WNBA Highlights and Lowlights

We launched just as the regular season ended, so with the first round of the WNBA playoffs already over (thanks, home team sweeps!) and round two starting on Sunday, we wanted to take the opportunity to discuss some of the recent women’s basketball highs and lows. We may make this a regular feature, though the topics will vary.

For now, here are this week’s WNBA highlights/lowlights:

Highlight: The WNBA’s record-setting season 

Liz Koetting: Some of these numbers are legit wild; the fact that League Pass subscriptions went up 366% in particular stood out to me. I’m guessing that means the price goes up next season, but I know I for one will happily pay it. 2023 was a record year for the WNBA as well, and I hope that trend continues in 2025! If there’s anything we can do to entice you into watching more women’s basketball, let us know.

Sam Gray: When Liz mentioned this as a highlight I was like sure, yes. Meh on the whole thing. But honestly the number of milestones included here is kinda wild! Not only that, the rate of growth–some numbers increasing by 200%–is incredible. Plus, the player records that have been broken this season are impressive as hell, and we know there’s more to come.

Lowlight: Fan and media bigotry/racism

LK: The uglier side of the “Caitlin Clark effect” that so many people have been talking about all season was REALLY evident in this first round of the playoffs. Granted, this is not a new situation, nor is it isolated to this series. It’s been on social media, in sports journalism, and in the stands. Which means it goes beyond people “trolling.” Trolling online is harmful enough, but when you have people actively threatening players and other fans in arena? That cannot be allowed to continue. Explicit shutdowns of that behavior needs to come from the league, the front office of the team(s), and more importantly (in my opinion) from the player who most of these “trolls” are championing.

SG: It’s disappointing when racists ruin things. It was kind of whiplash, trying to be happy for the Sun and then going on Twitter (which, let’s be honest, is never a good idea anyway) to see the first-hand reports of how uncomfortable and unsafe fans in attendance felt. The media reinforcing racist narratives–coupled with incredibly weak language from the league–doesn’t fill me with confidence. Lowlight, for sure.

Highlight: A’ja Wilson’s unanimous MVP award

LK: UNANIMOUS - I know that’s right. Actually, the 67 voters for the WNBA awards seemed to pretty closely agree on the top three for the award, which was neat to see. The bullet point list of A’ja’s accomplishments in this season alone is ridiculously impressive. 

SG: It’s a legit scroll of accomplishments. Her third MVP award and this only her seventh season. She’s also previously been Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year (twice!). And she’s been an All-WNBA Team selection four times. Did we mention this year’s award was unanimous? 

LK: OH AND earlier this season she earned the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award! Awards upon awards and all SO well deserved. A’ja Wilson, icon!

Lowlight: Chicago Sky fire coach after one season

LK: This sucks on so many levels. Handing a new coach a team in a rebuilding era (though Coach Weatherspoon rejected that term), with two high-profile rookies, and only giving her one season? Sucks.

SG: Giving a coach just one season with a team in that position seems like a waste. Angel Reese’s post about the news was so heartfelt, it’s even sadder and more confusing (to me, at least). What’s the point if they’re not going to give the group a good faith chance to be the team they want to be? Be for real.

LK: Angel specifically saying that Coach Weatherspoon was the reason she wanted to play in Chicago is heartbreaking.

Lowlight: WNBA releases belated statement about fan behavior

LK: If only the date on this was several months earlier …

SG: The more I think about this, the more insidious vibes I get. Now that the problem is “out”, we can tell everyone we didn’t approve of it and pretend we just found out about it today and not one minute before. 

LK: It honestly does feel so forced. Insincere.

Highlight: WNBPA calls out WNBA and media for supporting racist narratives

LK: The tone of this statement is actually incredible to me? And to specifically name and shame? We all could have guessed what this was about, but to be so pointed and specific is a strong show of support for their players.

SG: I like that we’re ending on a positive, which wasn’t even intentional! Naming names is iconic and I love a truly supportive PA. Also, USA TODAY Sports posted a response that is expected, but still bullshit. 

Oh, we’re supposed to end on a positive…

Tune in to Round 2 of the WNBA Playoffs, which starts on Sunday, Sept. 29:

• Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty at 3 PM ET on ABC
• Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN