Photo: Instagram/WNBA
The action-packed WNBA season starts on May 19. Last year's season was the best yet, and it's clear that people are recognizing the incredible talents of these women athletes. This year, the WNBA is adding more games and expanding to new locations, making it even more exciting.
As a proud Las Vegas Aces fan, I can't contain my excitement for this season. With the addition of basketball legend Candace Parker and the support of celebrities like Tom Brady, the Aces are looking to continue their winning streak after clinching their first championship last year.
But the Aces aren't the only team to watch out for. With two powerhouses in the East and West, the WNBA seems to be in an era of building super teams. In the East, the New York Liberty has built a super team, adding MVP Breanna Stewart to their roster.
Now, let's talk about the Commissioners Cup, an exciting in-season tournament introduced by the WNBA. This tournament offers teams a chance to compete for a trophy and a significant payday, with a prize pool of $500,000. It's similar to European soccer, which has similar in-season tournaments and competitions. The Commissioner's Cup adds an extra element of excitement to the WNBA season and allows teams to earn a little extra cash.
Speaking of earnings, it's important to note that many WNBA players play overseas during the off-season to supplement their salaries. While the WNBA salaries may not be on par with men's professional sports yet, the growing popularity of the league and increased exposure through TV coverage and investments from celebrities like Tom Brady are positive signs for the future.
The WNBA is taking steps to improve player experiences too. While most teams have flown commercial in the past and still will, the league is adopting some changes this year. They're introducing charter flights for the WNBA Finals, Commissioner's Cup games, and select games (like back-to-back games) during the season, reducing the challenges of air travel and allowing players to arrive at games in better condition.
Grab your jerseys, and tune into our WNBA Season podcast before turning on the TV to witness the incredible athleticism and fierce competition the WNBA offers.
