As the WNBL prepares for its 2024 season, league officials and players are optimistic about the growing momentum in women’s basketball, driven in part by Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary influence in the United States. With increased commercial interest and broadcasting support, many believe this year marks a significant turning point for the sport in Australia.
The WNBL season opens next week, featuring a match between the new club Geelong United and Townsville on Wednesday. Following that, a historic game between Sydney and Canberra will air on free-to-air television on 9Go, marking the first such broadcast in five years.
Christy Collier-Hill, the head of the WNBL, announced at the season launch in Melbourne that the league’s commercial revenue has surged by 61% this year, thanks to partnerships with major brands such as Ford, Foot Locker, and Latina Fresh. “Last year was definitely the year of women’s football, but this year is undeniably the year of women’s basketball,” she stated, reflecting on the positive trend.
The excitement in women’s basketball is palpable, particularly in the U.S., where WNBA TV ratings have seen a significant boost, partly due to the attention drawn by Caitlin Clark. The recent WNBA Finals game, in which Australian player Alanna Smith’s Minnesota Lynx faced off against the New York Liberty—coached by her Opals coach Sandy Brondello—achieved the highest ratings for a WNBA finals game since 1999. “While Caitlin Clark isn’t the only factor, her impact certainly plays a significant role,” Collier-Hill noted.
The upcoming WNBL season will feature ten of Australia’s Olympians returning from overseas contracts, alongside former No. 1 WNBA draft pick Charli Collier, who has signed with Canberra. Additionally, the WNBA app and website will feature highlights from the WNBL, further increasing the league’s visibility.
Perth Lynx player Anneli Maley expressed her enthusiasm for the growing recognition of women’s basketball, stating, “We know it’s only a matter of time before the hype reaches Australia. The game has already seen significant growth in the last couple of years.”
This season also marks an increase in the minimum salary for players, rising from $20,000 to $23,000, thanks to a new agreement between the league and its athletes. A change in ownership is on the horizon, with Basketball Australia planning to hand over management to a group led by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm and NBL company owner Larry Kestelman.
As players look ahead, Opal Isobel Borlase shared her goals for the season with Adelaide, aiming to develop her skills for a potential future in the WNBA. “Getting into the league is tough, so timing is crucial. You don’t want to go and get cut right away,” she explained.
Borlase, selected with the 20th pick in this year’s WNBA draft by Atlanta, has received feedback from the franchise that encourages her to immerse herself in basketball, leading her to watch extensive WNBA games this year. Reflecting on a contentious foul call in the recent finals that led to overtime, she firmly stated, “Not a foul, not a foul.”
As the WNBL season gets underway, anticipation builds for the impact of the Caitlin Clark effect and its potential to elevate women’s basketball in Australia to new heights.
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