The keen interest people and media has shown during the journey of the French football women team in the 2023 world cup this summer reveal an evolution in the perception of women’s sport.
We are indeed seeing a growing interest in women’s sport, and today we’ll be focusing on the Women’s National Basketball Association, the WNBA, the women’s equivalent of the NBA. The WNBA finals were epic to watch, and we saw the Las Vegas Aces beating the New York Liberty. These finals have been one of the highlights of women’s sport in the United States and so we’re going to look at how the WNBA finals serve as an undeniable platform for women in sport.
The WNBA builds a show with dynasties that can last in the upcoming years.
Well the Guardian, from last week, entitled his article : “The Las Vegas Aces are, the next great American sports dynasty”. Grabbing back to back titles, the team from Las Vegas, achieved a record setting performance. which has not been done in two decades. This article portrays it as more than just a victory. This win is part of a narrative that has been woven throughout the league’s history, with the article even calling this team “the best team in history of the WNBA”.
These captivating storylines don’t just entertain; they forge emotional connections between the league, its players, and its fans helping the growth of female sport. The article compares the rivalry between the Aces and the New York Liberty with the one we’ve seen in the NBA between the Golden States Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The reporter even adds that these Aces are one of the best teams ever seen in men’s or women’s basketball. These narratives and legendary teams serve as a testament to the ability of the WNBA to transform sporting events into cultural phenomenons.
Sponsor United, a society specialized in data related to sport sponsorship and visibility, analyzes the growth of women’s basketball by a combination of “strategic moves and lucrative partnerships, cementing its position as a trailblazing league in women’s sports”. The record breaking season of the Aces and the increasing level of the league in general is combined with a real strategy of development led by the WNBA. The article explains that the lucrative contract signed by the league with the channel ABC permitted an averaged viewership of six hundred twenty seven thousand spectators, marking the league’s most-viewed regular season on television in eleven years.
The WNBA also witnessed its highest total attendance in 13 years, with 1.6 millions fans showing up to support their favorite teams.The WNBA is now a real trend in the United states of america with a keen interest from Americans in this league. This event makes the sport more global and international than a simple and courant event.
The WNBA asserts itself on the international stage.
The international reach of a sport is definitely what makes it influential or not. The search for an international reach of the WNBA is a defining characteristic that will ensure its position as a platform for women’s sport.
However, some reports highlight the challenges faced by WNBA players when it comes to international opportunities. An ESPN article showed that New York Liberty player Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier told ESPN that they are founding a new women’s basketball league to have more revenue during the offseason, from October to May. This is linked to an absurd rule developed by the league, this prioritization rules will go into full effect next season. This states that players need to complete any offseason game before the WNBA’s opening day, or else they would be considered ineligible. The problem is that most of the WNBA players such as french players Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams are playing in the French league to earn a revenue from October to June. This means that they will not be able to complete a WNBA preseason game.
The key factor in this problem is the lack of revenue of WNBA players, with an average salary of one hundred thirteen thousand dollars, many players often look overseas, often in Europe and particularly in the French league, for additional opportunities to supplement their incomes. But the WNBA, by international expansion efforts, tends to earn more from TV contracts which are still far from the NBA ones.
Moreover, as said in the L.A. Times High School Insider, the WNBA’s investment in digital platforms and social media has played a crucial role in expanding its global reach. Through live streaming games, and providing localized content, the league has connected with a broader international audience, allowing fans from different countries to support their favorite teams and players. The WNBA is no longer an American basketball league; it’s an international phenomenon that stands as a symbol of excellence in women’s sports. And the WNBA is trying to use its reach to challenge stereotypes.
The WNBA is challenging the stereotypes
Stereotypes have long plagued women’s sports, perpetuating the false notion that « no one cares about women’s sports. » Yet, data from Parity Now’s article defies this stereotype, revealing a growing interest in women’s sports. For example, the 2023 Women National Championship game between Iowa and LSU had nine point nine million viewers.
The Sports Business Journal, in its August the first, 2023 report, discusses the impact of women in sports and how the WNBA is leading the charge. A consumer survey of 1,800 North Americans conducted in March 2023 revealed that 75% of women’s sports fans believe that teams, leagues, and athletes should support social causes. The WNBA challenges the status quo, dismantles stereotypes, and is a relentless advocate for the growth of women’s sports.
Let’s consider the « Take a Seat, Take a Stand » initiative by the WNBA. In partnership with organizations like RAINN and MENTOR, this initiative allows fans to support causes that empower and protect women. It demonstrates the league’s commitment to creating lasting change beyond the basketball court.
Furthermore, the WNBA is home to athletes who serve as role models and advocates for various social issues. Maya Moore’s decision to step away from the game at the peak of her career to focus on criminal justice reform is a powerful illustration. Her actions speak louder than any stereotype, underscoring the league’s profound commitment to challenging societal norms.
In short, the WNBA Finals transcend basketball and provide an excellent platform for women’s sport. These finals, with a record audience, have created captivating stories and will certainly support dynasties in the future. The international reach that the WNBA strives to promote amplifies its impact and makes it a symbol of women’s sporting excellence. More importantly, it challenges stereotypes and seeks to strengthen the position of women in sport. The WNBA is more than just a league; it is one of the driving forces behind the promotion of women’s sport.
Eliott Caillot 