Bridget Carleton happy to be part of WNBA ‘wave’ of excitement and success
In a summer filled with memorable moments, Bridget Carleton found herself at the center of the WNBA’s growing popularity. A chance encounter with a dedicated fan in Minneapolis, who proudly displayed a tattoo of Carleton’s name and Minnesota Lynx jersey number, served as a testament to the league’s success in its most prosperous season yet.
Reflecting on the fan’s ink, Carleton expressed her appreciation for the deep connection between players and supporters in women’s sports. She highlighted the importance of showcasing personalities beyond the athletic prowess, allowing fans to truly get to know the individuals behind the jerseys.
The 2024 WNBA season kicked off with a highly anticipated draft, where the Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark as the first overall pick, and the Chicago Sky secured Angel Reese as the seventh overall pick. The draft garnered record-breaking viewership, with ESPN reporting a 328% increase in viewers compared to the previous year.
Excitement continued to build with the announcement of a new franchise in Toronto, set to debut in 2026. The anticipation surrounding the Toronto team contributed to a significant surge in viewership in Canada, with a 148% year-over-year increase in regular-season viewership. The second annual WNBA Canada Game, held in Edmonton, drew a sellout crowd for the second consecutive year, further solidifying the league’s growing presence in the country.
On the court, standout performances captivated audiences throughout the season. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces set a new WNBA record for points per game, while Angel Reese established a new rebounding mark. Caitlin Clark’s impressive rookie campaign led to her earning the Rookie of the Year award, solidifying her rivalry with Reese for the coveted title.
The heightened interest in the WNBA translated into record-breaking viewership numbers, with ESPN reporting the most-watched regular season across its platforms. The highly anticipated matchup between Clark’s Fever and Reese’s Sky became the most-watched regular-season game in WNBA history, drawing an average of 2.3 million viewers.
As a veteran player in her sixth WNBA season, Bridget Carleton experienced firsthand the surge in fan engagement and energy surrounding the league. She noted the sold-out arenas, the heightened social media presence, and the increased recognition from fans on the streets, illustrating the league’s undeniable momentum.
Carleton’s standout performance on the court, including clutch free throws in crucial moments, contributed to the Minnesota Lynx’s success throughout the season. Her career-high minutes per game and well-rounded contributions earned her recognition as a key player in the team’s playoff run.
In a thrilling Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, Carleton’s resilience and tenacity shone through as she helped lead the Lynx to victory over the New York Liberty. The Finals series drew record viewership numbers, solidifying the league’s position as a growing force in women’s sports.
Reflecting on the season’s success, Carleton emphasized the long-awaited recognition that women’s basketball has received and the unwavering support from fans. She expressed her pride in the league’s growth and the joy of being a part of the transformative wave that is propelling the WNBA to new heights.
