2024 WNBA Thread

[pilight]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

Perhaps the WNBA will finally turn a profit and no longer have to rely on the largesse of the NBA to survive.

The NBA doesn't turn a profit, how can they help?

[monkeyman576]

The NBA brings in over $10 billion in annual revenue with nearly $3 billion in profit. That makes the world's biggest basketball league also one of the world's most profitable sports leagues.

https://huddleup.substack.com/p/how-...billion-annual

[pilight]

That article is paywalled.

That's not what the commissioner said. He claimed 70% of the teams, as well as the league as a whole, lost money.

[monkeyman576]

Which is probably not true.

[pilight]

Originally Posted by monkeyman576

Which is probably not true.

Yeah, but you believe the nonsense when the same people say the WNBA is a money loser.

[monkeyman576]

Originally Posted by pilight

Yeah, but you believe the nonsense when the same people say the WNBA is a money loser.

Because people don't watch the WNBA(until post Caitlin Clark).

[monkeyman576]

Clark only had 5 turnovers tonight down from her average of 7pg so she appears to be improving.

[Ty Cobb]

Took the ref's 8 seconds to call time when CC got injured. That's unforgivable.

[thehef]

Wow. The WNBA's use of the replay system is just as poor as the NBA's...

In the last 10 seconds or so, the Sun's offensive screener was clearly still moving when the Fever player made contact. Upon review, despite it being an obvious moving screen to anyone viewing the replay, the officials somehow saw something to uphold their (admittedly difficult as it happened live) original call. But that's what replay is for: To get calls right. Another fail. But at least they're consistent with their parent league...

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by monkeyman576

Clark only had 5 turnovers tonight down from her average of 7pg so she appears to be improving.

The whole team is getting better as they get used to playing together. Caitlin is getting better at figuring out which "college passes" won't work in the pros. Her teammates are getting better at being ready to receive passes from her from angles and small windows they haven't seen before. Caitlin had quite a few turnovers in those first games on balls that should have been caught. Those balls are now being caught at a higher rate, and as time goes on those that were turnovers will instead be caught and result in assists for Clark.

This improvement is coming against two of the better teams (from what the announcers have said) in the league. The coaching tactics are getting better as they adjust to what teams are trying to do against them. Spacing is so much better along with off ball players giving Clark an outlet when the doubles and traps come.

There were too many overreactions after those first games. Coach needs to be fired, Clark is going to struggle with the size and speed, etc. When all they need is some time and patience to let them learn how they fit together on the floor as a team.

[Le Grande Orange]

Originally Posted by Ty Cobb

.

Nothing to do with funny. Facts are facts. Most pro sports leagues have to stand on their own and don't have a sugar daddy to foot the bills. Though to be fair the WNBA isn't the only such league. The NFL subsidized its European football effort the WLAF (later the NFLE), for example.

[Le Grande Orange]

Originally Posted by pilight

That's not what the commissioner said. He claimed 70% of the teams, as well as the league as a whole, lost money.

Leagues and teams always plead poverty. Their own financial statements, when properly analyzed, paint a different picture, especially if looking at operating profit as opposed to net profit. If the NBA was as much of as a money loser as it claimed it would have folded up shop long ago.

I presume the NBA operates the WNBA as a loss leader in the hope it'll eventually become self-sustaining.

[pilight]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

Leagues and teams always plead poverty. Their own financial statements, when properly analyzed, paint a different picture, especially if looking at operating profit as opposed to net profit. If the NBA was as much of as a money loser as it claimed it would have folded up shop long ago.

The question then becomes why you believe it unquestioningly when the WNBA does so and not when other leagues do.

[pilight]

Clark committed a lot of turnovers in college too. It just didn't matter against Northwestern and Cleveland State. In the pros there are no pushovers like that (unless somebody hires Nolan Richardson to coach again).

[Le Grande Orange]

Originally Posted by pilight

The question then becomes why you believe it unquestioningly when the WNBA does so and not when other leagues do.

Professional women's team sports is simply nowhere near as popular as men's. Look at how much money the men's World Cup brings in compared to the women's, for example. Perhaps some day this will change and interest will be much higher.

One can make estimates of the finances based on known data points.

[pilight]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

Professional women's team sports is simply nowhere near as popular as men's. Look at how much money the men's World Cup brings in compared to the women's, for example. Perhaps some day this will change and interest will be much higher.

One can make estimates of the finances based on known data points.

You don't have to be as popular as the big men's sports to be profitable. This is especially true when the players get less than 10% of basketball related revenue, as WNBA players do.

[monkeyman576]

If WNBA was profitable they probably wouldn't be relying on the NBA.

[pilight]

Originally Posted by monkeyman576

If WNBA was profitable they probably wouldn't be relying on the NBA.

They're not. That's decades old misinformation.

[thehef]

I asked my buddy who knows everything, Chet G. Petey, what he thinks:

Does the WNBA make money or is it subsidized by the NBA?

The financial situation of the WNBA is complex and has been a topic of discussion for many years. Historically, the WNBA has faced financial challenges and has often been subsidized by the NBA. However, recent trends indicate some improvements in the league's financial health, though it still relies on support to a certain extent.

Financial Challenges and Subsidies
Early and Ongoing Subsidies: Since its inception in 1996, the WNBA has received significant financial support from the NBA. This support has been crucial in covering operational costs, promoting the league, and maintaining team viability. The NBA's backing includes financial subsidies, marketing support, and shared facilities.

Revenue and Attendance: The WNBA has traditionally struggled with lower attendance and viewership numbers compared to the NBA. This translates to lower ticket sales, merchandise sales, and broadcast revenue. While there has been growth in these areas, it hasn't reached a level where the league is fully self-sustaining.

Recent Developments and Improvements
1. Increased Popularity and Viewership: In recent years, the WNBA has seen a rise in popularity. This is partly due to better marketing, increased media coverage, and a growing interest in women's sports. Major broadcasting deals and more games being aired on mainstream networks have helped boost the league's visibility and revenue.

2. Sponsorships and Partnerships: The WNBA has secured several high-profile sponsorships and partnerships, which have provided additional revenue streams. Companies like Nike, AT&T, and Google have invested in the league, recognizing its growing influence and market potential.

3. Expansion and Investment: There have been investments in expanding the league and improving player salaries and working conditions. The WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, which took effect in 2020, significantly increased player compensation and benefits, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth.

Financial Viability
While the WNBA still benefits from the NBA's support, it is making strides toward greater financial independence. The league’s efforts to boost its market presence and revenue streams have shown positive results, but full profitability remains a future goal.

Conclusion
The WNBA does receive subsidies from the NBA, but it is also making progress in enhancing its financial standing through increased viewership, better sponsorship deals, and strategic investments. The path to complete financial independence is ongoing, with the league working actively to improve its economic model and long-term viability.

There ya have it!

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by pilight

Clark committed a lot of turnovers in college too. It just didn't matter against Northwestern and Cleveland State. In the pros there are no pushovers like that (unless somebody hires Nolan Richardson to coach again).

How many of those were passes that should have been caught? To college women not WNBA pros?

I'd live with Magic hitting Kurt Rambis in the face with a pass he's not ready for before asking him to not make that pass. I'll do the same for Clark.

You're right there are no pushovers. Her teammates are professionals, the best of the best. So as professionals her teammates will have to learn to be ready, it's already happening. There will also be errant passes, it's part of her game where she tries to make plays others might not. The good will far outweigh the bad.