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The WNBA Draft drew an average of over 2.4 million television viewers last week; the previous draft day record was just north of 600,000. Overall, ESPN saw a 121% year-over-year increase in viewership during this season’s NCAA Tournament. Most notably, that includes the national championship, which was watched by an average of nearly 19 million viewers, the most-watched basketball game (men’s or women’s, college or professional) since 2019. The growth in women’s basketball is undeniable. Another example of such increased interest may have flown under the radar amid the excitement of March Madness. 

The Las Vegas Aces announced last month that they sold out their season tickets, which, according to the franchise, was an unprecedented accomplishment in the WNBA at the time. Front Office Sports reported that the Aces sold out 8,600 season ticket memberships for Michelob Ultra Arena, which seats approximately 10,000 people. The Dallas Wings recently followed suit, selling out their season tickets according to team president and CEO Greg Bibb.

So how did Las Vegas generate so much interest? Winning back-to-back WNBA championships doesn’t hurt, a run propelled by the Aces selecting three consecutive No. 1 picks from 2017 to 2019 – two-time All-Star Kelsey Plum , two-time league MVP A'ja Wilson, and two-time All-Star Jackie Young. 

The level of investment by the franchise has also been instrumental. That has started at the top with owner Mark Davis, who acquired the franchise in 2021 and later funded a $40 million, 64,000-square-foot training facility, the first such facility dedicated to a WNBA team. He then hired Becky Hammon to be the Aces head coach before the 2022 season and gave her a $1 million dollar salary, the highest in league history at the time. 

It all added up to a recipe for success, which helped the Aces garner enough interest to sell out nine of their 20 games home games last season and draw a league-best 9,551 fans per game. In their regular season home game finale, 17,406 fans packed the T-Mobile Arena to watch the Aces defeat the Phoenix Mercury 100-85, setting a franchise record for single-game attendance. 

Sondra Cosgrove, a history professor at the College of Southern Nevada, had some additional insight into the popularity of Aces season tickets. She and her husband have been Aces season ticket holders for two years. 

“Having reasonably priced tickets and free parking means families can attend games, so girls and boys get to see the women athletes they can look up to,” Cosgrove said. “Las Vegas residents are very supportive of our city’s leaders and ambassadors.”

The lowest-priced season tickets were roughly $200, which works out to a reasonable price point of $10 per game (based on 20 home games during the regular season), a much more affordable option than regularly paying for single-game tickets. Season tickets also come with free parking at the Mandalay Bay, a nice perk given that parking on the Vegas Strip costs about $25 on average according to Cosgrove. 

We are at a significant crossroads when it comes to women’s basketball. Interest is higher than ever. Also, a likely CBA opt-out and new media deal are on the horizon in 2025. Whether other WNBA teams can capitalize like the Aces will play a significant role in determining the fortunes of the league and its players. 

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