New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello expressed pride in the WNBA’s rising viewership, highlighting the recent game against the Indiana Fever as a milestone in the league’s visibility. The contest, which drew 2.2 million viewers on ABC, marked the third-most-watched WNBA game in the network’s history. Despite the Liberty’s loss, Brondello emphasized the significance of the exposure, crediting Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance as a key factor in drawing a large audience. Clark’s season-high 32 points and seven 3-pointers were pivotal in the Indiana Fever’s 102-88 victory. Brondello noted the importance of reaching wider audiences, stating, ‘I love it. That’s what we’ve been trying to aim for since the league started a long, long time ago.’
The game’s success follows the WNBA’s most-watched regular season in 24 years, bolstered by Clark’s groundbreaking rookie campaign, which included league records for assists and triple-doubles. As the league gains traction, its ratings now rival other major North American sports leagues, positioning it for continued growth and broader fan engagement. Brondello added, ‘The more people can get eyes on our game, they’ll fall in love with it because this is the best place in the world.’ The league’s rapid growth has generated ratings numbers that rival other major sports leagues in North America, with The Athletic noting the Stanley Cup Final’s viewership numbers as lower than last year’s. Despite the fluctuation in ratings, the WNBA’s consistent increase in viewership signals a promising future for the league and its athletes.