This season was like no other. It began with heightened expectations and the end exceeding them. Early on, the league recorded a staggering 94% increase in filling up WNBA arenas. Then, more games turned into sold-out events, ultimately leading to the WNBA teams’ collective valuation reaching $1.16 billion. But what’s different this season? It’s the emergence of a new wave of generational talent.

Rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese acted as catalysts in the WNBA’s rapid growth. Even the league’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert had acknowledged it, but with a different take. For her, it’s the ongoing rivalry—rooted in their college days—that draws more eyeballs to the court. “But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. That’s what makes people watch. They want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everybody being nice to one another,” she had said.

A couple of months later, another prominent figure from the league shared a fresh perspective. On November 20th, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for the WNBA, Colie Edison teamed up with Sports Journal to discuss the WNBA and the potential for growth ahead. During the conversation, she highlighted the key factors driving the league’s dynamic success this year.

“The main drivers for our success this year have been the product on the court, which is the best that it’s ever been. It’s been rivalries that have started, but ultimately, it is the generational talent,” she expressed. When Commissioner Engelbert emphasized the Clark-Reese rivalry, she faced some criticism. However, Edison stepped forward to note that it is the talent, this year or the next, without denying the Caitlin Clark effect.

As Caitlin Clark led in scoring and assists and Angel Reese in the rebounds, the performances kept the audience coming. The WNBA saw its first five games aired on ESPN, topping an average of 1 million viewers. This was an impressive leap of 226% compared to last season. Then according to AP’s Doug Feinberg, the league saw a 14% increase in in-person attendance compared to last year. But, of course, even without the star rookies in contention, the 2024 Finals peaked at 2.15 million viewers.

A’ja Wilson set the single-season scoring record with 1000 points. Breanna Stewart became the fastest player to score 5,000 career points. Tina Charles became the WNBA’s career leader in total rebounds. Alyssa Thomas extended her record in triple-doubles and the list keeps going for the 2024 on court performances.

So you know the W had its talents reach and lock in the new eyes that came in with the rookie class. And it did not go wasted. Midway through the season, the league signed a new media right deal with NBC, Amazon and Disney for broadcasting rights worth $2.2 billion. This could pay the WNBA 6 times more than its existing deal. Now having witnessed the growth, Edison believes there is only more in store for the league.

“No one is going to deny the effect of Caitlin Clark coming in, and Angel Reese coming in, and Rickea [Jackson] coming in. But if you look down to even the next draft class… [Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, JuJu Watkins] we truly do not know what the potential is,” she says, speaking of the heights the W could reach with the new talent.

The same excitement is expected from the 2025 draft class.

Although the 2025 draft is scheduled for April next year, the buzz around the upcoming class is already building. This excitement stems from the recent historic season, but with it come high expectations for the 2025 class to live up to. Fortunately, this class is packed with top-tier talent.

First up is UConn’s Paige Bueckers, the projected No. 1 draft pick, who’s expected to join the Dallas Wings next season, as the team holds the first pick. She is the most accomplished player entering the draft, but she’s not alone. Next is Kiki Iriafen who transferred to USC after spending three seasons at Stanford. She’s projected to be the second pick and is expected to pair with stars like Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, and Cameron Brink at LA, who hold the second pick.

While the top two are unmatched, the players following them are no less impressive. Olivia Miles, Aneesah Morrow, Azzi Fudd, and many more all bring their own standout qualities. While the 2024 class, which drew many fans, is still around, it will be fascinating to see how the 2025 class makes arenas roar when they step onto the court.