The WNBA has eclipsed its single-season attendance record with 2,501,609 spectators through 226 games, surpassing the mark set in 2002 with more than two weeks remaining in the regular season. League officials credit the surge to expanded television exposure, a 44-game schedule and the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, which increased the circuit to 13 teams. The milestone comes despite lengthy absences for several headline players, including Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, Minnesota Lynx forward-center Napheesa Collier and New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart. Rookie guard Paige Bueckers and other newcomers have helped sustain fan interest while veterans remain sidelined. On the floor Thursday, the Chicago Sky snapped a five-game losing streak by upsetting the defending champion New York Liberty 91-85 at Barclays Center. Rookie center Kamilla Cardoso delivered 22 points and a career-best 16 rebounds, while Reese added 21 points and 10 boards. Jonquel Jones kept New York close with 25 points and a career-high five three-pointers, but the Liberty were held scoreless over the final 1:35. Elsewhere, Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas logged her 100th career double-double, becoming the eighth player in league history to reach that plateau, and Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu surpassed 3,000 career points. The Las Vegas Aces, winners of 11 of their past 12 outings, climbed to third in the standings as the playoff race tightens.
Photos: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces: Views from WNBA matchup https://t.co/vQi5P004WR
Connecticut Sun (8-27, 6-9 Eastern Conference) at Chicago Sky (9-26, 3-14 Eastern Conference) https://t.co/Ue3tkyNyfo
Kamilla Cardoso had 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, Angel Reese added 21 points and 10 rebounds and the Chicago Sky beat the New York Liberty 91-85 on Thursday night to end a five-game losing streak. https://t.co/53wDs5QCKO