As interest grows, what do WNBA rookies and veterans bring to the league?

WNBA kicks off a college season Women’s championship match broke rating records. WNBA matches can be watched more than NBA matches; TV ratings are up 153% since last season, and that’s before the playoffs started last week.

Senior Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier touched on the difference she’s noticed in the stands this season.

“People, that’s what we want,” he said. “That’s what we wanted. You know, people coming to our games, supporting us that way. And it’s a lot of fun. It makes the game very, very fun.”

New self-confidence, old school basketballs

against WNBAattendance increased by 48%.

Caitlin Clark and other rookies brought a new atmosphere to the 27-year-old WNBA.

“I don’t think anyone has the confidence that this draft class does. I think the most surprising thing about them is that they don’t actually act like rookies,” Collier said. “It feels like nothing can beat them. And I think that’s great.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert often brings up other rookies when asked about Clark.

“I think it’s just to show that in sports, people watch engaging content and competition,” he said.

WNBA is currently a league that many basketball fans prefer, all about passing and accuracy.

“Obviously the guys are a lot of fun. They’re very athletic. They can dunk and stuff. But if you’re a real basketball fan, I think ours is really interesting. Because we play it the right way. Play it really smart,” Collier said. “Our season is also shorter. So, you know, we’re putting in a lot more effort in our games.”

Changes coming to WNBA as fans gain interest

When the WNBA debuted in 1997, eight teams were matched against the eight existing NBA teams. From the jump, franchises have come and gone. The Houston Comets won the first four championships by simply folding. But amidst the instability, the WNBA was providing aspiration and inspiration to a generation of girls.

The league now consists of 12 teams with 12 players each, and the WNBA recently announced plans to increase that number to 16 teams.

The success transformed the WNBA’s bottom line. Corporate sponsors came. The league recently signed a media rights deal that will pay $200 million per season; This means an increase of more than three times.

Players who were used to flying commercial and staying in two rooms en route to away games are now flying on charter flights and staying in five-star hotels.

“We’re living life,” Collier said.