WNBA- What do you think? (coach, game, ticket, NBA)

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by JackTheRipper

I only follow it when the Sparks are playing (I have a crush on Candace Parker ).

I think most guys here in LA followed them because of Candace Parker. Now that she's gone and had a baby, most have lost interest.

I dont follow the Sparks and actually dont know anyone who does. I'll check the box scores to see what Candace did but I didnt even know about any playoffs until after reading this thread and checking ESPN.

[JackTheRipper]

Originally Posted by LaoTzuMindFu

I think most guys here in LA followed them because of Candace Parker. Now that she's gone and had a baby, most have lost interest.

I dont follow the Sparks and actually dont know anyone who does. I'll check the box scores to see what Candace did but I didnt even know about any playoffs until after reading this thread and checking ESPN.

except me .
she's still sexy .

[mongoslade223]

Originally Posted by JackTheRipper

the houston comets who won the first wnba championship in the league sadly folded.

what would those girls do if the league actually folded in 5-6 years from now?.

WNBA Salaries 2009, Salary Cap, WNBA Team Salaries, Salary Facts, Salary Average.

Looking @ the average salaries, I don't think that WNBA players come out of college thinking that they will be set for life like NBA players. I think that WNBA players don't rely on just their ballplaying to make thier livings; they probably have other careers on the side to fall back on.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by desert sun

I wouldnt be surprised either if the league folded, Im actually surprised that it has lasted this long.

Im also wondering how smaller markets like CT, Indiana,San Antonio, and Sacramento are doing.

Have never watched a game, and don't ever plan too. The reason the league hasn't folded is b/c David Stern won't allow it too since it was one of his pet projects.

As for the smaller markets, I actually think that would be the best route for the league to go. I'd suggest even smaller than Indianapolis or San Antonio, focus on where Women's college basketball is popular - which is why I'd assume Connecticut is still a part of the league. But, if it were me, I'd be sure to have a team say in Knoxville, might also look at Raleigh-Durham area. Honestly, big college towns might be their best. Most college cities have virtually no pro teams since they revolve around their college sports i.e. Columbus, Madison, Knoxville, Austin, etc. and since the WNBA plays during the summer, might get some interest for those fans that have no other sports to follow. Not sure it would work in those towns either, but it seems to be better than trying to compete in major markets as the NFL is starting up and MLB is in full-swing, not to mention, who wants to be indoors during the summer months for 'entertainment'??

[Orangeish]

Originally Posted by mongoslade223

WNBA Salaries 2009, Salary Cap, WNBA Team Salaries, Salary Facts, Salary Average.

Looking @ the average salaries, I don't think that WNBA players come out of college thinking that they will be set for life like NBA players. I think that WNBA players don't rely on just their ballplaying to make thier livings; they probably have other careers on the side to fall back on.

Wow I wonder if some of those girls are moonlighting based on those salaries. Not saying they are poor, but still....

I have never watched a full game, but I happened to catch the highlights of game one of the finals on SC this morning. It appeared to be a good game, a late three pointer to tie it, and then overtime, but I still found myself just waiting for the highlight to end. I wish I could like it, because I feel like a default sexist for thinking it is as bad as it is, but I cannot force myself to care.

I'm also surprised this thread hasn't off-topic'ed into a "could I take a WNBA player one on one?" And I honestly think I could. I'm 5'11" and never played past high school, but I think I could school these chicks.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by Orangeish

I'm also surprised this thread hasn't off-topic'ed into a "could I take a WNBA player one on one?" And I honestly think I could. I'm 5'11" and never played past high school, but I think I could school these chicks.

LOL...we used to debate w/the girls all the time back in high school when the WNBA started that our high-school boys team could beat any given WNBA team! I don't know that I could take them one-on-one any more, in fact, I'm pretty sure I couldn't since I don't play hardly at all the past few years; but I really think that when we were in good shape and playing all the time a decade or so ago, we would have given them a good run for their money if not beat them in a game.

