The WNBA set a new viewership record with the 2024 All-Star Game, achieving an average of 3.44 million viewers for Team WNBA’s 117-109 victory over Team WNBA. This figure more than doubles the previous record of 1.44 million viewers and marks the highest rating for any WNBA game since the 1997 season, according to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch.
The increase in viewership is part of a broader trend for the league, which reported in June that the 2024 season was on track to be the most-watched in its history across various media rights partners. Broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBS averaged 1.32 million viewers up to that point, a significant rise from 462,000 in 2023.
A major factor in the surge is the presence of rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who played in the All-Star Game for Team WNBA. Their strong followings from college have translated to their professional careers, contributing to the increased ratings. In the game, Clark recorded four points, 10 assists, and two steals in 26 minutes, while Reese posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist in 18 minutes off the bench. Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale stole the spotlight with an All-Star record of 34 points.
The WNBA was included in a comprehensive media rights deal with the NBA, valued at a reported $76 billion over 11 years, with $2.2 billion allocated to the WNBA. Terri Jackson, executive director of the WNBA players’ union, questioned the financial details of this deal, suggesting that paying around $200 million annually for WNBA broadcasts could prove to be a valuable investment if viewership continues to grow.
