WNBA All-Star Game shatters previous TV ratings record

This past Saturday’s 2024 WNBA All-Star Game had a record 3.44 million viewers on ABC, Richard Deitsch of The Athletic reported Tuesday.

It shattered the previous record of viewership, which saw 1.4 million tune in back in 2003. This year’s All-Star Game featured Team USA versus Team WNBA, a showcase ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The game is the most-watched WNBA event on any ESPN network and the third-most-watched WNBA game ever, per Front Office Sports.

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale led Team WNBA to a 117-109 victory and earned All-Star Game MVP for the second time in her career. She posted a game-high 34 points to go along with six assists and three rebounds.

Ogunbowale, who said Sunday on “SportsCenter” that she took herself out of consideration for Team USA last month, stole the show and is the fourth player to earn multiple All-Star Game MVPs, joining Lisa Leslie, Maya Moore and Swin Cash.

Rookie standouts take centerstage in 2024 WNBA All-Star Game

Several players took part in their first All-Star Game, including Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky center Angel Reese. Clark tallied four points and 10 assists, while Reese recorded 12 points and 11 boards.

“I thought that they were professional, like, as anyone at this level would be,” Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike said of Clark and Reese. “I’m always impressed by the two of them. I think it was also really fun to see them playing together tonight. They had some synergy and the maturity that they have going in, not even just being here at All-Star but managing all of the influx that they get as the two rookies that are really getting a lot, a lot of attention.

“And then, of course, being celebrated too. I think I would like to think that they had fun today, and I think that’s the main goal, especially for first-time All-Stars, is to enjoy the experience. And they helped us win too.”