WNBA Viewership Surges on Ion Network

The E.W. Scripps Company reported a remarkable 133% increase in WNBA viewership on its Ion network this season, attracting 23.37 million unique viewers across 43 games and wrap shows. The rise is largely attributed to the popularity of rookie Caitlin Clark, with seven Ion telecasts exceeding one million viewers, including a standout game on August 30 that drew 1.6 million. Notably, the male audience (ages 25-54) surged by 181%, while 50% of the viewers were female, marking significant growth for the league. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the importance of broader exposure and the deepening connection with fans. In total, the WNBA had unprecedented coverage with 149 games aired across various platforms, and Ion's new advertising partnerships reflected the growing interest. This successful season sets a positive trajectory for the league's future, especially with the upcoming playoffs starting on September 22.