Elena Delle Donne reflects on massive WNBA growth after triumphant return to All-Star Weekend

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is undergoing a significant transformation, a reality underscored by the recent All-Star Weekend in Chicago, where former star Elena Delle Donne made a memorable comeback. Since Delle Donne’s retirement, the league has expanded to 15 teams with plans for three additional franchises, reflecting unprecedented growth in scale and fan engagement.

Delle Donne, a two-time league MVP and 2019 WNBA champion with the Washington Mystics, returned to the spotlight participating in the inaugural Shooting Stars competition. Teaming with current Mystics player Shakira Austin and rising high school talent Jezelle “GG” Banks, Delle Donne helped secure the victory, symbolizing the connection between the league’s past, present, and future. Banks’ decisive shot in the final moments demonstrated the promising influx of young players poised to elevate the league further.

The event was a part of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary celebration, emphasizing not only the league’s history but also its evolving stature. Delle Donne reflected on her own journey beginning in 2013, when she chose to remain in the United States to build her brand amid an era when many players sought overseas opportunities due to higher financial incentives abroad. Her decision was driven by a desire to foster WNBA visibility year-round, a strategy that was challenging but ultimately contributed to the league’s steady rise.

Attendance figures reveal the transformation vividly. In the early 2010s, no team attracted an average of 10,000 spectators per game, with some teams drawing fewer than 5,000 fans. The San Antonio Silver Stars, for instance, averaged approximately 4,800 attendees in 2015. These modest numbers reflected concerns about the league’s sustainability. According to Delle Donne, the focus then was on survival rather than expansion, highlighting the fragile state of the league at the time.

In contrast, the current season showcases a remarkable upturn: nine teams now report average attendances exceeding 10,000 per game, while three boast crowds larger than 15,000. The Golden State Valkyries have achieved sellouts at every home game, indicating a surge in popularity and market penetration. This growth is punctuated by the All-Star Weekend’s packed venues, including a sold-out United Center with a capacity exceeding 20,000.

This shift extends beyond attendance. The league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), recently negotiated, has significantly enhanced player salaries and working conditions. Austin, who played alongside Delle Donne with the Mystics, praised the CBA as transformative and emphasized the ongoing fight for greater equity and respect in women’s sports. She envisions continued progress, anticipating further improvements by the time Banks enters the league.

All-Star Weekend itself has evolved into a multi-day celebration, a far cry from its earlier format, which Delle Donne described as brief and understated. The current festivities include fan-centric events such as WNBA Live, interactive experiences that deepen fan engagement and showcase the sport’s appeal.

Delle Donne’s career, marked by talent and resilience, was curtailed by chronic health issues including Lyme disease and back injuries, limiting her to 241 games over ten seasons and prompting an early retirement at age 33. Despite these challenges, her influence persists, inspiring teammates and the next generation of players. Austin noted the significance of sharing the court once more with Delle Donne, framing it as a poignant full-circle moment and a reminder of the legacy incumbent players aim to leave.

The narrative of the WNBA’s growth is not only about numbers and contracts but also about the cultural shift in how women's professional basketball is perceived and valued. Delle Donne’s reflections and the league’s milestones during this landmark weekend illustrate a sport poised for continued expansion and increased prominence in the broader sports landscape.

While the details of future developments remain to be seen, the trajectory is clear: the WNBA has moved from a precarious existence to a thriving showcase of elite athleticism, strengthened by the dedication of pioneers like Delle Donne and the enthusiasm of emerging stars such as Banks. This progression is a testament to strategic efforts, evolving fan support, and the unwavering commitment of players advocating for the growth and recognition of women's professional basketball.