If you are in any way interested in sports or simply spend a moderate time online, you have most certainly stumbled across discussions about the WNBA. The professional women’s basketball league in the U.S. was first launched in 1996, and though it has grown since then, the progress has been slow and, oftentimes, painful.

So, why did the WNBA’s popularity suddenly skyrocket? Why is it the trending topic on social media? Why are broadcasters choosing to air WNBA games in prime time? At first glance, you might think it’s simply thanks to brand new and shiny stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who are just as powerful on the court as they are off of it. But, is it really that straightforward?

Slow and Steady Growth

The WNBA is a business, and like any business, it requires investments and resources to grow. The truth of the matter is that the league hasn’t had those necessary resources, be it in terms of training facilities, playing conditions, or even player wages.

As the league prepares to go into the grand finale of its 29th season, we are seeing a tide shift in the attitude towards women’s sports. Companies are suddenly recognizing that women’s basketball can draw in viewership and revenue, which leads to an increase in investment, leading to better conditions and a higher level of play.

Legends of the Game

The young guns like Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, and Kate Martin dominating the game now are thrilling to watch, but they stand on the shoulders of giants. Whether you look at Maya Moore and Sue Bird with their 4 WNBA titles apiece, or you go even further back to the first stars of the league like Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie, it’s a league chock-full of stars.

They may not have had social media and international popularity the way these young stars do, but they were pivotal in growing the WNBA’s popualrity. Diana Taurasi, affectionately known as the White Mamba, inspired thousands of girls to play confidently and knock down 3s. Candace Parker redefined what it means to be a versatile big in the women’s basketball game.

The College Game

A house is only as strong as its foundation, and the WNBA’s foundation is as sturdy as it gets. The women’s college basketball game has captivated viewers for decades. The fierce battle between UConn and the University of Tennessee, led by legendary coaches Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt, has resulted in 19 national championships for the two teams.

More recently, the growing rivalry between Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks and Kim Mulkey’s LSU has been making headlines. Regardless of which matchup you prefer, one thing is clear– the college game is preparing these future pro players for the pressure and demands of professional basketball. That is clear in the top-level quality of the WNBA and the sudden rise of WNBA’s popularity.