In 2021, fewer than 1,200 fans attended the New York Liberty’s season opener at Barclays Center, eager to see Sabrina Ionescu, the 2020 top draft pick, play in black-and-seafoam green for the first time after her rookie season was confined to the pandemic bubble. Fast forward three years and the Liberty’s average attendance has skyrocketed by nearly 580 percent.
By 2023, the Liberty had recorded their first sellout at Barclays Center, with 11,418 fans attending a regular-season matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. The momentum culminated this year when the Liberty captured their first WNBA Finals title in front of over 18,000 fans. Winning, as they say, solves everything, galvanizing the franchise and its growing fanbase.
The Liberty’s success aligns with a broader renaissance in women’s sports. Once undervalued, leagues like the WNBA are now flourishing with unprecedented investment and viewership. The year 2024 marked a watershed moment with groundbreaking achievements across various sports. From the emergence of a Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry in the WNBA to jaw-dropping performances by Olympians Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky, women’s sports seized the spotlight like never before.
TV ratings surged, attendance records shattered, and social media buzzed with viral moments that captivated audiences. The launch of a new professional women’s hockey league added to the momentum, demonstrating the viability and growing appeal of women’s sports.
In New York, women’s teams carved out a significant presence in the city’s crowded sports landscape. The Liberty brought home the city’s first professional basketball title since 1973, Gotham FC delivered playoff drama, Columbia women’s basketball made its NCAA tournament debut, and the Sirens secured a promising future in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Here’s a closer look at how New York’s teams fared in 2024:
Liberty
After losing to the Las Vegas Aces in the 2023 WNBA Finals, the Liberty entered the 2024 season with renewed focus. Breanna Stewart re-signed on a discounted deal, and Jonquel Jones extended her commitment to the team. While they fell short in the Commissioner’s Cup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Liberty had the last word, defeating the Lynx in a thrilling Finals series.
The Finals were a spectacle, with Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning 28-footer in Game 3 securing a series lead. The decisive Game 5 went into overtime, drawing a peak viewership of 3.3 million—the most-watched WNBA Finals game in 25 years. With Stewart returning in 2025, the Liberty are well-positioned to defend their title.
Gotham FC
Following their Cinderella 2023 championship, Gotham FC delivered another strong season, finishing third in the regular standings. The playoffs featured high-stakes drama, including the team’s first home playoff match at Red Bull Arena. Although they defeated the Portland Thorns in a stunning stoppage-time win, their semifinal against the Washington Spirit ended in heartbreak, losing in a penalty shootout.
Roster questions loom for Gotham, with star midfielder Delanie Sheehan already departing for the Houston Dash. The fate of Midge Purce, another key player, remains uncertain. Still, Gotham’s upward trajectory suggests they’ll remain contenders in 2025.
Sirens
The Sirens made significant changes in their second season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. After finishing last in 2023, the team welcomed a new coach, Greg Fargo, and secured a permanent home at the Prudential Center. They also made a splash by drafting Sarah Fillier, the top overall pick and a former Princeton standout.
Fillier and Alex Carpenter quickly developed into one of the league’s most dynamic duos. The Sirens ended the year in third place, a promising finish in the six-team league. With their young stars and stable leadership, the Sirens are poised for further success in 2025.
Five Unforgettable Moments from 2024
U.S. Women’s Basketball Wins Olympic Gold
In an intense 67–66 victory over host France, Team USA claimed their eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball. Brittney Griner, reflecting on her journey, called the win especially meaningful after her release from Russian imprisonment.
Simone Biles’ Return to Greatness
Overcoming the “twisties” that derailed her Tokyo Olympics, Biles delivered a legendary performance in Paris. She earned three golds and a silver, including the historic Yurchenko double pike, now named the Biles II. Her achievements cemented her GOAT status.
Katie Ledecky’s Record-Setting Olympics
Ledecky became the most decorated American woman Olympian with 14 career medals, including two golds in Paris. She shattered the Olympic record in the 1,500-meter freestyle, finishing 10 seconds ahead of her nearest rival. With an eye on the 2028 Games, Ledecky could surpass the record for most Olympic golds won by a woman.
Penn State Volleyball’s Historic Title
Despite battling breast cancer, coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley led Penn State to their first NCAA Division I volleyball championship in a decade. The team’s reverse sweep of Nebraska in the semifinals and 3–1 victory over Louisville in the final marked a crowning achievement.
Caitlin Clark Takes the WNBA by Storm
The first overall draft pick, Caitlin Clark, made an immediate impact with the Indiana Fever. Her games became a must-see event, with some venues expanding to meet fan demand. The “Clark effect” has reinvigorated the WNBA’s popularity.
The rapid rise of women’s sports is undeniable, driven by record-breaking performances, compelling storylines, and increased accessibility. In 2024, New York teams like the Liberty, Gotham FC, and the Sirens exemplified this trend, carving their place in the city’s competitive sports scene. With investment and fan support continuing to grow, the future of women’s sports looks brighter than ever.
