While it was expected, new numbers out from the WNBA verifies the explosion in the league’s popularity. The WNBA says the first month of the season drew its highest attendance since the league’s second season in 1998, and the best television ratings in the league’s history.

The figures are the latest evidence of the surging popularity of the WNBA since it added prominent rookies including Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Chicago’s Angel Reese and Los Angeles’ Cameron Brink.

The league says its games are averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season’s average. The WNBA says it sold out more than half its games in May, with arenas filled to 94% capacity.