The WNBA appears poised for a substantial financial upswing, potentially quadrupling its yearly media rights revenue to an impressive $240 million, owing in part to the rising prominence of players like Caitlin Clark. Currently, the league, comprising 12 teams, earns a relatively meager $60 million annually from its television and streaming contracts, which are shared among Disney, Amazon Prime Video, CBS, and Ion. However, ongoing negotiations suggest a significant boost in earnings, with projected figures hovering around $240 million per annum.
Front Office Sports reports that these discussions are spearheaded by the NBA, which holds a majority stake in the WNBA, established 28 years ago. Simultaneously, the NBA is in talks with various media conglomerates regarding a comprehensive $75 billion deal encompassing long-term television rights extending through the 2030s. Interestingly, the bid solicitation from media entities integrates the NBA and WNBA rights, potentially signaling a pivotal moment for the latter’s financial landscape. The NBA’s overarching agreement could serve as a catalyst for the WNBA’s growth or underscore its burgeoning popularity as a secondary consideration. Nevertheless, the league retains the option to pursue an independent media deal if dissatisfied with the terms negotiated by the NBA.
While Caitlin Clark’s influence is not the sole driver of heightened attention, her impact is undeniable. The WNBA recently witnessed its most-viewed opening month ever, attracting an average of 1.32 million viewers across major networks such as ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, Ion, and NBA TV—a substantial increase from 462,000 viewers previously.
The league’s momentum extends beyond television ratings, with in-person attendance experiencing a significant boost, marking the highest attendance for an opening month in 26 years. Approximately 400,000 fans attended live games by the end of May, signaling a resurgence in fan engagement.
