WNBA Draft Is Second-Most Watched in History

Did someone share this email with you? Get daily women’s basketball updates straight to your inbox. Sign up here!

What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. The 2025 WNBA Draft Is the Second-Most Watched in History 📈

Paige Bueckers is already drawing big-time attention in the WNBA, and she hasn’t even suited up yet. Monday night’s WNBA Draft drew 1.25 million average viewers as the Dallas Wings selected Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. It marks the second most-watched draft in league history, behind only last year’s star-studded class featuring Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, which averaged 2.4 million viewers. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: The “Clark effect” is real, but the momentum around women’s basketball extends beyond any one player. Viewership for this year’s draft was up 118% compared to 2023—and it ranked as Monday’s No. 1 program among men 18-49 and adults 18-34.

For perspective: before 2024, the previous high came in 2004, when 601,000 tuned in to watch another UConn great, Diana Taurasi, go first overall. The audience has more than doubled since then.

2. ESPN to Air First-Ever Nationally Televised WNBA Preseason Game 📺

It’s another first for the W. ESPN will broadcast the league’s first nationally televised preseason game on May 4, when Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever face off against the Brazilian National Team in Iowa City. The sold-out game will take place at Clark’s alma mater, Carver-Hawkeye Arena—tickets disappeared just 45 minutes after going on sale. (Sports Illustrated)

WHY IT MATTERS: Visibility drives growth. WNBA preseason games have traditionally flown under the radar, if fans could even find a way to watch. Last year, a fan-streamed preseason game between the Sky and Lynx went viral on X, pulling in over two million views. Fans want access, and major broadcasters are taking note.

ESPN says the game will move to ESPN2 if there's a conflict with NBA Playoffs coverage. But for now, it’s set to air on the flagship channel. We’ll keep you posted on final viewing details.

3. The Sparks Re-Sign Guard Aari McDonald 🌴

Veteran guard Aari McDonald is staying in LA. The Sparks have officially re-signed the former WNBA All-Rookie Team member for the 2025 season. McDonald arrived in Los Angeles last year via trade from Atlanta, where she spent her first three seasons in the league. (Los Angeles Sparks)

WHY IT MATTERS: McDonald brings steady leadership and veteran experience to a young Sparks squad. She averaged 8.7 points and a career-high 3.7 assists last season, and LA will count on her playmaking and defensive grit as they look to return to playoff form.

🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: 38.8% of respondents said that Paige Bueckers is the WNBA rookie they’re most excited to watch this season, followed by 14% who said “someone else” and 12% who chose Sonia Citron.