WNBA experienced viewership and attendance surge in May

It's fair to say the WNBA is booming in popularity after the league revealed numbers, highlighting its astounding growth. 

On Monday, the league announced its games are averaging 1.32M viewers across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and CBS, nearly tripling last season's average (462K). It also approximates that 400K fans have attended games since the season tipped off on May 14, the most through the first month of a season in 26 years. More than half of these games were sellouts. 

A strong rookie class, featuring Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink, contributed to the growth. The league noted that each ranked in the top five in jersey sales during the first week of the season, and merchandise sales are up 236%.

Clark continues to be appointment TV. The Fever's first three games surpassed the million-viewer mark and set viewership records for the respective networks (ABC, ESPN and ESPN2), becoming their most-watched WNBA games ever.

Clearly, these budding stars provided the jolt the league needed, and it could capitalize on its newfound momentum. 

"What's happening now in women's basketball is confirmation of what we've always known: The demand is there, and women's sports is a valuable investment," WNBA chief growth officer Colie Edison said in a statement. "We're encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and diverse audiences into our fandom. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum."

The league seems to attract young audiences, which could help it keep growing. During tip-off week, it saw a 124% increase in viewers under 35.