What's happened
The WNBA's preseason kicks off with significant changes, including all games being available for viewing. The Liberty are set to play their first game on May 9, while Breanna Stewart is expected to debut shortly after. Player health concerns have prompted discussions about preseason scheduling.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Increased Visibility: The WNBA's decision to broadcast all preseason games reflects a strategic move to capitalize on rising viewership, which saw a 170% increase last season.
- Player Health Concerns: Players like Cloud emphasize the need for adequate preparation time before preseason games, suggesting that the current schedule may be detrimental to player health.
- Team Dynamics: The Liberty's late start to the preseason has allowed for additional practice time, which could benefit team cohesion and performance as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- Future Implications: As the league continues to grow, the focus on player health and game scheduling will likely influence future seasons, potentially leading to changes in how preseason is structured.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, the WNBA's preseason games are now fully accessible, a significant shift from previous years where only select games were available. Coach Sandy Brondello noted the importance of building on the momentum from last season, stating, "We gotta keep building on the momentum we’ve built over these last few years." Meanwhile, player Natasha Cloud raised concerns about the current preseason schedule, calling it "reckless for our bodies" and advocating for more preparation time. AP News highlighted the exponential growth in demand for WNBA content, with Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison stating, "We’ve seen the demand for WNBA content grow exponentially and we are meeting that demand." This reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in women's sports, as evidenced by the league's record-breaking viewership last season.
How we got here
The WNBA has expanded its preseason offerings, making all 15 games available for viewing, a first for the league. This change follows record viewership in the previous season, highlighting the growing interest in women's basketball.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the new preseason schedule?
- How are players adjusting to the changes in the league?
- What can we expect from the Liberty this season?
Common question
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How is the WNBA Improving Its Streaming Experience?
The WNBA is making significant strides in enhancing its streaming experience, especially with the upcoming preseason games. As the league prepares to broadcast all 15 preseason games, fans are eager to know how these innovations will impact viewership and engagement. This page explores the league's efforts and the importance of streaming for women's sports.
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