WNBA Sets New Single-Season Attendance Record of Over 2.5 Million Fans

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced that it has shattered its single-season attendance record, drawing in more than 2.5 million fans this year. This impressive feat was achieved during the 226 games played in the year 2025, which involved 13 teams, as per an announcement made on social media by the league. Notably, the previous attendance record set back in 2002 was accomplished with a higher number of games—256—and 16 teams participating.

This landmark achievement is a reflection of the rising interest and demand for women's basketball, as mentioned by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert earlier in June. In line with this growing popularity, the league plans to expand its roster of teams from 15 to 18 by 2030, with new franchises set to launch in cities like Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, all intended to foster the sport's growth and attract new audiences.

The inclusion of new teams from Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, however, is still pending approval by the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors. If granted, the Cleveland team is slated to begin play in 2028, while the Detroit and Philadelphia teams would follow in 2029 and 2030, respectively. The new teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, are expected to kick off their seasons in 2026.

Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating that it underscores the WNBA's significant momentum and the depth of talent in women's basketball. She highlighted the increasing interest and demand for investment in professional women's sports, a trend that the league is eager to embrace.