MINNEAPOLIS — About 2.4 million people watched Mondayt night's WNBA Draft.
Viewership increased more than fourfold over last year's draft, which averaged 572,000 on ESPN.
The previous record for the draft was 601,000 in 2004, when Diana Taurasi was picked first overall. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft was Caitlin Clark by the Indiana Fever.
The basketball world is still coming down from that nigh, and teams and businesses across the country are already preparing for what is expected to be a historic season.
"I've never seen anything like it in my 20 years," said Carley Knox, the President of Business Operations Minnesota Lynx. "And it's not only impacting the Indiana Fever. It's literally impacted every single team in the WNBA revenue-wise from season tickets to partial plans to groups to corporate partners. "
Caitlin Clark herself took to the national stage on SNL Saturday. After a few jabs at Michael Che, she paid tribute to the women who have come before her.
"It's just one step for the WNBA thanks to all the great players," said Clark. "Sherley Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, the great Dawn Staley and my basketball hero, Maya Moore."
Knox says ticket sales have skyrocketed after the draft. Prices are up, too.
"We're expecting a number of complete sellouts, opening up the upper bowl and Target Center," said Knox. "And it is crazy right now. Just watching the sales happen, even overnight, and waking up this morning and seeing the the sales with season tickets and partial plans and groups is amazing."
She says that momentum will continue especially with the potential of a bigger TV deal.
"Ultimately, we want to pay the players more," said Knox. "We have obviously a new TV deal coming up soon, we'll have a new CBA negotiation coming up soon."
Knox also had some advice for those late in the game.
"Get your tickets now, because they are going like crazy," she said.
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