WNBA:Half empty or half full?
As the 13 year-old WNBA kicks off this weekend, many supporters and critics are taking close notice of the various factors that define success for this professional women’s basketball league. Will this league survive the recession and find significant profitability to exist five years from now? The WNBA is the premier women’s professional sport in America and based on its historical attendance numbers there is supporting evidence to the notion that our society may still not be ready to accept women competing in sport. Why else would men and women not find enjoyment in watching tremendous athletes play America’s favorite pastime (sorry baseball fans — reality bites)? Or maybe we do appreciate Naismith’s game being played at its most fundamental level, without the commercialism, air-time above the rim and showboating of the male professional counterpart, but are just not willing to pay for the experience?
Critics need only point to the numerous cost-cutting measures implemented by the league itself to argue that the curtain is closing on the WNBA. The original business model of league ownership has now evolved into individual ownership in certain cities. Anybody want a pro team on their balance sheet? Also, the rosters have been reduced from 13 to 11,an assistant coach position has been eliminated from the staff and the once popular and championship Houston franchise folded. Top players move from franchise to franchise each year and it is difficult for fans to keep up with the transactions. How does a Tina Thompson end up playing with archrival Lisa Leslie in L.A.? Lindsay Harding and Alana Beard in the same backcourt in Washington? Unique sponsorships have emerged such as Phoenix and L.A.’s contracts with corporations desiring their logos on the front of jerseys. That’s just not your typical sponsorship negotiation for professional basketball. The cup is half empty.
Supporters would ask one to consider the popularity of the game at all levels. Girls are practicing year-round and we now see a similar challenge faced by boys concerning loyalty: should one commit the development and guidance to the high school or the AAU club coach? Attendance and website tracking numbers are up. The WNBA identifies the family as one of the key target markets; fathers accompanied by their daughters are very visible in arenas. Stars from collegiate programs are entering the league with their own fan base and help create new WNBA fans each year. What true basketball fan (men’s or women’s) doesn’t know about Candace Parker and the numerous players that come from premier programs like UConn and Tennessee? And lastly and most importantly, the WNBA was able to secure an eight-year television broadcast contract with ESPN/ABC that will help to pay the bills. Ticket sales and broadcast sponsorships define the success of professional sports. Period. The cup is half full.
Professional women’s basketball is exciting and can be a profitable asset. The right marketing mix and presentation of the sport product require intensive research, pilot studies, implementation of new media (i.e., e-marketing) and the willingness to take risks. Founding president Val Ackerman set the stage by providing the foundation for opportunity and national exposure. President Orender must continue to seek innovative marketing and funding strategies that will unfortunately and inevitably attract naysayers. Perspective is personal. Little time should be spent on those who lack the vision to see the benefits of women’s professional basketball in American society. Embrace those “who get it” and raise that half full cup in celebration!
Obama’s First 100 Days and Race
When considering the scorecard for Pres. Obama and race in his first 100 days in office, I am immediately reminded of the adage “Think Globally. Act Locally.” Our first Black president took over the steering wheel of a car with four flat tires that was not approaching a cliff, but was already in the air having begun its whirlwind descent to massive destruction. No, wait! It’s time for divine intervention — insert Superbrotha Man for rescue! Get real folks!
Although the list can be expanded and deconstructed, I have identified the two major issues to assist the Black community in this perilous time: Economics and Education. At this time, Pres. Obama does not need to specifically address race in terms of his immediate goals or policies because the entire nation is suffering. When people are drowning it doesn’t matter who is in 25 feet versus 50 feet of water. Just throw the life line! Remember, we are spiraling downward very fast; he has had to respond to Iraq and Afghanistan policies (e.g., exit timeline changed to 19 months and 30,000 troops redirected) and the financial markets implosion (e.g., $787B stimulus package and the rescue of major automakers). Yes, many Blacks are still in dire straits such as our likelihood of losing homes to foreclosure, twice as likely to be unemployed, and three times as likely to live in poverty. However, the emotional kick we all received with his election should not cloud our thinking to the extent that we could ever believe that with the touch of a magic wand all conditions would improve. And I would argue that the trending situation could not even be changed within a year.
The election of Pres. Obama provided the platform for us to believe in ourselves and our community again. We can look with optimism at our potential and ability to achieve anything. Let’s use that collective energy to effect change in our own communities. To become engaged in our local schools to offer solutions, volunteer, and “inspect what we expect.” If we all read more books and turned off the television, our young people just might be exposed to people and places that would motivate them to achieve and dream again. We can also become more service-minded and help those less fortunate who can’t read their financial reports or their electric bill. It’s time for more proactive economic workshops at our churches and community centers. Once again, it’s time for us to stop looking over yonder but rather celebrate and position our own power. Onward!
