The excitement is building as WNBA training camps kick off for the 2024 season! With superstars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier returning to the hardwood, and last year’s rookie phenom Caitlin Clark beginning her much-anticipated sophomore campaign, basketball fans across the country—and especially right here in Orlando—have plenty to look forward to. While Orlando doesn’t have its own WNBA team (yet), the league’s growing popularity and the electric storylines heading into this season make the WNBA a must-watch for local sports enthusiasts. Here’s what Orlando residents can expect from the upcoming WNBA season, why it matters locally, and how you can get involved in the action.
Star Players Set the Stage for Another Thrilling Season
The opening of WNBA training camps signals the official start of the chase for a championship, and this year, all eyes are on returning legends and emerging stars alike. A’ja Wilson, two-time MVP and cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces, is back and ready to defend her team’s title. Breanna Stewart, another MVP and leader of the New York Liberty, is looking to bring her squad back to the Finals with one goal: winning it all. Napheesa Collier, who’s quickly become one of the league’s most versatile players, is also primed for a breakout season with the Minnesota Lynx.
And then there’s Caitlin Clark, the electrifying guard who took the league by storm as a rookie and is now entering her second year. Clark’s highlight-reel plays, deep three-pointers, and competitive edge have boosted WNBA ratings and made her a household name—even among casual basketball fans in Orlando. Local youth players and sports fans have been inspired by her rise, with many Orlando-area schools and leagues reporting a surge in girls’ basketball participation and viewership thanks to Clark’s influence.
Caitlin Clark: The Sophomore Season Everyone’s Watching
Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball cannot be overstated. After a record-setting rookie season, the former NCAA superstar is entering her second year with sky-high expectations. Orlando fans, many of whom followed her career at Iowa and tuned in to her WNBA games last year, are eager to see how she’ll continue to develop her game and elevate her team.
Clark’s presence also means more WNBA games are being televised nationally and streamed online, making it easier than ever for Orlando residents to watch live action. Local sports bars and community centers are planning viewing parties for marquee matchups, and Orlando’s own youth basketball camps are using Clark’s highlights as teaching tools for aspiring players. Her story illustrates the growing bridge between women’s collegiate and professional sports—something that resonates with Orlando’s vibrant sports community.
How the WNBA’s Growth Impacts Orlando
While Orlando has yet to land its own WNBA franchise, the league’s explosion in popularity is felt across Central Florida. The city boasts a large and diverse sports fanbase, and the WNBA’s increasing visibility is sparking conversations about the future of women’s professional sports in Orlando.
Several local organizations, such as the Girls Inc. of Orlando and the Orlando Youth Sports Association, are partnering with the league to host clinics, camps, and events aimed at empowering young female athletes. The success of stars like Wilson, Stewart, Collier, and Clark is serving as powerful motivation for Orlando’s next generation of basketball players. Plus, more Orlando businesses are getting involved as sponsors and event hosts, signaling a bright future for women’s sports in the city.
How to Watch and Support the WNBA in Orlando
Even without a local WNBA team, Orlando fans have plenty of ways to catch the action and support their favorite players. Most WNBA games are available through national broadcasters like ESPN and ABC, as well as streaming platforms including WNBA League Pass. Many local bars and restaurants—especially around Downtown Orlando and the tourist corridor—are planning watch parties for big games and playoff matchups.
Additionally, Orlando’s Amway Center and other area venues frequently host college and exhibition women’s basketball events, providing local fans a chance to see top talent up close. If you’re passionate about bringing a WNBA team to Orlando, supporting the league and participating in grassroots events is a great way to show there’s demand for women’s professional basketball in the City Beautiful.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Basketball in Orlando
With the 2024 WNBA season shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory, Orlando sports fans have every reason to tune in and get involved. The return of superstars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier, alongside the continued rise of Caitlin Clark, ensures another drama-filled chase for the championship trophy. Their stories are not only inspiring a new generation of athletes nationwide, but are also fueling momentum for women’s sports right here in Orlando.
As the WNBA continues to grow, the possibility of Orlando joining the league in the future becomes more real. Until then, supporting the players, attending local basketball events, and staying engaged with the league are the best ways to keep the WNBA spirit alive in Central Florida.
