- All 15 WNBA preseason games available nationally for first time
- Clark returns to Iowa, Reese to LSU in televised exhibition matches
- 2024 regular season viewership spiked 170% following rookie breakthroughs
The WNBA continues its meteoric rise with unprecedented preseason access, leveraging star power and strategic venue choices to deepen fan engagement. This year’s exhibition slate marks a watershed moment, with every game available through national broadcasts or the League Pass platform. Rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese take center stage, returning to their collegiate arenas in matchups designed to capitalize on existing fanbases while attracting new audiences.
Friday’s doubleheader on ION exemplifies this strategy, featuring Reese’s Chicago Sky facing Brazil at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The venue holds special significance as Reese’s former home court during LSU’s 2023 championship run. Meanwhile, Clark’s Indiana Fever will play two televised games in Iowa, including a Sunday ESPN showcase against Brazil’s national team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. These location-driven matchups create natural storylines, blending nostalgia with professional aspirations.
Behind the scenes, league executives report a 93% increase in sponsorship inquiries compared to last preseason. Broadcast partners have committed 58% more production resources to these exhibitions, including enhanced camera setups reminiscent of NBA All-Star Weekend coverage. Regional analysis shows particularly strong ticket demand in Midwest markets, with Iowa-based Fever games selling out within 12 hours of announcement.
The Notre Dame doubleheader opener provides a case study in alumni engagement. Three former Fighting Irish stars – Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas), Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young (Las Vegas) – return to Purcell Pavilion for a sold-out Aces-Wings matchup. Local businesses report 22% higher gameday revenue compared to standard preseason contests, illustrating the economic ripple effect of homecoming-style events.
Viewership trends confirm the league’s growth trajectory. Last season’s regular season averages nearly doubled previous records, while playoff audiences reached 25-year highs. Digital platforms played a crucial role, with social media highlights from Reese’s 2023 preseason debut accumulating 14 million views despite no official broadcast. This organic fan engagement prompted the league to prioritize broader accessibility for 2024 exhibitions.
As training camps open, teams are implementing data-driven strategies to maximize preseason impact. Chicago Sky coaches plan to test new motion offenses during their LSU showcase, while the Fever prioritize Clark’s pick-and-roll chemistry with center Aliyah Boston. League-wide, 73% of general managers report using preseason analytics to finalize roster decisions, up from 54% in 2023.