Dawn Staley: WNBA popularity surge, fueled by rookies, 'couldn't happen at a more perfect time'

The 2023-24 NCAA women’s basketball season helped rewrite the record books. Multiple TV viewership records fell – as did the Division I all-time scoring record – in what became a historic season.

But the stars who helped lead that success are now at the next level. This year’s WNBA Draft generated plenty of buzz, and ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo said there was a level of excitement like never before around the class. Caitlin Clark was the headliner after passing “Pistol” Pete Maravich, but other big names such as Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson also helped lead the charge.

That group is picking up right where it left off at the college level. To South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, they’re proving they belong and helping grow the game even more.

“What’s impressive is the fact that the rookies, they doubted whether or not Angel Reese’s skillset would transfer over to the WNBA,” Staley said on SportsCenter ahead of the ESPYS. “You can’t teach what she’s got. Same with Kamilla Cardoso. She got a late start int hat she missed the first three weeks of the season, but now? She and Angel, they’re recording double-doubles. The first rookie duo to do that, and they did it three times in just this short season.

“So the rookies, I think they’re holding it down. They’re bringing new eyeballs on the WNBA, and it couldn’t happen at a more perfect time.”

Clark and Reese haven’t missed a beat since transitioning to the WNBA. They’re leading the charge in the Rookie of the Year race amid two historic campaigns. In fact, they’re the first rookie duo to make an All-Star Game since 2014 and were both in the top five of voting – with Clark leading the way.

The former Iowa standout continues to break records in the WNBA. In fact, just last week, she became the first rookie in league history to ever record a triple-double as she helped lead an Indiana Fever comeback against the New York Liberty. Not only is she still hitting her trademark logo threes, but she’s also showcasing the passing ability many said would translate to the next level. So far, it’s working out.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, Reese is shining for the Sky after going No. 7 overall in the draft. She recorded her 15th consecutive double-double on Thursday to extend a WNBA record she set last week. Her ability to follow the basketball and crash the offensive glass make her a central part of the Sky’s operation.

The budding rivalry between Clark and Reese, which started in college, is also drawing eyeballs. Their last two matchups are the two most-watched WNBA games in the last 25 years. That further shows just how many fans they’re bringing to the league.