The WNBA is on the cusp of a momentum shift thanks to a new generation of exciting and record-breaking players, including Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. The Liberty, one of the teams benefiting from this enthusiasm, are gearing up for an exciting season ahead. However, there have been some issues with the accessibility of preseason games for fans. A fan at a recent preseason game took matters into her own hands by live streaming the game on X, garnering over 800,000 views. The WNBA had mistakenly stated that all preseason games would be available on League Pass, leading to disappointment and backlash from fans.
WNBA player Sabrina Ionescu expressed her frustration at the lack of televised preseason games during the Liberty’s Media Day. She emphasized the importance of representation for every team and called on the league to address the issue. Star player Jonquel Jones also highlighted the challenges faced by fans trying to watch games from home, particularly those in blackout areas. The lack of consistency in scheduling and accessibility has been a longstanding issue for the WNBA, with Jones noting that other professional leagues have more predictable game schedules.
The impressive viewership numbers from the livestream of a recent preseason game caught the attention of WNBA players like Breanna Stewart, who recognized the demand for women’s basketball content. Stewart, who was recently featured in a league commercial, emphasized the importance of making games more accessible to fans. Head coach Sandy Brondello sees a bright future for the league with the emergence of new stars like Clark, Cardoso, and Reese, as well as the existing rivalries that add excitement to the games. Brondello believes that these factors will attract more viewers and help the WNBA continue to grow in popularity.
The incident with the preseason game highlights the challenges the WNBA faces in marketing and promoting its players and games effectively. The league’s miscommunication regarding the availability of preseason games on League Pass is a setback, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring games are accessible to fans. Players like Ionescu and Jones are calling for greater consistency and accessibility in game scheduling and streaming options to make it easier for fans to support and follow their favorite teams and players. By addressing these issues and capitalizing on the excitement surrounding new talent, the WNBA has the potential to reach new heights and engage a broader audience in women’s basketball.
