• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Cricket, NWSL Among Emerging Sports to Set Attendance Marks

  • The figures show fans’ willingness to go far beyond the industry’s established powers when given the opportunity.
  • MLB and the WNBA enjoyed their own strong turnouts.
ICC

A series of emerging sports, pro leagues, and events posted historic levels of attendance over the weekend, showing the rapidly expanding nature of the business both domestically and abroad.

The June 7–9 weekend featured a broad mix of robust figures at the gate, reflecting fans’ willingness to go far beyond established powers such as the NFL and NBA when given the opportunity. Among the key markers:

  • The NWSL set a single-game record with a crowd of 35,038 on Saturday at Wrigley Field for a game between the Red Stars and Bay FC. That event was also part of a total weekend mark of 110,845, the first time that the league has surpassed 100,000 in attendance in a single weekend. 
  • A sellout crowd of 20,333 filled Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., for a Fever-Mystics game Friday, representing the biggest WNBA turnout for a game since 2007. The league also said Monday that it recorded its best opening-month attendance in 26 years, drawing about 400,000 during May.
  • The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup registered a turnout of 34,028 on Sunday in New York for the high-profile match between India and Pakistan, setting a new record for cricket in the U.S.
  • MLB drew a total of 108,956 for its two-game London Series between the Mets and Phillies, slightly below the comparable figure for a set of Cubs-Cardinals games in London last year, but still showing a strong energy given the league is trying to develop a foothold in the U.K., where baseball is not broadly ingrained in the local culture.

“I’d do it every year if we could,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “The people of England and this area have done a great job, treated us with class, and it’s been a great experience.”

Breaking New Ground

Many of these figures advance upon already-emerging, macro-level trends, such as the accelerating rise of women’s pro sports and the growing internationalization of many leagues based in the U.S. and Europe. The cricket figure, however, is arguably the most noteworthy.

The sport already enjoys a massive following in other parts of the world, particularly Asia, helping fuel several internet consumption records in recent years for important matches. But it’s a much less established sport in the U.S., and the India-Pakistan match was played in a temporary stadium built for the tournament and against a backdrop of heightened security due to potential threats from a pro-ISIS group.

The match completed without any public safety incident, but it still generated recriminations from fans back in Pakistan after the country lost to its top rival, following an upset defeat last week to the host U.S. team.

“It’s amazing. The atmosphere is great,” said Yankees special adviser Omar Minaya to The New York Times of the cricket tournament. “It’s like the World Baseball Classic, or the Dominican Baseball League.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver talks to media during a press conference before NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Adam Silver Doesn’t Want NBA Europe to Be a ‘Top-Heavy League’ 

Silver said he doesn’t want the prospective league to be like European soccer.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.