Continuous Growth is Happening in the WNBA:

Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE Via Getty

The WNBA has been exemplifying a tremendous amount over the years. However, in this particular year and season, the league has been reaching record-breaking numbers. Cathy Engelbert, the league’s commissioner, stated that the WNBA has consistently experienced growth since she became commissioner in 2019. This year is standing out amongst the rest by breaking barriers.

The viewership of the league has grown sixty-seven percent since the prior season. This year’s all-star weekend alone set a record for viewership, as it reached almost one million. It has also been proved that the viewing of the 2023-24 season is now the peak of WNBA viewing. Though the increase in viewership is headlining the league’s growth, it has not been the only major improvement. The WNBA is getting involved with A-list investors such as Condolezza Rice, Tom Brady, and even Dwyane Wade. These investments are also aligning with the growth of partnership revenue, which is said to have spiked by double-digits and now at an all-time high.

In such a short career of being commissioner, Cathy implemented strategies and built relationships to contribute to the expansion of the WNBA. The commissioner believes in communicating and cooperating with the players. Engelbert values the idea of allowing the players to have their own voices and utilize their platforms. She stresses “putting your money where your mouth is” throughout the entirety of the league. As a result of this approach, the WNBA and individual teams are partnering and donating to numerous nonprofit organizations and charities. Cathy also hosts the “Commissioner’s Cup” in-season tournament. All teams partake in the tournament and all proceeds go towards organizations of the teams’ choice.

While constructing healthy relationships outside the league, Cathy also does the same inside. Engelbert remains dedicated to forming solid relationships with the teams and players within the league. Since female athletic salaries have been an issue for quite some time, Cathy is consistently communicating about budgets, travel benefits, and revenue flows. This results in a strong connection between the commissioner, individual teams, and players. The WNBA is growing with an impact and striving for continuous development within the league.