Marika Andrews, who grew up in Oakland without a local WNBA team to support, has seen a significant change with the recent introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team in nearly 20 years. This move highlights the rapid growth of the WNBA over recent seasons, a shift that excites Andrews deeply as she prepares to host ESPN’s WNBA Countdown for the 2025 season.
Andrews, an ESPN basketball host since 2018, spoke about the current buzz surrounding women’s basketball amid the NBA playoffs and her new partnership with PayPal. With arenas packed and fan engagement at a two-decade high, Andrews notes that the WNBA’s level of play has consistently been strong, especially now with standout talents like Caitlin Clark drawing considerable attention. She also reflects on the foundational figures who helped establish the league.
Viewership records continue to be broken, exemplified by the 2.7 million viewers who tuned in for a recent game featuring rising stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The WNBA is set to expand again next year, adding teams in Toronto and Portland, with Commissioner Kathy Engelbert eyeing further expansions by 2028 in cities including Philadelphia, Nashville, Denver, and South Florida.
Andrews, who recently observed practice with the Minnesota Lynx, emphasizes that this is an exciting era for women’s basketball, with growing recognition of the players’ skills and increasing media attention.
Fan Take: This expansion and rising popularity signify a pivotal moment for the WNBA, offering fans more teams, talent, and visibility than ever before. It promises to elevate the sport’s profile, inspire young athletes, and strengthen the league’s future sustainability and success.