[urban analysis therapist]

Originally Posted by Orangeish

Wow I wonder if some of those girls are moonlighting based on those salaries. Not saying they are poor, but still....

I'm also surprised this thread hasn't off-topic'ed into a "could I take a WNBA player one on one?" And I honestly think I could. I'm 5'11" and never played past high school, but I think I could school these chicks.

Don't a lot of players go overseas to play, where they make at least 2 times as much money? I believe that most WNBA players think of the league as a sort-of summer job, while the real dough comes from Europe/China/whoever else is shelling out money. I think Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird both play for a Russian team, and they make like $200,000 each.

Originally Posted by Buckeye in SC

LOL...we used to debate w/the girls all the time back in high school when the WNBA started that our high-school boys team could beat any given WNBA team! I don't know that I could take them one-on-one any more, in fact, I'm pretty sure I couldn't since I don't play hardly at all the past few years; but I really think that when we were in good shape and playing all the time a decade or so ago, we would have given them a good run for their money if not beat them in a game.

I remember reading a piece in Sports Illustrated about the UConn women's team. To deal with a more physical game, they recruited some of the better male players on campus (not the men's basketball players, of course). I think the matchup was more or less even, with the women having a bit more of an advantage. Also, the men were not allowed to use their athleticism as much because it was supposed to be a simulated women's game - so dunks and overt shotblocking were no-nos.

So I wouldn't doubt it if a decent regular-joe men's team could beat the women's team at least once. Overall, though, I think WNBA players would be too big and physical, not to mention more skilled and more disciplined. Meaning, that they would probably win most of the games.

[LASam]

Originally Posted by desert sun

Do you have a team in your city and do you attend and how is the team doing? If you dont have a team in your city would you like one and would you attend games.

Definately have a WNBA team in LA, and I believe they are pretty good. Never have been to a game and don't plan on going to one. Don't know anyone who follows them or goes to the games. Frankly, I'm surprised the WNBA is able to stay viable...

[Finger Laker]

the above is correct about the real $$ coming from overseas - that is where they make their living

i personally don't like the product - i just don't think it's very entertaining

however, it provides a good outlet for girls and entertainment to some

the thing that bugs me is how they market themselves, although this has improved

the whole "we've got next" "they're better than you are" type of advertising is a turnoff

also the fact that the league is a huge money drain that was initially forced on the NBA is obnoxious - the cross promotions into the NBA i don't care for either

these ladies aren't on par with NBA players - it would be like inviting a D3 basketball player to an NBA skills showcase - i don't want to see them

however, for the NBA it's worth the losses as a marketing/promotional tool to push product to females

for my entertainment dollar there is just no place for the WNBA

[urban analysis therapist]

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

the thing that bugs me is how they market themselves, although this has improved

the whole "we've got next" "they're better than you are" type of advertising is a turnoff

also the fact that the league is a huge money drain that was initially forced on the NBA is obnoxious - the cross promotions into the NBA i don't care for either

these ladies aren't on par with NBA players - it would be like inviting a D3 basketball player to an NBA skills showcase - i don't want to see them

however, for the NBA it's worth the losses as a marketing/promotional tool to push product to females

for my entertainment dollar there is just no place for the WNBA

I agree. The main problem is that unlike the other sports leagues, the WNBA has never paid its dues. It was basically thrust upon the public with all the high glitz and glamour of the NBA - the relatively generous national TV exposure, the same nice arenas that NBA teams play at, and other perks. But that stuff didn't just happen overnight with the NBA, yet we were supposed to suddenly accept a league that was thought up of overnight.

Even now, the TV coverage is still pretty generous. They're getting primetime spots on ESPN over the summer. Then again, ESPN also broadcasts college softball and college baseball during the slow summer nights. So I guess my point was moot regarding that, although it also gives an idea of how difficult it is to get decent programming for two 24 hour sports channels.