The WNBA’s evolution from a league struggling to draw 6,000 fans a game to a commercial powerhouse was on full display during All-Star Weekend in Chicago, according to recent comments from two-time MVP Elena Delle Donne. Speaking at Wintrust Arena, Delle Donne highlighted how a transformative collective bargaining agreement and surging attendance figures mark a stark departure from her early years in the league.
According to league data from 2013 to 2015, no WNBA team drew 10,000 fans per game, and several franchises averaged fewer than 6,000. By contrast, nine of the league’s 15 teams now average at least 10,000 fans per game, three exceed 15,000, and the Golden State Valkyries have sold out every game, according to league figures.
Evolution of All-Star Weekend and Fan Engagement
The changing landscape is particularly visible during All-Star events. During Friday’s festivities in Chicago, Team Washington—featuring Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, and high school standout Jezelle “GG” Banks—won the inaugural Shooting Stars competition. Later, Azzi Fudd claimed the 3-Point Contest title before a packed crowd at Wintrust Arena, leading up to a sold-out All-Star Game at the United Center, which holds over 20,000 people.
According to Delle Donne, early All-Star appearances felt minimal compared to today’s multi-day showcase. “My first [All-Star Game], it was almost just like pulling up for a scrimmage and leaving,” Delle Donne said, according to league reports. “Now it’s a whole weekend and everybody is getting celebrated the way they should.”
Building Marketability and Paving the Way
Delle Donne, who retired at 33 after playing 241 games across 10 seasons due to Lyme disease and back injuries, was drafted No. 2 overall in 2013 before winning a 2019 title with the Mystics. Reflecting on her early career, she noted the deliberate effort required to maintain domestic visibility when many players relied heavily on overseas contracts.
“I came into the league and made the choice to try to stay home and be marketable,” Delle Donne said, according to published interviews. “Going overseas, there was a lot of money to be made there, but I did feel like we were losing the market and people would forget about the WNBA in the offseason.”
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
The league’s newer generation acknowledges the foundation laid by veterans like Delle Donne. Shakira Austin, who played alongside Delle Donne in Washington from 2022 to 2023, emphasized the ongoing push for better compensation and working conditions following the implementation of a new collective bargaining agreement.
“That CBA was transformational,” Austin said, according to league reports. “At the end of the day, it’s about continuing to pave the way and keep fighting for more. I don’t think we’re done.”
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