The 30th WNBA season is under way, bringing larger crowds than ever before.
Now that women’s basketball has gained attention at the college level, athletes are beginning their WNBA careers with exposure and popularity. Returning players, meanwhile, are already proving why they stood out in past seasons.
Caitlyn Clark, a third-year player, returns to Indiana Fever, averaging 18.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. She also has the highest assist average in th e league, averaging 8.2 per game so far this season. These stats, and her ability to both score while creating for her team, makes her one of the most dynamic players in the league.
A’ja Wilson, last season’s MVP, is also proving her talent again. She leads the league in both scoring, where she averages 24.8 points per game, and blocks, averaging 2.6. Her versatility and incredible stat lines prove Wilson to be worth watching.
New players have also entered the league, looking to make an impact.
Olivia Miles, a rookie playing for Minnesota, averages more points, assists, and steals than any other first-year player in the league. She has been a major contributor to the Lynx and has played a huge part in giving them the best current record, 6-2. Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez have also filled significant roles on their teams in the first month of their rookie season.
College standouts such as Clark, Paige Buekers, and Angel Reese brought their fans from their college teams to the WNBA when they began their professional careers. Social media and younger audiences have also brought attention to the WNBA, with ESPN games averaging 1.3 million viewers, which is higher than ever before.
As the WNBA continues to gain attention and improve its relevance in the sports world, returning and new stars will continue to rise, bringing even more attention to the league.
