WNBA viewership hits record highs amid player controversies

The WNBA is experiencing significant viewership growth despite ongoing controversies regarding player conduct and gender identity policies. A recent matchup between the Indiana Fever and New York Liberty averaged two million viewers on ESPN, marking the network’s second-largest regular-season WNBA audience in 30 years and exceeding the network's regular-season average by 116 percent.

Overall, WNBA viewership has increased by 12 percent this season. This rise in interest occurs alongside heated debates surrounding Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports. The controversy has led to protests during the Fever’s recent road games.

Further tension arose during a game when Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected following a hard foul on Cunningham. The incident triggered backlash from supporters of the Indiana forward, while Carrington faced criticism online, subsequently posting a comment regarding ‘white privilege’ on X.