The WNBA’s biggest stage is here — but the buzz leading up to the Finals isn’t what league officials hoped for. In a stunning turn of events, ticket prices for Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury have plummeted to shockingly low levels, with some seats going for as little as $35. The revelation has set off a firestorm of criticism, raising tough questions about the league’s fan engagement, marketing strategies, and overall growth — even in what was supposed to be a breakout season.

The matchup itself has no shortage of star power. On one side, the Aces — led by reigning MVP A’ja Wilson — are seeking to cement their dynasty with a third straight championship. On the other, the Mercury are back on the Finals stage for the first time in years, fueled by a late-season surge and veteran leadership from stars like Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. It’s a clash of powerhouse franchises and a storyline-packed series that should, on paper, have fans rushing to grab seats.

But instead of skyrocketing ticket prices and sold-out arenas, the reality is far more sobering. As of this week, major ticketing platforms are showing hundreds of unsold seats priced at $35 or less — an unprecedented figure for a championship event in any professional sports league. Even courtside and premium seats, which often run into the thousands for NBA Finals games, are being heavily discounted in a last-minute attempt to fill the arena.

“This is supposed to be the pinnacle of the season, and yet tickets are cheaper than a night at the movies,” one fan wrote on social media. “It’s embarrassing. The league deserves better, and so do the players.”

The reaction online has been swift and brutal. Critics argue that the low prices are a stark reminder of the WNBA’s ongoing struggle to attract consistent live audiences, even as TV ratings and online engagement continue to hit record highs. Others see it as a marketing failure — suggesting the league and its teams haven’t done enough to build hype or connect with casual fans ahead of the Finals.

“People know Caitlin Clark. People know Angel Reese. But when it comes to the Finals, the energy just isn’t there,” said one sports analyst. “If the WNBA wants to grow into a mainstream league, it has to figure out how to make these moments feel must-see — and right now, $35 tickets are sending the opposite message.”

The contrast with men’s sports is hard to ignore. For comparison, tickets to the NBA Finals often start at over $800, with resale prices climbing into the thousands within minutes of going on sale. Even the NCAA women’s basketball championship — fueled by Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking run earlier this year — saw ticket prices surge well above $200. The fact that the WNBA’s premier event can’t crack $50 for many seats has left many questioning where the disconnect lies.

Some insiders believe part of the issue stems from market size and timing. Las Vegas is a crowded sports market in October, competing for attention with the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and a full slate of college football. Meanwhile, Phoenix fans may be hesitant to travel for the early games, especially with the series format splitting home-court advantage.

Others, however, see the ticket price plunge as a deeper symptom of the league’s challenges. Despite surging interest in women’s basketball — driven largely by the star power of rookie sensations and college-to-pro crossover — that energy hasn’t always translated into live attendance or consumer spending.

“It’s not about whether people care about women’s basketball. They clearly do — TV numbers are proof of that,” said a sports business professor. “The question is whether the WNBA has figured out how to convert that interest into real, consistent demand. And right now, ticket prices like these suggest they haven’t.”

Players themselves have remained mostly silent on the controversy, but some have subtly acknowledged the problem. “We just hope the fans come out and support us,” one Aces player said at a media session. “This is going to be a great series, and we’re putting on a show for them.”

Still, the optics are tough for a league that has spent much of 2025 celebrating record-breaking milestones. This season has delivered the WNBA’s highest average attendance in nearly two decades, its most-watched regular season ever, and surging merchandise sales. Yet the Finals — the moment meant to showcase that growth — are now at the center of a debate about whether the league’s popularity is more digital than physical.

For die-hard fans, the silver lining is obvious: unprecedented affordability. “I’m taking my whole family,” one Phoenix fan tweeted. “When else can you see a championship game for under $40 a ticket?”

But for league executives and players hoping to turn the WNBA Finals into a marquee event on par with other major sports championships, the message is far less encouraging. As Game 1 tips off with empty seats and bargain-basement prices, the league faces a critical question: how do you build a thriving future when your biggest game of the year is struggling to fill the house?

The WNBA’s growth story is far from over — but the $35 Finals ticket has become a stark reminder that success on paper doesn’t always translate to packed arenas. And unless the league can bridge that gap, moments like this may continue to overshadow the incredible talent and competition happening on the court.