FAQs
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women's professional basketball league based in the United States.
Does ESPN cover WNBA? ›
The WNBA on ESPN refers to the presentation of Women's National Basketball Association games on the ESPN family of networks. Under the title of WNBA Tuesday, games are broadcast throughout the WNBA season on Tuesday nights on ESPN2.
How long is a WNBA game? ›
| RULE | WNBA | FIBA |
|---|
| Duration of Game | Two, 20 minute halves | Four, 10 minute quarters |
| Overtime | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Halftime | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Time Between First/Second Periods and Third/Fourth Periods | N/A | 2 minutes |
15 more rowsThe WNBA's new deal with ESPN, Amazon and NBC, approved Tuesday, will pay the league about $2.2 billion over the next 11 years for an average of $200 million a year — and it could be even more lucrative, The Athletic reported. Call it part of the Caitlin Clark Effect.
Who was the first man to play in the WNBA? ›
Brittney Griner is now the first man to play in the WNBA….
Who were the original 8 WNBA teams? ›
WNBA announces eight teams to compete in the inaugural season – Charlotte, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Sacramento and Utah. The Seattle Storm win the first pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft in the inaugural WNBA Draft Lottery, held in New York.
What is the highest rated WNBA game of all time? ›
Ranking The Most Watched WNBA Games Ever
| Ranking | Date | Matchup |
|---|
| 1 | June 21, 1997 | Liberty at Sparks |
| 2 | June 22, 1997 | Sting at Mercury |
| 3 | July 20, 2024 | Team USA vs Team WNBA |
| 4 | September 5, 1999 | Liberty at Comets |
7 more rowsJul 7, 2024
, male viewers aged 18 and older now make up 54% of WNBA viewers, up from 48% (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/22).
Who runs the WNBA? ›
Commissioner, Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
In July 2019, Cathy Engelbert was named the first-ever Commissioner of the WNBA and is charged with bolstering visibility for the sport of women's basketball and leading the business through transformation.
Do any WNBA teams make money? ›
It also highlighted a hard truth that largely goes unspoken about the W.N.B.A. and many women's sports leagues: They aren't profitable. The simplest reason the W.N.B.A. isn't paying Clark more is that the league brings in just $200 million annually and relies on the N.B.A. for some of its funding.
2023-2023 Free Agent
Brittney Griner signed a 1 year , $165,100 contract with the Phoenix Mercury, including $165,100 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $165,100.
Does the WNBA use a smaller ball? ›
Ball Size:
The WNBA uses a slightly smaller basketball than the NBA does. Women use a Size 6 ball weighing about 20 oz while the ball used in the NBA is a Size 7 and about 22 oz. Because of this difference, players in both leagues are well-equipped to play their strongest game and for fans to enjoy!
What is the WNBA highest paid team? ›
Which WNBA Teams Pay Players the Most?
| Team | Total Cap | Cap Space |
|---|
| Connecticut Sun | $1,452,268 | $10,932 |
| Atlanta Dream | $1,448,844 | $14,356 |
| Las Vegas Aces | $1,428,910 | $34,290 |
| Phoenix Mercury | $1,399,423 | $63,777 |
8 more rows5 days ago
The player supermaximum currently sits at $241,984 for 2024, while the minimum salary for players with 0-2 years of service is $64,154 and $76,535 for those with 3-plus years. Each team operates with a hard cap of $1,463,200 for 2024.
Who has TV rights to WNBA? ›
The WNBA announced a new 11-year media rights deal Wednesday featuring partnerships with Disney, Amazon Prime Video and new rights holder NBCUniversal.
What is the female NBA called? ›
Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), American women's professional basketball league that began play in 1997.
Does the WNBA use a women's ball? ›
While the balls used in both the WNBA and the NBA deliver that same swish we all know and love, the ball itself is actually slightly different. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller basketball than the NBA does. Women use a Size 6 ball weighing about 20 oz while the ball used in the NBA is a Size 7 and about 22 oz.
Who invented the WNBA? ›
