The WNBA is in the midst of the new CBA deal. Players are vocal about their demands, the league is looking for expansion, and both must find a sweet spot. A big reason for this new revival is the historic 2024 season, which helped the league secure a massive broadcast deal. While many see this as a sudden surge due to the 2024 rookie class, vets were reluctant to take a secondary role in the rise.
One of those veterans was Brittney Griner. She was one of the few big names who took the ‘W’ by storm. The 2014 WNBA champion led the league in blocks eight times and was also the scoring champion twice in her career. She spoke about the current generation of players, including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Brittney Griner Talks About Impact Of Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry
In a recent episode of Cam Newton’s podcast, the 10-time All-Star opened up about her competitive nature on the court, misconceptions about her, and even the upcoming players in the league. The Atlanta Dream forward was pleased with the development of the CC-AR5 rivalry.
“I think it’s good. The Angel-Caitlin rivalry is great for basketball. We all tune in to see who will come out on top. Rivalries like this are beneficial for our game,” Griner said on the Podcast (via YT/@CamNewton)
She also mentioned that the younger players coming into the league will bring in more fans. And the ‘W’ needs that to grow. The 2024 season saw a massive influx of fans, which resulted in new highs of viewership and merch sales. It also positively impacted ticket sales, with the arenas getting crowded and louder for the WNBA games.
Accepting the positive impact, the 34-year-old forward mentioned that the league looks forward to flourishing and operating like the NBA and NFL. This will allow players to get equal recognition.
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Caitlin Clark Is The Catalyst Of The Change For The WNBA
There is compelling evidence to suggest that the 22-year-old rookie has been a major catalyst for change and growth in the WNBA. Even league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talked briefly about the “Caitlin Clark effect”.
The Iowa star’s record-breaking college career drew unprecedented public interest to women’s basketball, a phenomenon that has continued in the WNBA. This increased interest manifests as a significant rise in viewership and game attendance.
Her games, averaging 1.32 million viewers across major networks, almost tripled the previous season’s average. The media is also looking to put her on their cover. The broadcast rights went for an 11-year pact worth a reported $2.2 billion. That’s four times the value of the previous agreement.
Angel Reese also has a similar fan following, and her game improves every day. Her rivalry with CC is undeniably a significant factor in the recent surge of interest and change within the WNBA. Their on-court clashes, combined with the increased attention on women’s basketball generated by their college careers, have boosted viewership and engagement. The improved quality and influx of fans forced the league to rethink its plans for the future.
Also Read: WNBA Legend Sends Strong Advice To Players Regarding ‘Cash Cow’ Caitlin Clark