The 2024 WNBA season ended on a high note, with the fifth game of the finals between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty being the most-viewed in 25 years across all networks, with 3.3 million viewers. Despite competition from other major sports events, the WNBA Finals series saw a significant increase in viewership compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity of women’s sports. The close competition between the Lynx and the Liberty, with four out of five games decided by 5 or fewer points, also added to the excitement. The Liberty emerged victorious in the final game, winning 67-62 in front of their home crowd.
This successful season comes after a new media rights deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 seasons was negotiated as part of the NBA’s agreement with broadcast partners, offering more visibility and potential for growth for the WNBA. The upcoming seasons will see the debut of new teams, such as the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, and an expanded schedule with 44 regular season games and a seven-game finals series. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement, which will remain in place for the 2025 season. Overall, the future looks promising for the WNBA as it continues to attract larger audiences and expand its reach in the world of sports.
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