This past season has been incredible for the WNBA, with viewership, ticket sales, and commercial success all seeing significant increases. The league is clearly thriving. Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, is eager to capitalize on this period of growth through expansion. Three new teams have already been announced, including the Golden State Valkyries, who are set to make their debut this season. Recently, Candace Parker teamed up with Peyton Manning and Bill and Crissy Haslam to push for a WNBA team in Tennessee. However, expansion brings its own set of challenges and downsides as well.
WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu recently discussed the growing league during her appearance at the Super Bowl Radio Row. When asked about potential cities for a new franchise, Ionescu shared, “My two areas were obviously Portland and the Bay Area, because I have ties to both those places, and both are getting teams, so I’m really excited.” She added, “Obviously, Tennessee would be awesome. I can see that as well.”
“I feel like every city wants a team now, so it’s gonna be exciting to see what the future kind of holds for where the WNBA is headed.” The Liberty star said, showcasing her excitement for the league’s expansion. However, Ionescu had a word of warning for Engelbert and the W. “Try not to add too many at once, cause that’s a lot more games. But I think little by little, in the next five or ten years, we’re probably gonna see double the amount of teams in the WNBA.”
Sabrina Ionescu seemed optimistic about the future of the league, and why shouldn’t she be? The league is booming, and new stars are emerging. If the expansion is implemented correctly, the WNBA will shine brighter than ever before! Ionescu and the New York Liberty will look to defend their championship this year against the rising threat of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
New York Liberty’s quiet free-agency challenged by Fever’s youth and ambition
There have been some blockbuster acquisitions in this free-agency period. Teams like the Fever, the Sky, and the Sun have been making big moves and trading pieces. However, the reigning champions have been quiet in this off-season so far. The star-studded Liberty finally reached the promised land last year, defeating Minnesota in five games.
Not only did they win, they currently hold the seventh pick in this year’s draft! The New York Liberty did everything right last season, and it looks like they are not shaking things up. A major loss, however, was the departure of Courtney Vandersloot. The five-eight point guard took her talents back to her roots in Chicago. But the rest of the team is still intact.
Oct 20, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in overtime to win the 2024 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
There is no doubt that Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones look to repeat this year, but a new challenger is standing in their way. Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever has been making big moves in this free-agency, signing Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and DeWanna Bonner. They have added veteran experience to their young core of CC and Aliyah Boston, which will surely boost their chances of success.
It will be interesting to see whether the Liberty can fend off the rising threat that is Indiana. With stars being moved around and teams being added, the league is getting more and more interesting by the minute! What do you think? Can Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty win a second chip this year? Will the WNBA expansion work out as expected? Only time will tell.
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