In the midst of what is already one of its most successful seasons in league history, the WNBA has launched a new documentary series to highlight some of its budding new stars.
Titled “Year 1,” the series follows rookies Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Nika Muhl, and Rickea Jackson on their journeys from the beginning of this year’s WNBA draft all the way through the regular season and into the playoffs. Part 1 of the docuseries, titled “Acclimating,” premiered Wednesday on YouTube and the WNBA App.
While the series will be without arguably the WNBA’s biggest rookie star of the season — Caitlin Clark — it comes at a time when the league is seeing unprecedented viewership and widespread support. The WNBA announced in June that its opening month of the 2024 season was the most-watched and highest-attended in league history, with more than 400,000 fans filling arenas across the country.
Related story: Angel Reese says WNBA popularity is about more than just Caitlin Clark: ‘It’s because of me too’
The hype is tangible, too.
The league announced it will invest $50 million over the next two years to charter flights for teams for the first time. Meanwhile, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in April that the increased attention and investment could also allow the league to expand by four teams before 2028.
Scripps Sports is — for a second season — broadcasting WNBA games every Friday night on ION.
Tune in this Friday, July 5, to watch Rhyne Howard and the Atlanta Dream take on Arike Ogunbowale and the Dallas Wings at 7:30 p.m. ET. Or catch the defending champion Las Vegas Aces go up against the Los Angeles Sparks at 10 p.m. ET.
ION’s 14-week WNBA schedule is available to TV and streaming viewers nationwide and includes 40+ national, regional, or local games that will be broadcast through Sept. 13.
Click here to view the full upcoming schedule for WNBA on ION.
Scripps News’ parent company, E.W. Scripps, also owns ION.
