WNBA 2024 Regular Season Wrap-Up: Caitlin Clarke’s Rookie of the Year, Angela Reese’s Stellar Performance, Rising Attendance, and a Viewership Debate

The WNBA’s 2024 regular season has officially concluded, leaving fans with plenty to reflect on. From record-breaking moments to the emergence of fresh talent, this year was filled with unforgettable performances. One of the brightest stars to emerge was Iowa’s Caitlin Clarke, who secured the highly coveted Rookie of the Year award. Alongside Clarke, Angela Reese—a standout player in her own right—also made headlines for her stellar play. Both players contributed significantly to increased attendance and TV viewership. However, despite these gains, a debate has surfaced over a potential dip in viewership following Caitlin Clarke’s team missing the playoffs.

Caitlin Clarke Dominates the Court in 2024: Rookie of the Year

Caitlin Clarke came into the WNBA with high expectations as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, and she did not disappoint. She quickly became one of the league’s top scorers, averaging over 20 points per game, and her lethal combination of shooting, passing, and leadership made her a must-watch player. Clarke’s dynamic play on both ends of the court earned her the Rookie of the Year award, which was no surprise to anyone who followed her throughout the season.

Her games were consistently among the highest viewed and drew large in-person crowds, as her loyal fanbase from her college days carried over into the professional ranks. Clarke’s magnetic personality, coupled with her jaw-dropping performances, made her a natural fit to be one of the WNBA’s new faces.

Angela Reese Shines in 2024: An All-Star Season

While Caitlin Clarke stole the spotlight as a rookie, Angela Reese was another star that fans couldn’t ignore. Reese, already known for her collegiate success, transitioned smoothly into the WNBA, becoming one of the most dominant forwards in the league. Her physicality, rebounding prowess, and defensive skills helped solidify her status as one of the WNBA’s premier talents.

Reese finished the season averaging 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. These numbers landed her a spot in the 2024 All-Star Game, where she put on a showcase of her talent. Known for her tough interior play and ability to stretch the floor, Reese was a key factor in her team’s push for the playoffs. Even though her squad didn’t go all the way, her performances have left a lasting impression on both fans and analysts alike, securing her place as one of the league’s future stars.

A Banner Year for WNBA Attendance and Viewership

The 2024 WNBA season marked a significant rise in attendance and viewership across the league. Several factors contributed to this surge, with Caitlin Clarke and Angela Reese both playing major roles. Their high-profile games, star power, and established fan followings helped drive increased interest in the league.

Both Clarke and Reese brought over large numbers of fans from their college basketball days, which translated into higher ticket sales and TV ratings for their respective games. This influx of new fans, combined with the league’s improved marketing efforts and broader media exposure, created a momentum shift that saw overall ratings climb during the regular season.

The Viewership Drop: Caitlin Clarke’s Absence from Playoffs

Despite the strong season-long performance in both attendance and viewership, there has been some discussion about a dip in viewership after Caitlin Clarke’s team failed to make the playoffs. Clarke’s fanbase has been vocal and dedicated, and with her team out of contention, some casual fans may have tuned out, contributing to the slight decrease in TV ratings.

The WNBA has long been a league that emphasizes team play over individual stars, but the growing influence of marquee players like Clarke and Reese can’t be denied. When a player as high-profile as Clarke is no longer part of the playoff narrative, it’s natural that some viewers may lose interest. However, the core fan base remains strong, and the playoffs still feature elite matchups and plenty of excitement.

Angela Reese’s Postseason Push

While Caitlin Clarke’s team missed the playoffs, Angela Reese’s team made a deep run, and her performances in critical moments further cemented her status as one of the league’s best. In the postseason, Reese elevated her game, averaging 21.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, making her one of the most impactful players of the playoffs. Her ability to step up in clutch moments only increased her visibility and popularity among fans, and many are already looking forward to her continued dominance in 2025.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the WNBA

The 2024 WNBA season was a turning point in many ways. With emerging stars like Caitlin Clarke and Angela Reese leading the way, the league has solidified itself as a major player in the sports landscape. The increase in attendance, viewership, and fan engagement this season is a testament to the WNBA’s growing influence.

Though there may have been a slight dip in viewership after Clarke’s team missed the playoffs, the league’s overall trajectory is positive. As more fans are drawn to the compelling storylines, intense competition, and high-level basketball, the WNBA is poised to continue its growth well into the future.

Both Caitlin Clarke and Angela Reese have already proven that they are not just stars but the future of the WNBA. Their continued success will play a key role in the league’s evolution as it reaches new heights in popularity and fan engagement.