Whatever the numbers say, the WNBA has certainly broken the shackles in terms of popularity. The advent of new-age ballers like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Cameron Brink has brought a lot of popular conversation to the center. Despite these developments didn’t make an impact on the numbers, as the league heads towards yet another season without making profits. However, NBA superstar Stephen Curry stepped in and eased the nerves with affirming words.

It has been 28 years since the inception of the WNBA. While the league has showcased growth slowly but steadily, it has been losing approximately $10 million on average annually, as per Adam Silver. Right when the popularity of the new rising stars was expected to bring down the loss, it increased fivefold. The latest report from The Washington Post stated the league is expected to make a loss of around $50 million.

Amid this threatening situation, Stephen Curry chimed in as a guiding light. The Golden State Warriors superstar reminded the sporting world of the increased viewership and packed arenas in the WNBA and also heaped praise for the rookie stars. Featuring in a Bloomberg interview, he said, “The conversations now around the league are totally different. Attendance is up. You know, they’re on TV a lot more… the growth of the popularity of not just the individual players, but, you know, franchises becoming more dominant.” 

The superstar continued to speak about the influence that stars like Kelsey Plum have left on the younger generation. And also threw in a special praise for the rising stars. He added, “You obviously know what Angel Reese Caitlin Clark doing. Amazing things early in their careers.” Importantly, the 4x NBA Champ didn’t forget to remember his “family” god-sister Cameron Brink as well. The rookie is currently recovering from the season-ending ACL injury.

Can Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese save the WNBA?

Ever since the NCAA sensation Caitlin Clark made her WNBA debut, she has made it to the headlines every once in a while. If not for her balling brilliance, controversies often drag her to the limelight. Importantly, NBA legends like Charles Barkley, Gilbert Arenas, and several others have constantly been involved in the conversation, giving a boost to the cause.

These developments have certainly paid dividends. Before entering the professional space, Angel Reese and Clark had a piping-hot rivalry brewing in collegiate basketball. The duo has carried it into the league as well and the numbers don’t lie. At least for this case. The WNBA viewership for the game between Reese’s Chicago Sky and Clark’s Indiana Fever set a historic feat.

The game turned out to be the most-watched sporting event ever in the ION’s network history. The average viewership throughout the game was 1.6 million, and it peaked at 1.9 million. If the duo continues to create an impact on the viewership, the league’s continued loss can be kicked out. Moreover, it’s just their rookie season, and they can grow their fandom in the coming years and turn it around for the upcoming ballers.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.