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Unrivaled Sets Philly Attendance Record as Season 2 Draws Bigger Ad Buys

Sponsor momentum reflects cross-platform reach despite softer TV ratings.

Overview

  • Unrivaled sold out Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena with 21,490 fans, setting a new mark for the largest regular-season professional women’s basketball crowd and delivering the city’s first pro women’s game in nearly 30 years.
  • Nearly all Year 1 sponsors renewed and new blue-chip brands joined, with TNT Sports saying top categories are spending 60% more year over year, including additions such as Xfinity, Maker’s Mark and Ally.
  • Integrated campaigns span TNT/truTV and digital outlets like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights, with cited results including 3.2 million cross-platform views for State Farm content and massive youth reach not captured by Nielsen.
  • Linear audiences are lower than last season—one recent Friday doubleheader averaged 168,000 viewers versus a 221,000 Year 1 average—yet league revenue is projected around $40 million for 2026 with a path to profitability.
  • On-court performances are fueling buzz, highlighted by Marina Mabrey’s 47-point game in Philadelphia and Paige Bueckers’ 11-assist, zero-turnover outing, alongside breakout production from Aaliyah Edwards.