1.4 Million. That has been the average viewership in the 2024 WNBA season so far. Moreover, the league has witnessed a constant trend of surge in the popularity of the sport in the past few years. Hardly anyone would argue that one of the names that paved the way for such a monumental recognition is the iconic Los Angeles Sparks No.9 Lisa Leslie. And she is quite proud of the fact that this generation could reap the benefits of the seeds she sowed during her time.

The 52-year-old reflected on it recently when she sat down alongside New Beauty’s Tatiana Bido. “I couldn’t be more excited and happier for all these women reaping the benefits we’ve always deserved. We’ve always been here, strong and powerful, and it’s great to see these women getting the respect, popularity and brand support they deserve. I feel like a proud mom and it’s been so much fun supporting them as a fan,” Leslie graciously admitted.

At the halfway mark this season, the league has shattered many records. One of them being 16 nationally televised fixtures garnering viewership north of 1 million. On top of that, the season-opening month witnessed an attendance of 400,000. This number is the highest attendance in 26 years. Moreover, there was a 156% increase in terms of sell-outs. Consequently, this furthered their cause to grab a $2.2 billion contract for 11 seasons with Disney, NBC Universal, and Amazon.

“The visibility and recognition the league is getting now is incredible. It’s a testament to all the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I’m thrilled to see the growth and can’t wait to see where it goes from here,” Lisa Leslie further added to the conversation.

Having played professionally for around 15 years, Leslie paved the way for most of the stars of today. From WNBA championships and Finals MVPs to 4 Olympic Golds, the USC alumna’s accolades remain unmatched. She stepped away from the game knowing she left it in a much better place. So she can understand what fellow icon Diana Taurasi is going through during the latter years of her career.

Lisa Leslie extends her support to Diana Taurasi

Recently, the 20-year-old veteran opened up about the pressure of retirement on the WNBA players from fans. She said, “When you dedicate your whole life, your whole career to something, and you get the question of ‘Why don’t you just retire? Hopefully, we can change that narrative.”

Diana Taurasi is appearing in her 6th consecutive Olympics in Paris. Anyhow, the 5x Olympic gold medalist has announced that it will be her final appearance at the event. Following this, Lisa Leslie didn’t take much time to express her take in this regard. Posting a tweet captioned, “Where’s the lie? I”ll wait!,” she seems to agree with the message Taurasi is trying to convey.

There is no denying that both these athletes have been tremendous ambassadors of the sport. Their contributions have been significant in taking the WNBA to its current flourishing state. It will be difficult for anyone to imitate what these two have accomplished on the hardwood.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And, join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.