A Historic WNBA Season: A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese Shine Bright
The WNBA regular season has concluded, and it has been a year like none other in league history. A’ja Wilson delivered a season for the ages, Caitlin Clark redefined rookie excellence, and Angel Reese made rebounding an art form. This season, numerous records fell, and the stat sheets overflowed with remarkable achievements, marking the 28th regular season as one for the books.
A’ja Wilson: A Record-Breaking Performance
A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces turned heads throughout the 2024 season, achieving what no player in WNBA history has ever accomplished. Wilson set new league records for the most points (1,021), rebounds (451), and blocked shots (98) in a single season. These feats are unprecedented, highlighting her dominance on the court. Her scoring average of 26.9 points per game broke Diana Taurasi’s long-standing record of 25.3, which had remained untouched since 2006. The historic nature of her achievements is further emphasized by the fact that, during earlier eras of the league, a 40-game season was not the norm, making a 1,000-point season a near impossibility.
With her remarkable statistics, Wilson is poised to win the MVP award for a record-tying third time. Discussions surrounding her potential for a unanimous MVP vote have emerged, with players like Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo advocating for her recognition on social media. As the season wrapped up, it was clear that Wilson’s contributions had firmly established her as one of the most exceptional players in WNBA history.
Caitlin Clark: Rookie Sensation
Caitlin Clark’s debut season with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of extraordinary. The young guard shattered the WNBA single-game record for assists with 19, and her season total of 337 assists also set a new benchmark for the league. Clark finished her rookie campaign with averages that are hard to ignore: 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. No player in WNBA history has ever averaged these numbers, placing Clark in a league of her own.
In addition to her impressive averages, Clark also set the record for the most games with at least 10 points and 10 assists, achieving this milestone in 12 games. Remarkably, only eight players in WNBA history have accumulated more such games over their entire careers. Furthermore, she recorded two triple-doubles during her rookie season, a feat no other rookie has achieved in the league’s history. With 122 three-pointers made, Clark not only set a rookie record but also secured the second-most threes in a single season.
Caitlin Clark’s influence extends beyond her numbers. Her electrifying play and ability to engage fans have contributed to a significant rise in attendance for Indiana Fever games. The term “Caitlinmania” has become synonymous with the buzz she has generated in the league.
Angel Reese: The Rebounding Machine
Angel Reese made headlines as one of the most formidable rebounders in WNBA history. Although she missed the last six games of the season due to a wrist injury, Reese briefly held the record for the most rebounds in a season with 446 before A’ja Wilson surpassed her. However, Reese secured the rebounds-per-game record, averaging 13.1, which exceeds Sylvia Fowles’ previous record of 11.9 set in 2018.
Her 26 double-doubles this season not only established a rookie record but also highlighted her ability to dominate both ends of the court. Reese’s capability to grab boards was unmatched, with five instances of her recording 18 or more rebounds—an incredible feat in a league filled with talent. Her relentless pursuit of the ball has cemented her reputation as a rebounding force to be reckoned with.
Attendance and Ticket Sales: A League on the Rise
The excitement surrounding the WNBA reached unprecedented levels this season. Last year, the Indiana Fever sold 227,979 tickets; this season, that number skyrocketed to 643,343, reflecting a staggering 182% increase. This surge in attendance is largely attributed to Caitlin Clark’s impact and the Fever’s performance on the court.
Across the league, average attendance soared, with around 9,800 tickets distributed per game—an increase of nearly 44% from the previous season. The Fever set a new record for average attendance, drawing an astounding 16,084 fans per game, far surpassing the previous record of 13,398 set by the 1998 New York Liberty.
As the season concluded, Clark participated in another historic event: a record-setting 20,711 fans attended the Indiana Fever’s game against the Washington Mystics, the highest attendance for a WNBA regular-season game ever. Her ability to draw crowds was evident, with 37 games this season featuring crowds of 16,000 or more, and 32 of those being Indiana Fever games.
Notable Achievements: A Few More Records
In addition to the achievements of Wilson, Clark, and Reese, several other noteworthy records were established this season. Atlanta’s Tina Charles became the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds, surpassing 4,014, as well as becoming the all-time leader in double-doubles with 194. Her performance solidified her legacy as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale, already known for her endurance, set the record for minutes played in a season with 1,493, while also breaking the record for minutes per game previously held by Katie Smith since 2001. Ogunbowale averaged 38.58 minutes, edging out Smith’s record by a mere fraction.
So: A Season to Remember
As the 2024 WNBA season comes to a close, it is clear that A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese have left an indelible mark on the league. Their incredible performances, coupled with a significant rise in attendance and fan engagement, have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. As these players continue to break records and inspire future generations, the WNBA stands as a beacon of talent and opportunity for women in sports.
