We all know the big names in basketball: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. When you think of basketball, you think of these legends that shaped the history and culture of this great sport. As you may or may not have noticed, there are no female names in the list I just showed, nor are they in the category of who we know as “basketball icons.” However, that may change because of the nationwide attention on women’s basketball recently.
In 2024, women’s basketball skyrocketed in popularity. ESPN’s data shows that the 2024 WNBA draft had 2.4 million views, a 328% increase from the 2023 draft. This was the most-watched WNBA draft in history. The regular WNBA season also had a huge number of views. It averaged 1.2 million viewers, a 170% increase from the previous year.
These statistics show that we are witnessing a milestone in women’s sports. People are finally acknowledging the amazing women who are a part of a usually male-dominated sport. This recognition allows a lot of female athletes to show how great they are on the court, as the world is now finally paying attention. One player that I want to shine a light on is one we have to thank for popularizing women’s basketball: Caitlin Clark. In her WNBA rookie season (this year), she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. If these statistics don’t already show her talent, her holding the rookie record for the most 3 pointers made in a season (122) and assists in a season (337) most certainly do. Caitlin Clark is truly a basketball prodigy, and gifted with such talent that the world loves to see.
Women like her also pave the pathway for the next generation of female basketball players and all female athletes in general. The culture shift is something positive and should inspire other women to know that they are capable of becoming legends, too. If you put your heart and soul into something you love, you will reap the benefits; it will pay off. Young girls who play basketball have never really had a player they could see themselves in or truly relate to. Many are here to inspire the new generation. We are truly witnessing history being made, and the future of women’s basketball is in good hands.
Brito, Santa “The 2024 WNBA season delivers record viewership across ESPN platforms”, ESPN (2024)
First Image: @planet_fox, pixabay.com
Second Image: Woman In Black Shirt Holding Basketball – cottonbro studio, pexels.com