The WNBA rookie class of 2024 is generating unprecedented interest, with players like Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese at the forefront. Unfortunately, fans were unable to watch their preseason debut with the Chicago Sky due to streaming issues. The WNBA League Pass app mistakenly listed all preseason games as available for streaming when in fact, only Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever was accessible. This left fans of Cardoso, Reese, and the Sky disappointed.
In a surprising turn of events, a Twitter user with the handle @heyheyitsalli took it upon herself to livestream the game from her phone when the official broadcast was unavailable. Despite the grainy quality and vertical perspective, the stream attracted over 173,000 viewers during the game and has since garnered over 400,000 views. This alternative stream allowed fans to catch a glimpse of Reese scoring 13 points and Cardoso contributing six points, four boards, and two blocks in the Sky’s game against the Minnesota Lynx.
The makeshift livestream not only captured the attention of WNBA fans but also drew praise from notable figures in the league such as Sue Bird and Cheryl Reeve. Reeve, the Lynx president and head coach, highlighted the rapid growth and increased interest in the league, emphasizing the need for adaptation in response to the changing landscape. The unprecedented enthusiasm around the 2024 rookie class, fueled by players like Clark, Reese, and Cardoso, underscores the necessity for greater investment and resources to capitalize on this momentum.
Reeve also acknowledged the challenges of balancing production costs with the demand for preseason coverage, noting that decisions regarding resource allocation play a significant role in determining which games are broadcasted. The interest in the WNBA is expanding beyond traditional boundaries, prompting stakeholders to reconsider their approaches to meet the evolving needs of fans. With rising anticipation for games featuring star players like Reese and Cardoso, the league must find innovative solutions to cater to the growing audience.
As the WNBA grapples with an influx of interest that surpasses its current capacity, the conversation around increased investment and support from stakeholders becomes more urgent. The debut of the 2024 rookie class has brought unprecedented viewership, highlighting the need for a proactive response from the league to seize upon this opportunity. The success of the impromptu livestream of Reese and Cardoso’s preseason debut underscores the appetite for WNBA content and the potential for growth if properly harnessed. The league’s stakeholders must prioritize leveraging this momentum to propel the WNBA into a new era of increased visibility and engagement.
