The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks in part to its 2024 rookie class, which includes standouts Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. Fans’ anticipation for their preseason debuts was palpable, particularly for the Chicago Sky’s games. However, excitement turned to frustration when technical issues prevented the streaming of some preseason games, despite promises made by the WNBA League Pass app.

The situation took an unexpected turn when a fan, known as @heyheyitsalli, took matters into their own hands by livestreaming the Chicago Sky’s game against the Minnesota Lynx. The impromptu stream reached a peak viewership of 173,381 and garnered over 400,000 replay views, signaling a strong fan demand for access to these games.

This grassroots broadcasting effort did not go unnoticed. WNBA icons such as Sue Bird and Minnesota Lynx’s president and head coach Cheryl Reeve have recognized the incident as a clear indicator of the league’s burgeoning popularity. Reeve, in particular, has called for increased investment to enhance the WNBA’s streaming capabilities, acknowledging the need to balance production costs with the growing demand for content.

The league stands at a crossroads, with the enthusiasm for the WNBA outstripping its current streaming infrastructure. As the 2024 rookie class draws more eyes to the sport, stakeholders are urged to invest in the league’s future, ensuring that the WNBA can continue to grow and meet its fans’ expectations.