The WNBA has drawn 2,501,609 fans over 226 games this season, breaking the league's single-season attendance record with 2 1/2 weeks remaining in the regular season. The previous mark was set in 2002 when the league had 16 teams and it took 256 games to reach that milestone. A surge in interest from women's college basketball, spurred initially by the Caitlin Clark- Angel Reese rivalry, carried into the WNBA last season as both players entered the league as rookies. Although Clark and Reese have missed time this season due to injuries, ticket sales remained strong because of rookie Paige Bueckers, interest in the expansion Golden State Valkyries, and expanded television coverage. After increasing the schedule from 40 to 44 games, the WNBA is on pace to shatter the previous attendance record.
NEW YORK -- With 2 1/2 weeks left in the WNBA's regular season, the league has already broken its single-season attendance record. League officials announced Thursday that the league's 13 teams have drawn a total of 2,501,609 fans over 226 games this season, surpassing the previous mark that was set in 2002 when the league had 16 teams. It also took the WNBA 256 games to reach the milestone in 2002.
The popularity explosion in women's college basketball, spurred initially by the Caitlin Clark- Angel Reese rivalry, carried over to the WNBA last season when Clark and Reese were rookies. Sold out arenas became the norm for Clark and the Indiana Fever. While Clark and Reese have both been hurt this season, ticket sales haven't slowed thanks to the arrival of rookie guard Paige Bueckers in Dallas, the curiosity over the expansion Golden State Valkyries and expanded television coverage.
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