A group of youthful, tall women, clothed in identical orange sweatshirts, convened at the Empire State Building. Their infectious laughter and camaraderie might have led passersby to mistake them for a group of friends on a trip. However, the crowd that had congregated on 34th street knew better. These ladies were the aspiring stars of the WNBA, embarking on a media tour before the draft night in Brooklyn.
The media tour saw the players, including Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, participating in the traditional lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building. Notably, these teams had faced each other in a nationally televised championship that had drawn more viewers than the men’s game. This proved the growing recognition of women’s basketball and the ascendancy of its players.
The rising popularity of women’s basketball was evident in midtown Manhattan. Young girls had gathered, hoping to interact with their newfound heroes. This was a testament to the growing visibility and recognition of female players, who have now become more identifiable than their male counterparts.
The media tour then took the players to the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building. They posed against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, marking their arrival in the city that never sleeps. The players, including Stanford’s Cameron Brink and LSU’s Angel Reese, seized the opportunity with selfies and group photos.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert seized the moment to share her thoughts on the growing popularity of women’s basketball. She stated that this was a transformational moment, reflecting the business transformation the league had been undergoing for the past couple of years. This transformation was backed by a capital raise of $75 million in February 2022, aimed at aiding the growth of the game and welcoming the new draft class.
The WNBA’s timing is impeccable. The NBA draft usually takes place after the end of its season, leaving the new rookies months to wait before their professional debut. On the contrary, WNBA stars will be playing competitive basketball within a month. This is a refreshing change, especially for players like Clark who are assured of early selection.
While Clark confidently describes herself as ‘one of the best players in the world,’ she admitted that the media side of the business was a bit unnerving. However, she and the other players are looking forward to May 14, the day their media gauntlet ends and their professional journey begins.
The draft night, held in Brooklyn, is expected to be a star-studded event. The prospects, including Clark and Reese, are anticipated to light up the venue just like they did the Empire State Building. The event will serve as a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the growing popularity of women’s basketball.