If Ethan knows, can he please shed some light on the nitty gritty of the business relationship between the NBA and the WNBA? I'm a huge NBA fan but don't have a good understanding of what the connection between it and the WNBA is, and it'd be interesting to know to what extent if at all the NBA has subsidized the WNBA, what the higher-ups really think about the W's long-term outlook (as opposed to what they say in public, to the extent such a thing is known or rumored), etc.
Interesting. I would love to hear the BnR thoughts on the Clark stuff and WNBA leadership in general. Plus the media fails surrounding it. It might be the only sports story in the wheelhouse
Related to Noah's question: I would argue that while the WNBA game is smaller (smaller players banging, less dunks and alley oops, not as quick as the guys), it's a purer form of basketball - especially when compared to today's NBA of iso plays and 3-pointers. Do you think that model can be a financially viable product or will the WNBA always need the NBA?
The key for any league is television contracts. If the WNBA can ever get a contract that makes it sustainable, it could wean itself from the NBA subsidies. With a healthy Caitlin Clark, it's possible. Otherwise, I'm not so sure. Online chatter does not always translate to eyeballs on the television and butts in the seats for actual games.
I'd guess they need more than Caitlin; they need the lady equivalent of Magic/Larry/Michael for a TV deal. When those guys played, it was appointment TV - of course there were a lot less options back then.
They have a tv contract I think just not a great one they’re on ION or something
I also don’t think it’s bad for them to have a relationship to the NBA. The NBA may even be happy to take a loss in one area and reduce tax obligations somewhere else although I think they have a nonprofit structure (as an org not individual teams) so I’m not sure how that works
But developmental leagues, women’s leagues, these are potential growth areas and a way to develop new talent throughout the sport
I think Angel Reese has already broken a rebounding record but she is IIRC a power forward not a point guard/shooting guard. I think she’s the same draft class as Clark. I haven’t been able to name WNBA players since I was a kid and Lisa Leslie had a modeling contract and Rebecca Lobo was somewhat known. So this is better marketing than they’ve had recently at any rate
There are many, in less widely publicized or semi-pro sports like disc golf, cycling, darts, surfing, where they are less likely to be challenged, and whose sporting authorities can't or don't want to spend the money facing a lawsuit. The LPGA kept one out of competition, this is in litigation.
I think it will be very cool if Katie actually listens to her guest and comes ready to have a meaningful dialogue instead of constantly interrupting and making lazy jokes while obstinately refusing to hard-wire her router to her laptop. This is a potentially very interesting topic!
Explain what is happening with the wnba these days. It seems like there is a lot of drama basically 24/7.
"Drama." I see. Are you going to call them "shrill" next?
If Ethan knows, can he please shed some light on the nitty gritty of the business relationship between the NBA and the WNBA? I'm a huge NBA fan but don't have a good understanding of what the connection between it and the WNBA is, and it'd be interesting to know to what extent if at all the NBA has subsidized the WNBA, what the higher-ups really think about the W's long-term outlook (as opposed to what they say in public, to the extent such a thing is known or rumored), etc.
Blocked and Reported and House of Strauss in the same room? What is this, a crossover episode?
(Insert Mr. Peanutbutter gif)
Interesting. I would love to hear the BnR thoughts on the Clark stuff and WNBA leadership in general. Plus the media fails surrounding it. It might be the only sports story in the wheelhouse
Related to Noah's question: I would argue that while the WNBA game is smaller (smaller players banging, less dunks and alley oops, not as quick as the guys), it's a purer form of basketball - especially when compared to today's NBA of iso plays and 3-pointers. Do you think that model can be a financially viable product or will the WNBA always need the NBA?
The key for any league is television contracts. If the WNBA can ever get a contract that makes it sustainable, it could wean itself from the NBA subsidies. With a healthy Caitlin Clark, it's possible. Otherwise, I'm not so sure. Online chatter does not always translate to eyeballs on the television and butts in the seats for actual games.
I'd guess they need more than Caitlin; they need the lady equivalent of Magic/Larry/Michael for a TV deal. When those guys played, it was appointment TV - of course there were a lot less options back then.
They have a tv contract I think just not a great one they’re on ION or something
I also don’t think it’s bad for them to have a relationship to the NBA. The NBA may even be happy to take a loss in one area and reduce tax obligations somewhere else although I think they have a nonprofit structure (as an org not individual teams) so I’m not sure how that works
But developmental leagues, women’s leagues, these are potential growth areas and a way to develop new talent throughout the sport
I think Angel Reese has already broken a rebounding record but she is IIRC a power forward not a point guard/shooting guard. I think she’s the same draft class as Clark. I haven’t been able to name WNBA players since I was a kid and Lisa Leslie had a modeling contract and Rebecca Lobo was somewhat known. So this is better marketing than they’ve had recently at any rate
finally, a good use of ai!
Why haven't there been more trans athletes in women's professional sports where they could easily dominate (soccer, basketball tennis, etc.)?
There are many, in less widely publicized or semi-pro sports like disc golf, cycling, darts, surfing, where they are less likely to be challenged, and whose sporting authorities can't or don't want to spend the money facing a lawsuit. The LPGA kept one out of competition, this is in litigation.
I think it will be very cool if Katie actually listens to her guest and comes ready to have a meaningful dialogue instead of constantly interrupting and making lazy jokes while obstinately refusing to hard-wire her router to her laptop. This is a potentially very interesting topic!