By The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is on the cusp of tipping off its highly anticipated 28th season, with an electrifying lineup of games slated for Tuesday night. As the league continues to experience unprecedented growth and attract a burgeoning fanbase, all eyes are on the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, the star-studded New York Liberty, and the debut of college basketball phenom Caitlin Clark.
A Night of Riveting Matchups
The 2024 WNBA season will commence with a quartet of must-watch games on Tuesday night:
1. The New York Liberty vs. the Washington Mystics
2. The Indiana Fever vs. the Connecticut Sun
3. The Phoenix Mercury vs. the Las Vegas Aces
4. The Minnesota Lynx vs. the Seattle Storm
The New York Liberty, bolstered by the addition of 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart, who joined the team in free agency after a seven-year stint with the Storm, are poised to make a statement against the Washington Mystics. Stewart, alongside a formidable core consisting of Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Betnijah Laney, and Courtney Vandersloot, has the Liberty primed to avenge their heartbreaking defeat to the Aces in the 2023 WNBA Finals and make another deep playoff run.
Caitlin Clark: A Star is Born
All eyes will be on the Indiana Fever as they unveil rookie sensation Caitlin Clark against the Connecticut Sun at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The anticipation surrounding Clark’s debut has reached a fever pitch, with tickets selling out for the first time in over 20 years. The NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, who was selected with the top pick in the 2024 draft, carries the weight of high expectations on her shoulders as she embarks on her professional career.
The Aces’ Dynasty: Can Anyone Dethrone the Champions?
Despite the retirement of basketball icon Candace Parker, the Las Vegas Aces remain the odds-on favorites to capture their third consecutive championship. The Aces boast a star-studded roster featuring two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, sharpshooter Kelsey Plum, versatile wing Jackie Young, and clutch performer Chelsea Gray. The team’s resilience was on full display in the 2023 WNBA Finals, where they emerged victorious against the Liberty in a thrilling Game 4, even with multiple starters sidelined.
Navigating Absences and Welcoming New Faces
The Phoenix Mercury will have to navigate the absence of star center Brittney Griner, who suffered a fractured toe on her left foot. Griner’s return to the court was highly anticipated after she missed the entire 2022 season due to her prolonged detainment in a Russian prison on drug charges.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, ranked third in CBS Sports’ power rankings behind the Aces and Liberty, have turned the page on the Breanna Stewart era. The team made waves in free agency, acquiring forward Nneka Ogwumike and guard Skylar Diggins-Smith to complement the league’s leading scorer, Jewell Lloyd.
Expansion on the Horizon and Improved Player Conditions
As the WNBA continues to expand its footprint, the league is poised for growth not seen since 2008. The Golden State Warriors were awarded a new franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, set to make their debut in 2025. Moreover, reports indicate that Toronto is next in line to receive an expansion team in 2026.
In a significant step towards improving player conditions, the WNBA has partnered with Delta Air Lines to provide charter flights for its athletes, addressing long-standing concerns about player travel and well-being.
The Intersection of Sports and Fashion
The WNBA’s rising profile has not gone unnoticed by the fashion industry, with top brands clamoring to partner with the league’s stars. Caitlin Clark reportedly inked a staggering $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, while A’ja Wilson is set to become the first Black woman to headline a signature shoe with the company since Sheryl Swoopes in 2002.
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, SKIMS, also made waves by unveiling an underwear campaign featuring WNBA standouts Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Dijonai Carrington, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins-Smith. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the company’s first partnership with female athletes.
As the WNBA continues to shatter glass ceilings and attract top talent from around the globe, the 2024 season is shaping up to be a watershed moment for the league. With expanded opportunities for players, lucrative sponsorship deals, and a rapidly growing fanbase, the WNBA is poised to reach new heights and cement its place as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional sports.
CBS News
