The 2025 WNBA draft drew high viewership, making it the second-most-watched WNBA draft of all time. This event set the tone for what is expected to be a record-breaking season. With fan interest at an all-time high, the league's VISibility continues to reach new heights.
Surging Viewership
Building on the excitement from the draft, the WNBA’s 2025 preseason saw impressive viewership numbers. For the first time, every preseason game was fully broadcast, and fans showed up in great numbers. The exhibition match between the Indiana Fever and the Brazil women’s national team peaked at 1.6 million viewers. This figure not only set a new record for preseason viewership but also surpassed the average pre-game viewership of the 2024 WNBA regular season.
Ahead of the new season, several WNBA teams have relocated select games to larger venues to accommodate growing fan interest. The Chicago Sky, for example, has scheduled two home games at the United Center arena in Chicago, Illinois, which holds more than 20,000 fans. This move reflects the league’s rising popularity and the surging demand for in-person views.
“Return on investment in women’s sports right now is at an all-time high, and we’re trying to continue to build that, keep pushing the ceiling.”
A Historic Debut
The WNBA’s opening weekend tipped off on Friday, May 16, featuring all 13 teams in action over opening weekend. Among the highlights was the debut of the Golden State Valkyries, who played their first-ever game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Despite the outcome of an 84-67 loss for the Valkyries, 18,064 fans packed the sold-out Chase Center, marking a milestone for the league and the franchise.
The energy inside the arena remained electric from start to finish. “It was an amazing moment, the crowd was amazing,” said Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo during the postgame conference. Head coach Natalie Nakase echoed the feeling when asked about the atmosphere, describing it as loud and saying, “That’s exactly what I wanted. The crowd is going to support us regardless, it's surreal.” Even with a tough loss, the Valkyries fans showed their excitement for the new franchise and for the WNBA.
Rookie Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall draft pick, also made her WNBA debut with the Dallas Wings, where fans showed up in full force. A day before the home opener against the Minnesota Lynx, the team announced the game was officially sold out. It marked the Wings’ second straight sellout, following a packed preseason game the week before.
The Wings, who have made several playoff appearances in recent years, are now seeing even more excitement with the addition of Bueckers. Her arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA, as interest in women’s basketball continues to surge across the country. “Return on investment in women’s sports right now is at an all-time high, and we’re trying to continue to build that, keep pushing the ceiling. So just to be a part of that, it means everything,” Bueckers said. It's a role Bueckers embraces fully, as both a competitor and a catalyst for what’s next.
League on the Rise
From record-breaking draft viewership to sold-out preseason games and electric debuts, the 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be another historic one. With rising stars, growing fan engagement, and increased VISibility, the league is not only embracing the moment, it's redefining it.
