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4w ago

WNBA Sets Single-Season Attendance Record With More Than 2.5 Million Fans

Expansion into big markets with larger venues is strengthening players’ leverage in ongoing CBA negotiations.

Aug 11, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Fans hold up flashlights during the fourth quarter between the Golden State Valkyries and Connecticut Sun at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 6: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty talk during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The league confirmed 2,501,609 attendees as of Aug. 20 across 226 games, topping the 2002 record that required 256 games and 16 teams.
  • The Golden State Valkyries sold out every home date in their inaugural season, drawing roughly 289,000 fans at Chase Center to lead the bump.
  • Indiana leads total attendance with more than 300,000 at home despite Caitlin Clark missing significant time, reflecting resilient demand even with key injuries across the league.
  • The WNBA is averaging over 11,000 fans per game and, if the pace holds, projections suggest a season total near 3.15 million.
  • Teams are shifting select games to larger arenas to meet demand, while formal expansion to 18 teams by 2030 is underway and CBA talks face an October expiration.