Arenas are sold out. TV ratings are rising. Jerseys are flying off the shelves. The WNBA is booming. However, even with someone like Caitlin Clark leading the charge, that growth is accompanied by a troubling trend that Sue Bird recently pointed out.

A four-time champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist, Bird has long been a voice of the league. As she came across a concerning stat, she couldn’t keep herself. So on a recent episode of the Touch More podcast, she shared it.

“Girls high school basketball numbers are down. It’s a little confusing considering the WNBA is booming. The National Federation of State High School Associations reports there is a 21% decline in participation across the country since 2000,” she said.

While the decline itself is concerning, the bigger concern is that even in Caitlin Clark’s home state of Iowa, participation has dropped more than in most states. According to AP News, Iowa has seen a 38% decline since 2000. That statistic stands out, especially considering former Hawkeye standout’s rise and impact on the sport.

The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year has often been credited with the “Caitlin Clark effect.” Her presence has boosted attendance, viewership, and revenue across the league. Yet her home state is experiencing one of the steepest drops in girls’ high school basketball participation. So what is causing it?

Bird suggested the answer may be broader than basketball itself. “There are more sports becoming accessible and getting more participation,” she explained. "Whether that’s soccer, volleyball, flag football—there’s a lot happening at the same time. It’s hard to point to just one reason," added Bird.

Is WNBA’s Popularity a Bubble?

Some critics argue that the league’s recent surge is temporary and tied heavily to CC’s popularity. However, the numbers suggest otherwise. The WNBA has posted record-breaking attendance, television ratings, and sponsorship growth over the past few seasons. 

Notably, the league also secured a major long-term media rights deal. All this suggests it’s a growth phrase. 

As for high school participation, many players and organizations are actively working to promote the sport through camps, outreach programs, and development initiatives.

So while the data shows a decline, the pro game continues to rise. With a new CBA and increasing salaries, women’s basketball still has room to grow. What do you think? 

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi