The WNBA set a new attendance record in its 30th season, drawing 3.79 million fans to 330 regular-season games in 2026. That was a 20.5% rise on 2025, helped by the arrival of expansion sides in Portland and Toronto, Just Women’s Sports reported. The WNBA attendance record also marked the third straight year of growth for the league, according to Yahoo Sports.
WNBA Attendance Record in Numbers
Excluding the two new teams, attendance still grew by 3%, Front Office Sports reported. Here are the key figures:
- Total attendance: 3.79 million across 330 games
- League average: 11,474 per game, up 5%
- Highest average: Golden State Valkyries, 18,064
- Biggest road draw: Indiana Fever, 15,116 per away game
- Biggest rise: Atlanta Dream, from 4,480 to about 7,000 per game
Valkyries Sell Out Every Home Game Again
Golden State led the league for a second straight season. The Valkyries sold out all 22 home games in 2026 and drew 397,408 fans in total, the club announced.
They are the only WNBA franchise to sell out every home game in each of their first two seasons. In addition, the club reported more than 12,000 season-ticket holders, a league record. “This culture is built for the long haul,” team president Jess Smith said.
Expansion Teams and the Atlanta Surge
The new franchises made an instant impact. Toronto drew 20,996 fans for a July game against the Dallas Wings, while Portland’s first home game attracted 19,335, Just Women’s Sports reported.
Atlanta’s jump was the largest in the league, at around 55%. The Dream credited the signing of Angel Reese and a move of major games to the larger State Farm Arena. However, not every market grew. Washington’s attendance fell by 16%, according to Front Office Sports.
TV Audiences Rise Alongside the WNBA Attendance Record
Viewing figures climbed too. NBC led all broadcasters with an average of 1.75 million viewers, while ESPN and ABC averaged 1.4 million, up 17%, Front Office Sports reported.
The most-watched game was the Chicago Sky against the Indiana Fever on 23 August, which drew 3.31 million viewers. That was the league’s biggest regular-season audience since 1997. Caitlin Clark’s availability played a part, as she featured in 40 of Indiana’s 44 games after playing only 13 the year before.
The playoff crowds have kept coming. Golden State sold out Chase Center again for their semi-final Game 1 win over the Aces, and you can follow the full postseason in our WNBA playoffs 2026 guide.
