Are you trying to decide if a WNBA game is a good choice for your family?
Maybe it’s a toss-up between an NBA game and a WNBA game, and you just can’t decide.
I’m a basketball-loving mom of three (boys) and a huge fan of women’s basketball – both collegiate level and the WNBA. I’ve taken my oldest son to WNBA games and we’ve had a blast together, and I’ve seen him grow as a person (more on that later).
If you’re not sure about going to a game, here are 10 reasons you should buy the tickets and head to a WNBA game with your kids!
Fun Fact: My first pro women’s basketball games were to see the Seattle Reign with my dad when I was in high school, and I finally returned the favor this summer and took him to a Seattle Storm game – 26 years later!
WNBA Games Focus on Fundamentals
There’s no continuous dunking or overload of fancy moves in the WNBA. The women’s pro
game is all about fundamentals. For the most part (no one’s perfect!), you’ll witness crisp passing, skilled dribbling, getting into good position for rebounds, real defense, good shot selection, and more.
If your kids are just getting started in basketball, a WNBA game will give her/him a look at the basics – which all basketball players need to succeed.
WNBA Games are Kid-Focused
I’ve been to all sorts of sporting events (basketball, soccer, football, etc) in many places in the world, and WNBA games are by far the most kid-friendly (with USA pro soccer matches coming in second).
I love the positive energy of WNBA fans, and the arenas have a great vibe. I don’t spend the entire game worrying that my kids will have to listen to profanity, and I’ve only had one issue with an opposing ‘booing’ fan (actually our entire section did, and he eventually chilled out a bit).
The half-time and time-out entertainment is kid-friendly, with clothed dancers, animals (like dogs that do tricks), music, t-shirt throwing, and fun contests on the court or on the scoreboard display.
I’ve spoken to parents with strollers going to/from games and many arenas have stroller storage. So, you can use your stroller to get your little one to the game, and once you get there, you’ll store it until you’re ready to leave. For example, here’s the stroller policy from Climate Pledge Arena, where the Seattle Storm play:
Guests are welcome to bring strollers into Climate Pledge Arena. Strollers too large to fit under a seat can be stored at the Guest Services desk on the Main Concourse. Strollers should not be left unattended in aisles or other public spaces.
–Climate Pledge Arena
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Sitting in the Nosebleeds or Getting a Second Mortgage
Even with the tremendous growth and popularity of the league in 2024, you can still get a great seat for a good price. WNBA tickets are great value.
True, courtside tickets are becoming like NBA tickets – for the uber-wealthy and celebrities. But, there are so many great seats available for the entire season or single games.
And, if you’re not choosy about your opponent, you can get a bargain.
Good To Know: Besides seats, other possible costs to keep in mind are:
- food pre- or post-game
- snacks at the arena
- transportation to/from the arena (public transport or gas/parking/tolls)
- team merchandise
It’s Still *Affordable* to Go to a WNBA Game
True, the growth in 2024 has led to an increase in ticket prices, but it’s still possible to bring your family to a game without breaking the bank.
And, if it’s on your (or your kid’s) bucket list to sit close to the bench or the court, it’s still possible, especially if you choose a game with lower ticket prices (teams that aren’t high in the standings, a weekday night game, teams without major superstars).
Even if you’re not sitting close to the court, many WNBA arenas are small, so you’ll still feel in the action even from seats further up in the stands.
You Can Make a Day of It
If you’re heading to the city or a new place, you can make the most of it and have a family day out in the area around the arena.
I’m in my 40s and finally spent time in Chicago because we went to watch the Chicago Sky. My son and I had a blast exploring the city – and we wouldn’t have made it to Chicago if it wasn’t for the game!
Need some inspiration for the city you’re going to? Look up:
- kid-friendly museums
- playgrounds
- restaurants you’ve always wanted to try
And, one of the best things about WNBA games is there are often activities or things set up for kids pre-game. For example, Gainbridge Fieldhouse has an outdoor court adjacent to the arena and there are contests set up inside the arena before the game. There’s also artwork to check out before heading in.
Your Kids Can See Female Role Models Up Close
WNBA players work hard, set goals, and focus on their dreams – and they’re great role models for boys and girls! Yes, you can watch them on the television, but there’s something about seeing them work their magic live!
It’s been exciting for me to see my son start admiring all athletes, not just males.
Boys and Girls Attend WNBA Games
My son isn’t the only boy in the arenas – WNBA games are full of little girls and boys, which is so fun to see.
The Teams, Fans, and League are Inclusive
Everyone’s accepted in the WNBA, which helps create a positive atmosphere inside the arenas. Kids can see that even if we have differences, we have many things in common – like our favorite players and teams!
You Can Introduce Your Child to Basketball
Little girls or kids may not be able to relate to the style of play of the NBA. My boys love watching guys dunk, but when we’d go out to play in our yard, they didn’t really have anything from NBA games to translate to their own play.
Watching the WNBA allows them to try moves they’ve actually seen in person (and to see that games are won by fundamental skills, not just flashy moves).
And, they see that the arena is electric after an epic pass or logo 3!
You’re Supporting Women’s Hoops
We all want the WNBA to grow and for the players to get paid more (Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary was $76,535, and her counterpart in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama ‘Wemby’ made a cool $12,100,000 his first year… not a typo).
Part of that is contributing financially, by buying tickets to a game, buying your kid’s favorite player’s jersey, etc.
And, showing up to the arena shows that we’re here(!), we’re loving the women’s game(!), and we want the success to continue!
How to Keep the Costs Down for a WNBA Game
If you want to go to a WNBA game with your kids but are on a tight budget or are visiting with a lot of kids, here’s what I’d recommend.
- Take public transport. Check with your arena too, as some will provide free public transport passes to get to/from the games.
- Bring your own meal or snacks to eat pre-game, before you enter the arena.
- Don’t feel like you need to bring everyone. If your partner doesn’t want to go to the game, he/she can stay home while you go with the kid(s) that want to go or would appreciate the experience. For example, I still haven’t brought my 3-year-old to a game because I don’t think he’d appreciate it yet.
- Buy merchandise before the game (or don’t buy it at all). There’s no rule that says you need to wear a team jersey or shirt or hat to the game. But, if you really want to get team merchandise, buy it before the game. I’ve found that many online sites (like the individual team stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fanatics, and the WNBA store) will have discount codes, sometimes for up to 20% off – take advantage of them!
- Look for family games. Sometimes teams host ‘family nights’ or ‘kids camp’ games with discounted tickets for young fans.
Alternatives to Taking Your Kids to WNBA Games
If you’re not quite ready to head to a game, you could also consider:
- NCAA Women’s Games
- Unrivaled League’s 3v3 Games (Miami, winter 2025)
- Girls High School Basketball
- Watching WNBA Games on the WNBA League Pass
Feeling Generous? If you want to help another child attend a game, some teams have programs that help send local kids to games. For example, the New York Liberty’s Libs 4 Kids.
I hope this has convinced you to take your kids to a WNBA game. Maybe we’ll see you at the arena!
Interested in the WNBA? Be sure to check out
Why You Should Take Your Kids to a WNBA Game
Going to a WNBA Game with Kids
WNBA Basics for Families
Going to an Indiana Fever Game with Kids
Going to a Chicago Sky Game with Kids
Tips for Attending a Seattle Storm Game with Kids
How to Buy WNBA Tickets
Kids’ Guide to Getting Caitlin Clark’s Autograph at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
