The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has experienced unprecedented growth in viewership, with ESPN networks reporting a 170% increase in 2024, averaging 1.19 million viewers. This surge comes as discussions around player compensation and the league's financial model gain prominence, particularly in light of social media commentary regarding fan engagement. A recent tweet from "Warren Redlich - Chasing Dreams 🇺🇸" suggested, > "WNBA players would make more money if women watched WNBA games. Men only watch WNBA highlights when the women fight." However, recent data challenges this assertion.
Contrary to the tweet's premise, men constitute a significant and growing portion of the WNBA's audience. On ESPN networks, men make up 60% of WNBA viewers, and on ION, they account for 55%, an increase from 50% last year. The 2024 season marked the most-viewed regular season ever across ESPN platforms, featuring seven of the top ten most-watched WNBA games in ESPN history. This broad appeal indicates a diverse and expanding fan base contributing to the league's rising popularity.
The record viewership has intensified the ongoing negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). Players are advocating for a larger share of the league's revenue, citing the disparity with other major sports leagues where players typically receive around 50% of revenue. Currently, WNBA players receive approximately 9.3% of league revenue, a figure the WNBPA aims to significantly increase.
The financial landscape of the WNBA is rapidly evolving, bolstered by a new media rights deal valued at $200 million annually, set to take effect next year. This substantial increase in revenue, coupled with rising expansion fees and growing attendance, provides a strong foundation for higher player salaries. The WNBPA opted out of the current CBA in October 2024, two years ahead of schedule, to push for terms that better reflect the league's burgeoning success and the players' contributions.
As the league continues its upward trajectory, driven by both on-court talent and strategic business developments, the focus remains on ensuring that player compensation aligns with the WNBA's remarkable growth and expanding viewership. The ongoing CBA negotiations are critical in shaping the future economic model, aiming to provide players with a more equitable share of the success they are helping to build.