The 2024 season saw some amazing performances and storylines that will go down in history. The world saw Angel Reese make history as a rookie.
Meanwhile, Brittney Griner went on to average 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. And Game 4 of the WNBA Finals became the most-watched women’s basketball game in history!
It was truly a season of breakthroughs. Now, the WNBA has created history yet again.
After Historic Moments, the WNBA Makes History Yet Again
The WNBA is not simply setting records. It is, in fact, setting a standard. The league has officially been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. They are No. 4 on the overall list and claim the No. 1 spot in the Sports category. It is a well-earned title, and it is all about bold moves. S,o what were these moves?
Exciting news 🎉
We’re proud to announce that the WNBA has been named one of @FastCompany‘s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, including No. 1 in the Sports category. From groundbreaking growth to redefining the game, we’re committed to continuing to lead the way for women’s… pic.twitter.com/ShI760BcQj
— WNBA (@WNBA) March 18, 2025
The momentum started with the WNBA Draft, which felt almost like a Hollywood premiere. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink were the stars and power of the show, so much so that the tickets to the event sold out in just 15 minutes.
And the ESPN coverage got 2.4 million viewers. That was a 328% increase from the previous year. The WNBA turned into a cultural event of sorts. The growth doesn’t end here.
The WNBA went on to sign a $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, Amazon, and NBCUniversal. This ensured that starting in 2026, the league will make $200 million annually. That is a drastic change from the previous year’s $50 million per year number. With the growing numbers, expansion is also happening.
The Golden State Valkyries will debut in Toronto and Portland this year. Portland’s ownership group even shelled out $125 million for their spot. One of the key ingredients this time has been the shift towards athlete-centric marketing. WNBA players are more than just ballers; they are brands. And the numbers and brand deals prove the same.
Caitlin Clark, for example, signed a $28 million Nike deal. Meanwhile, Angel Reese expanded her partnership with Reebok and teamed up with Hershey’s Reese’s. And Cameron Brink signed with Urban Decay, Skims, and Gorjana. It is evident that major brands are taking WNBA athletes to notice.
The league is also pushing the same with their marketing. They are turning tunnel walks into viral fashion moments and pulling in fresh sponsors like Bumble, Glossier, and Opill. To add on, Dick’s Sporting Goods even launched an exclusive girls’ apparel line with the WNBA. Making it even better, the league’s social justice work isn’t just lip service.
They have used this season’s Commissioner’s Cup to raise funds for reproductive rights and voter mobilization. But, of course, nothing great has come without its challenges. There have been rivalries between Clark and Reese about racial issues. And players have even called out Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not taking a stronger stance.
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Of course, there is also a fight for fair pay with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) opting out of the current collective bargaining agreement, demanding better salaries and working conditions. Despite it all, there is no doubt that the WBNBA is growing.
The WNBA is redefining the game. And the world is finally paying attention.
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