The WNBA’s True Impact

There has been a lot of conversation lately revolving around whether or not the WNBA is worth the investment. The league itself is struggling to remain financially viable for the NBA and teams are constantly folding year over year. Another city pops up, willing to take a chance and form an expansion team. Why? If there’s no money to be made, what’s the point?

The truth is that the WNBA’s impact is far more than financial. I read an article on ESPN about how President Obama’s daughters love watching women’s basketball.  One particular quote stood out the most: “Sasha and Malia, have never known a time when women did not play professional basketball in the United States.”

I sometimes forget that young girls (11 years or younger) do not know any different. Professional women’s basketball is the norm for them. They expect to see it. They can watch it on television and daydream of one day playing in the WNBA. What an impact that must have on their self-esteem and confidence?

When I was growing up, I didn’t have that. I marveled at Michael Jordan just like everyone else, even though I knew I could never “be like Mike.” Now, young girls can marvel at Candace Parker and know that they too have the chance to dunk a basketball, play professionally, and be in television commercials.

The WNBA may not be a cash cow, but they offer so much more. They offer young girls a chance to dream big. And you can’t put a price tag on that.

Young kids today can dream about playing in front of a large crowd on the WNBA stage.

Image: Zuma Press