Capitalizing on a Shift in Momentum: The WNBA’s Opportunity to Grow
The WNBA finds itself in a unique position to capitalize on the recent surge of momentum in women’s basketball. With a record-breaking draft class featuring standout players like Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, there is renewed excitement surrounding the league as the season kicks off.
However, the league faced a setback when fans were unable to watch the preseason debuts of Reese and Cardoso due to a lack of availability on the WNBA League Pass. The league had incorrectly stated that all preseason games would be accessible, leading to disappointment and frustration among fans. The WNBA later issued an apology on social media but was met with criticism instead of understanding.
Sabrina Ionescu, one of the Liberty’s star players, expressed her disappointment at the situation during the team’s Media Day. She emphasized the importance of representing every team and called for the league to rectify the issue promptly. However, amidst the disappointment, one fan inside the stadium took matters into her own hands and live-streamed the game on a separate platform. This impromptu live stream garnered over 800,000 views, allowing fans to still catch the action.
This incident highlights a larger problem with the WNBA’s marketing efforts. The league has struggled to effectively promote players from college to the professional level. The lack of consistent scheduling and accessibility has hindered its ability to build a loyal fanbase. Jonquel Jones, the Liberty’s star center, has firsthand experience with this issue. Her family in the Bahamas has faced difficulties streaming her games from home while paying for League Pass. They are considered within a blackout area for East Coast games despite being geographically close to Florida.
Jones voiced her frustration, pointing out that other major professional leagues like the NFL and NBA have consistent schedules that fans can rely on. The WNBA, on the other hand, requires fans to put in extra effort just to watch a game. This inconsistency undermines the league’s growth potential and alienates potential viewers.
Nevertheless, there is hope for the WNBA. The livestream numbers generated by the impromptu streaming of the preseason game demonstrated a clear desire among fans to watch the league’s games. Breanna Stewart, a former MVP of the league, was pleasantly surprised by the viewership numbers and stated that it signifies a demand for more accessible games.
Head coach Sandy Brondello believes that the league’s new stars, along with existing rivalries, can draw in more viewers. Brondello points to the Liberty’s rivalry with the Aces as an example of the compelling narratives that already exist within the league. By leveraging these storylines and enhancing visibility, the WNBA has the opportunity to take women’s basketball to the next level.
To achieve this growth, the league must prioritize consistency and accessibility. The WNBA needs to address issues with its streaming platforms and ensure that games are widely accessible to fans across different regions. By learning from this incident and implementing necessary changes, the WNBA can build a loyal fanbase and continue to showcase the incredible talent of its players.
