only due to the Fever’s popularity but also influenced by strong support for other teams. Colin Salao pointed out the Golden State Valkyries as key contributors to the overall attendance growth, having sold out all 16 of their home games at Chase Center in their first season, attracting a total of 289,024 attendees.
The New York Liberty have similarly experienced a 29 percent boost in their attendance numbers, reflecting the league-wide surge in fan interest. The WNBA is on track to break the three million attendance mark this season, signaling sustained momentum for women’s basketball.
Future Expansion and Long-Term Growth Prospects
Looking ahead, the WNBA’s expansion plans are expected to further elevate attendance and visibility. New franchises are set to join the league in Toronto and Portland by 2026, with Cleveland arriving in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. These additions are likely to draw new markets and increase nationwide support for the sport as its popularity continues to rise.
The ongoing enthusiasm, fueled by captivating players like Caitlin Clark and successful new teams, suggests that WNBA attendance will keep climbing, cementing the league’s growing status in professional sports.