Heading into WNBA All-Star Weekend, an increasing number of media, viewers, and fans are coming off the bench and getting in on the action.
Broadcaster Ion’s last WNBA doubleheader before All-Star on July 11 featured its most-watched game of the season between the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever—averaging roughly 1.5 million viewers and peaking at 1.8 million. Only a Fever matchup with the Chicago Sky last August brought more viewers (1.6 million) to Ion.
At ESPN and ABC, WNBA viewership is up 7% this year, with Disney Advertising revenue from the WNBA increasing 70% compared to last season.
The numbers showcase the sport’s growth heading into this weekend’s activities, with the Skills and 3-Point events on ESPN and ESPN+ on July 18, the All-Star Game on ABC on July 19, and both events streaming on Disney+.
Ad unit rates per 30 seconds have increased roughly 60% since last year—with Disney Advertising noting that certain WNBA ad packages are selling with higher pricing than the NFL, College Football Playoff, and NBA postseason. After Disney Advertising brought 60 new brands into the fold for WNBA broadcasts in 2025, that’s challenged the Walt Disney Company to find places to put them.
The company is bringing in WNBA Countdown, presented by Google on both nights; SportsCenter as part of its 50 States in 50 Days initiative; and Google Digital’s courtside WNBA Hoop Stream to enhance the broadcasts. It’s also bringing along its Vibe Check show with Elle Duncan, Monica McNutt, and Chiney Ogwumike while welcoming Good Morning America and host Robin Roberts as she interviews stars, including Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers.
“WNBA All-Star is definitely a huge success for us, but it is just one part of a much bigger story,” said Jacqueline Dobies, vp of revenue and yield management at Disney Advertising. “Just the overall growth of the league, growth of the audience, the ratings, the cultural impact, and advertiser interest. It’s undeniable.”
With ADWEEK heading to Indianapolis to take in WNBA All-Star Weekend for itself, here’s just a sampling (though not a complete rundown) of the brands and media on the ground for one of the biggest events in women’s sports: