18.2 million viewers was the record that the South Carolina vs Iowa women’s college basketball national championship set. It was the most viewed college basketball game male or female ever.
With big names in the final four like guard Caitlin Clark for Iowa and head coach Dawn Staley for South Carolina, the storyline was set. But, can the WNBA see the same growth?
Yes! But it won’t be as easy. There’s a difference between college athletics and professional sports. No, I’m not talking about players being paid, I’m talking about fandom.
What college athletes have that professional sports teams sometimes lack is an obsessive like following. Iowa and South Carolina have thousands of alumni who will follow and watch their football, basketball, and any other sport they participate in.
The reason for that is because people like to be apart of a community. Colleges have that automatically. So, the growth or interest in women’s sports only took a few legit stars and big brand media to push them to the forefront.
Professional women’s basketball is different. Yea the competition is better, but the fandom is not. Most of the WNBA teams don’t sell out and haven’t sold out ever. Not to mention that many of the teams don’t have legit stars like the college game has right now.
However, these flaws might be the solution to growing the WNBA.
Push into Smaller Market Cities
The goal for the WNBA is to grow, but in the right way. It’s one thing to have hype because of the current trend, but it is another to have a lasting following for years to come.
Like previously mentioned, the college atmosphere and fandom is different from professional teams due to the community of alums. Many of the major universities we watch on T.V. are situated in small college towns.
For major leagues like the NFL or NBA, a small town isn’t the best option. However, for a smaller league like the WNBA this could be a great option.
Usually, the big cities have the capacity for a professional sports franchise. But, in a era where pro leagues are popping up left and right along with new attractions to these prominent cities, that capacity has shrunk.
For the WNBA, a smaller market could be the answer and here’s why:
1. Less Competition
Smaller markets often have fewer professional sports teams, which means less competition for fan attention and media coverage. This can result in a higher level of local support and loyalty for a new WNBA team.
2. Community Engagement
Smaller markets tend to have close-knit communities that are enthusiastic about supporting local teams. A WNBA team in such a market can quickly become a community focal point, fostering strong fan engagement and support.
3. Untapped Fan Bases
Smaller markets can represent untapped or under-served fan bases. By establishing a presence in these areas, the WNBA can attract new fans and broaden its overall audience.
4. Economic Impact
A WNBA team can have a significant economic impact on a smaller market. The team can stimulate local economies through job creation, increased tourism, and the development of related businesses.
5. Brand Building
For the WNBA, expansion into smaller markets can be an effective way to build the league’s brand. These markets can provide passionate and loyal fan bases that help elevate the league’s profile nationally.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a great example of a professional franchise going into a smaller market. The NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder has developed a strong following and significant economic impact in a smaller market, demonstrating the potential benefits for the WNBA.
Expanding into smaller markets can enhance the WNBA’s visibility, foster community support, and create economic opportunities while helping to grow the sport of basketball at all levels.
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