AusLeisure

A record-breaking 24/25 season has been delivered by the Cygnett WNBL, strengthening its position as one of the world’s premier women’s basketball leagues. The level of interest in the WNBL nationally and internationally is also at an all-time high.

As the league prepares to transition ownership from Basketball Australia to a new consortium, this season’s success has created a powerful foundation for future growth.

Club memberships surged by 13%, setting the tone for a season that captivated fans across the country. The season concluded earlier this month with the Bendigo Spirit securing their third championship in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,465 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre - the highest attendance ever recorded for a domestic event at the venue. Overall, Finals series attendance increased by 23%, further highlighting the league’s momentum.

The WNBL’s digital presence also experienced unprecedented growth, with over 2.6 million fans following the league - an increase of 7%. Engagement levels skyrocketed, with database membership up 25%, WNBL App downloads up 48%, and social media interactions surging by 78%.

Television viewership reached new heights, with weekly audiences increasing by 50% across local broadcast partners ESPN and Nine. Internationally, the WNBL expanded its reach like never before, with games broadcast in 198 countries - a league record - thanks to new distribution partnerships, including Whoopi Goldberg’s All Women’s Sport Network.

The heightened visibility translated into an explosion of media interest, with WNBL coverage growing by 74% in total mentions and 71% in audience reach.

As the WNBL enters this transformative period, outgoing Head of WNBL Christy Collier-Hill reflected on her tenure, which has seen the league scale new heights.

Collier-Hill shared “the level of interest in the WNBL is at an all-time high. There has never been any doubt about the world-class talent on the court - both Australian and international - so it’s incredibly rewarding to see more and more people engaging with the league at games, on TV, and through digital content.

“Over the past three seasons, we’ve driven significant growth and built strong momentum. This foundation sets the WNBL up for continued success in its next chapter.”

It was announced earlier this week that Collier-Hill will remain involved in the WNBL, stepping into the role of Executive General Manager of the UC Capitals.

The WNBL’s next chapter begins in April 2025, when ownership transfers to a new consortium - a historic shift set to further elevate the league’s standing.

Image.Credit: WNBL

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