In case it wasn’t obvious, the WNBA playoffs have begun.
And, if it adds any intrigue, the Phoenix Mercury are looking to defend their title.
Interested?
Maybe curious?
Most answers land on no.
The WNBA, as a league, is stuck between the market it sells to and the market it wants to reach.
But their selling point is a different brand of basketball.
The women’s game works underneath the rim with a focus on passing and teamwork, far from the individualistic, star-studded NBA game.
But that selling point in itself is why the WNBA attracts a select crowd and also why it keeps the larger market away from the ticket booth.
NBA marketing revolves around its stars. It uses their faces, voices and sheer athletic ability to reach out to new fans.
It’s a shock and awe affect, something the WNBA doesn’t have to offer.
The question the women’s league has to answer is how can it keep the traditional team play while also marketing its larger stars.
For the 2010 season, as a limited follower of the league, I can manage to name roughly five players on teams other than the Mercury.
But this is soon to change, not just for me, but for many people.
Look at the impact first year players have on their teams in the WNBA.
The Mercury’s Diana Taurasi was the 2004 Rookie of the Year while averaging 17 points per game, then Candace Parker one-upped her by winning 2008 Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season.
Look at rookie Tina Charles this season (15 points and 11 rebounds per game).
And watch out for Connecticut’s Maya Moore in the next.
And then Baylor’s 6-foot-8-inch Brittney Griner after that.
These potential stars are lined up and, if used correctly, could help push the WNBA average attendance up over 10,000 for the first time since 1999.
Women’s basketball players are developing and advancing their skills at a rate the league hasn’t seen before. It’s only a matter of time before each team has its own extremely athletic forward that can dunk (i.e. the 6-foot-4-inch Parker).
In reality, the league just needs more time.
People keep saying that the WNBA can’t compare with the NBA.
People keep saying that the game these women play is boring.
People keep saying this.
People keep saying that.
But none of that matters when you actually sit down and watch how Taurasi or Parker play basketball.
I promise it will be impressive.
Now, I won’t sit here and tell you that I would watch a WNBA game over the Phoenix Suns.
I have my loyalties.
But I will tell you that I am excited about the future of the WNBA.
The talent, the athleticism and the level of play are all on the rise, something I couldn’t see myself saying five years ago.
So here comes the moment of truth for the league.
Does it take advantage of these upcoming stars, these faces, or does it stick to marketing team play.
Finding a balance won’t be easy, but it can be done.
Reach the reporter at nathan.meacham@asu.edu
