Former college basketball stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso made their highly anticipated WNBA debuts with the Chicago Sky in a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. However, fans were disappointed when the WNBA app was unable to broadcast the game, despite listing it as available. A social media user came to the rescue by starting an impromptu livestream of the game, which attracted a significant audience of 434,000 total views on Saturday, with a peak of 173,381 live viewers. The WNBA later clarified that only Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever was being broadcast.
After the Lynx’s 92-81 win over the Sky, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve jokingly suggested that the social media user who streamed the game should receive monetary compensation for their efforts. Reeve highlighted the fast growth of the league and how traditional methods of operation are no longer sufficient in the rapidly evolving landscape of women’s basketball. She emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the excitement surrounding players like Clark to drive interest and engagement across the league, ultimately leading to a positive movement.
Reeve recognized that the attention on Clark’s preseason debut was warranted due to the buzz around her and other players, which contributes to the overall excitement and interest in the WNBA. Despite the focus on specific players, the general excitement and growing fan base benefit the league as a whole. Reese and Cardoso performed well in their debuts, with Reese scoring 13 points and grabbing nine rebounds while Cardoso contributed six points and four rebounds. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon expressed satisfaction with the rookies’ performances and emphasized the importance of leadership in guiding them through the learning process.
Weatherspoon highlighted the learning experience for both the rookies and the team as a whole, emphasizing the role of leaders in maintaining confidence and ensuring progress. She praised the rookies’ performance and outlook, indicating that the team is in a positive place moving forward. The WNBA’s increasing popularity and the emergence of new talents like Reese, Cardoso, and Clark signify a promising future for women’s basketball, with growing excitement and engagement among fans. The league’s ability to capitalize on this momentum and adapt to the changing landscape will be crucial in sustaining and expanding its success in the years to come.
