WNBA responds to record 2024 viewership with 2025 television schedule
The GIST: During its record-breaking 2024 season, the WNBA saw a massive viewership jump across networks — especially when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark graced the screen. And based on its 2025 regular-season schedule unveiled last week, the W is doubling down on 2024’s wins with increased broadcast exposure, giving an easy assist to its partners. Playing to their strengths.
The details: Disney networks will air 26 games, including a record 13 on ABC and up to 29 postseason matchups on ESPN. CBS will air the first regular-season primetime games on June 7th and August 9th, while ION nabbed the most regular-season games at 50.
- These networks all saw vast YoY viewership growth in 2024: ESPN boasted the most-watched regular-season game and averaged 1.2M viewers across 24 games (up 170% YoY), CBS averaged a viewership of 1.37M (up 132% YoY), and ION reached 23.37M total viewers (up from 12.3M in 2023).
The breakdown: After landing an incredible 38 of 44 games on national television last year, demand for the Fever is already burning for the upcoming season. Clark’s squad will play in no fewer than 41 nationally broadcast games (the most of any WNBA or NBA team), followed by the Las Vegas Aces (33 games) and defending champion NY Liberty (32 games).
The 2024 wins: With more eyes on the W, the league is seeing more brands interested in having a presence in the women’s game. Last year, the W saw 19% growth in sponsorship deals with 43% deal growth for the Fever specifically. Clark helped drive this growth by increasing value for partners like Gainbridge via platforms like Instagram.
The opportunities: After last season, expanding viewership opportunities means easy money for the W, especially when Clark is in the national spotlight. And with even more attention on Indiana, it’s smart for both local and national brands to consider the Fever, a team that has “America’s Team” branding potential.
- But it’s not just the Fever — proven champs like the Aces and Liberty top the list for WNBA valuations thanks to their own brand deals with companies like Ally and NYX Cosmetics. And though Clark is certainly a star, brands also teamed up with fellow rooks Angel Reese and Cameron Brink. No wrong choices…
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