Tuesday October 3, 2023

2022 WNBA Regular Season Notches Multiple Viewership and Fan Milestones

  • The league announced multiple milestones across merchandise, viewership, and social media.
  • The league’s growth and success follows a trend in women’s sports.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Women’s sports are growing in popularity across the board — and the WNBA is no exception.

The league’s regular season, which concluded Sunday, saw upticks in television viewership, social media engagement, and merchandise purchases, the league announced.

Viewership on national television went up 16% compared with last year, marking the highest-rated season since 2008. The league’s subscription service, WNBA League Pass, also saw a 10% jump in subscribers.

Social media handles on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat saw a 36% increase in video viewership — for a total of 186 million.

The WNBA All-Star game enjoyed record merchandise sales, twice as much as the previous record.

“We can officially say the #WNBA regular season was a SUCCESS,” the league said on Twitter.

The playoffs tip off on Wednesday between the New York Liberty and the defending champion Chicago Sky. 

The league’s recent growth and success is reflected in the college pipeline, too. The NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament set multiple viewership and attendance milestones. 

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Philadelphia Eagles jerseys.

Fanatics Fumbles Eagles Merchandise, Pauses Future Shipments

Michael Rubin has apologized for crooked Eagles apparel sent to fans.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

An advocacy group is filing an NLRB case against the Ivy League over athlete compensation.

Advocacy Group Files Federal Labor Charge Against Ivy League

It’s the latest in a flurry of NLRB cases over amateurism.
The Colorado Buffaloes played in the most-watched game of Week 5.
October 3, 2023

Colorado Ratings Bonanza Continues Despite Two Consecutive Losses

The Buffs’ least-watched game this season was still the most-watched this week.
Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers
October 3, 2023

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Bayern Munich

Real Madrid Rejects $137M League Deal Over Media Access

The La Liga club is not offering extra media access.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald and Team Europe celebrates with the Ryder Cup after beating Team USA during the final day of the 44th Ryder Cup golf competition at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
October 3, 2023

Ryder Cup Viewership Drops in U.S., Rises in U.K.

NBC’s event coverage attracted 1.32 million average viewers on Sunday.
Taylor Swift
October 2, 2023

NBC's 'Swift Bowl' Draws Monster 27 Million Viewers

It was the most-watched Sunday show since Super Bowl 57.
October 2, 2023

DSG Seeks Extension As Reorganization Pressure Mounts

Bankrupt RSN operator looks to file restructuring plan in late November
October 2, 2023

RedBird IMI Makes Strategic Investment in Front Office Sports

RedBird IMI is a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners and International Media Investments focused on high-growth media companies.
Formula 1 drivers in a pack at the start of the Montreal Grand Prix
October 1, 2023

Apple Reportedly Making Push For Global Formula 1 Rights

The tech giant could offer $2 billion a year for the rights.
College football is taking over Saturday night.
September 30, 2023

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.
September 29, 2023

ESPN, Tiger-Rory Golf League Close To Long-Term Deal

New entity backed by Woods, McIlroy nears critical agreement