The 2024 WNBA season showcased the league’s continued growth in popularity and influence, powered by an exciting blend of veteran stars and an electrifying new wave of young talent. The 2024 season saw a surge in fan engagement and increased mainstream attention toward women’s basketball with sold-out arenas and soaring television ratings, and was further aided by a successful U.S. Women’s gold medal campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which paused the season for three weeks. The arrival of rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, combined with established superstars such as reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, brought fresh energy to the game and set the stage for a captivating season.
Although the league has been riding an upward trend for years, 2024 marked a pivotal year in its trajectory. Attendance skyrocketed, especially in markets like Indiana, where new arrival Caitlin Clark made Indiana Fever home games the hottest ticket in town, pushing the team to shatter previous league attendance records. With the seed planted during her record-breaking college career, Clark’s ability to draw crowds wherever she played was a testament to her widespread appeal and the growing appetite for women’s sports.
Record-Breaking Performances: Wilson, Clark, and Reese
But it wasn’t just Clark who carried the WNBA mantle during the 2024 season—filled with individual performances that redefined what was possible in the WNBA. It was the established star and two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who delivered one of the most dominant seasons in league history, setting records for points, rebounds, and blocked shots in a single season. She also broke the long-standing season scoring record, averaging 26.9 points per game. Wilson’s historic achievements cemented her record-tying third MVP award and fully established her as one of the most complete players the league has ever seen.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark made an unforgettable entrance into the WNBA, breaking several rookie records and turning the Indiana Fever into must-watch basketball. Clark led the league in assists and 3-pointers made, all while averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Her 12 games with 10+ points and 10+ assists set a new standard for rookie guards, while her two triple-doubles were a feat never before seen from a first-year player. Clark is poised to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky also left a lasting impact in her debut season, particularly on the boards. Reese set a rookie record for double-doubles (24) and nearly took home the single-season rebounding title before a wrist injury ended her season prematurely. Despite the setback, Reese’s average of 13.1 rebounds per game and her dominance in the paint were highlights of the season.
The Clark and Reese Rivalry
Much of the 2024 season was defined by the budding rivalry between Clark and Reese, which spilled over from their college days at Iowa and LSU, respectively, and into the WNBA. The two rookies, already cultural icons, brought with them a level of competition and intensity rarely seen in first-year players, regardless of the sport.
The rivalry helped elevate the profile of the entire league and was often compared to the famous Larry Bird-Magic Johnson dynamic. It became a central talking point throughout the season, driving interest on and away from the court. Clark and Reese were at the center of a cultural shift that saw the WNBA capture the attention of a much wider audience.
While the rivalry fueled fan interest, it proved a showcase for the league’s deepening talent pool. The WNBA has long been a platform for elite basketball talent, but the influx of young stars like Clark, Reese, and other promising rookies has transformed the league's competitive balance.
A Bright Future for the WNBA
Heading into the playoffs, the 2024 WNBA season will be remembered for its record-breaking performances and how it reshaped the league’s landscape. Players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas continued to solidify their legacies.
In addition, rookies like the Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso and the Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, along with Clark and Reese, prove that the future of the league is in capable hands. The increased fan engagement, bolstered by sold-out games and record-setting attendance figures, has laid the foundation for continued growth in the years to come.
Looking ahead, as A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces shoot for a three peat, the WNBA stands at the cusp of an exciting new era. The 2024 season showcased the incredible talent within the league and reminded us that women’s basketball has never been more competitive, captivating, or culturally relevant.
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*Header photo courtesy of Women’s National Basketball Association
