The WNBA's 2025 season was a game-changer, smashing ESPN's viewership records and solidifying its place as a must-watch league. With an average of 1.3 million viewers per game during the regular season, the WNBA delivered the network's most-watched season ever. This impressive feat was achieved despite the absence of some of the league's biggest stars due to injuries.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: the WNBA's postseason coverage was an absolute hit, with the Las Vegas Aces' championship series averaging a whopping 1.5 million viewers per game. This made it the second-most watched WNBA Finals, trailing only the 2024 edition.
The success wasn't limited to the court; ESPN's studio shows also saw significant growth in viewership. Programs like WNBA Countdown and Hoop Streams experienced a 30% and 60% increase in viewers, respectively, during the 2025 Playoffs.
These numbers highlight the WNBA's stability and growing popularity, and the league is reaping the benefits. A new $2.2 billion media deal promises substantial returns, with at least $200 million per year expected over the next 11 years.
And this is the part most people miss: the soaring ratings support the WNBA Players Association's push for increased investment and revenue sharing. With the league currently negotiating a new CBA, these numbers could be a game-changer in those talks.
Women's sports are on the rise, and the WNBA is leading the charge.
In other news, professional women's volleyball is coming to Los Angeles! LOVB, a women's volleyball league, announced its expansion into LA, backed by Angel City investor and Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian.
Ohanian's venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, is behind this exciting development, adding to its portfolio of sports investments, which includes the men's Los Angeles Golf Club and the docuseries The Offseason focused on the NWSL.
"We're thrilled to bring LOVB to LA and make it the third jewel in our sports family," Ohanian said. "Volleyball is a perfect fit for Southern California, and we're confident it will be warmly embraced."
LOVB's inaugural season wrapped up in April 2025, and the league is set to expand further, with the LA team joining in 2027.
Staying in the world of women's sports, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping her at the helm through the 2028 LA Olympics.
Berman, who joined the NWSL in 2022, has been instrumental in driving commercial growth and navigating the league through successful CBA negotiations. Under her leadership, the NWSL secured a massive $60 million-per-year media deal, boosting team valuations to unprecedented heights.
However, Berman has also faced criticism for the league's handling of on-field medical incidents. Despite this, the NWSL Executive Committee expressed confidence in her continued leadership, praising her for elevating the league's attendance, revenue, and global visibility.
As the international soccer window opens next week, several global stars are announcing their retirements. Headlining the list is Wales' all-time top scorer and Seattle Reign midfielder, Jess Fishlock, who will play her final international match against Australia next week, bringing an end to her 19-year career.
Fishlock's retirement is a significant loss for Wales, as she scored 48 goals in 165 caps, including Wales' first-ever goal in a major tournament during the 2025 Euro tournament.
Other notable retirements include England defender Millie Bright, Ireland defender Megan Campbell, France midfielder Sandie Toletti, and Netherlands midfielder Sherida Spitse.
Finally, soccer greats are paying tribute to USWNT star Christen Press, who announced her retirement this week. Press, a former USWNT forward, has been praised for her decorated career, with 155 caps, 64 goals, and two World Cup appearances.
USWNT '99er and Angel City investor Mia Hamm tweeted, "Thank you, CP23, for leading the way! Your commitment to the game and Angel City has transformed our community."
US Soccer CEO JT Batson echoed these sentiments, saying, "On and off the field, you've been a champion, a leader, and an inspiration. Your impact on our sport goes beyond the numbers."
Press's wife, retired USWNT star Tobin Heath, posted a heartfelt message, "When you realize how perfect everything is, you'll laugh at the sky. Congrats on your perfect career. I love you."
While injury struggles kept Press off the international field under current head coach Emma Hayes, Hayes still praised Press's contributions, highlighting her attacking versatility and the sacrifices made by her generation of players.
Press herself said, "It's time for my family to move on to our next chapter. We'll always be a part of this game, but it's time for a new look."
These retirements and tributes remind us of the impact and legacy these athletes leave behind.
