July 20, 2024
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game delivered a night to remember, showcasing elite talent, record-setting performances, and a historic viewership milestone. In front of a packed crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Team WNBA took down Team USA 117-109, while millions of fans at home tuned in to watch women’s basketball on its biggest stage.
Ogunbowale’s Electrifying MVP Performance
Arike Ogunbowale stole the show, lighting up the scoreboard with a stunning 34-point performance that secured her the All-Star Game MVP. From deep three-pointers to clutch shots in key moments, the Dallas Wings star put on a shooting clinic, breaking the event’s scoring record and keeping Team USA on their heels.
“This was a moment for the league, for the fans, and for the future of women’s basketball,” Ogunbowale said postgame. “We wanted to put on a show, and I think we did exactly that.”
Unprecedented Viewership and Growing Fan Engagement
The game made history off the court as well, drawing a record-breaking 3.44 million viewers on ABC. This milestone reflects the league’s continued surge in popularity, building on the momentum from last season’s ratings boom and increased national coverage.
Much of the WNBA’s recent success has been fueled by the influx of high-profile young stars, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, whose presence has amplified interest in the sport. With social media engagement soaring and attendance at games reaching new highs, the league’s rapid growth is showing no signs of slowing down.
A Glimpse Into Olympic Competition
Beyond the spectacle of the All-Star Game, the matchup also served as a crucial test for Team USA ahead of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. With a roster stacked with WNBA superstars, including Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, Team USA used the event as a valuable tune-up for their gold medal quest. Despite the loss, Stewart and Wilson combined for 42 points, reaffirming why Team USA remains a powerhouse on the global stage.
The Future is Bright for the WNBA
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the league’s upward trajectory, stating, “We’re seeing historic growth in every area—attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, and fan engagement. The best is yet to come.”
With the All-Star Game proving to be a resounding success, the WNBA now looks ahead to the second half of the season. As more eyes turn toward the league, the challenge will be sustaining this momentum and continuing to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
