Cheryl Reeve, one of the key figures in the WNBA, has consistently been a strong advocate for the growth of the league and women’s basketball in general. Despite facing some criticism, she remains a trailblazer in the sport.
Caitlyn Clark, the Rookie of the Year, has also had a massive impact, with her presence drawing a record-breaking 3.44 million viewers for the WNBA All-Star game, smashing the previous record of 1.44 million. This increase in attention is being seen as a sign of the league’s growing popularity, with the upcoming TV deal expected to significantly boost its visibility.
Reeve, who has coached and shaped many of the league’s stars, continues to push for improvements. The league is set to expand with two new teams over the next two years, which will further increase the WNBA’s reach. Meanwhile, Clark’s influence extends beyond just on-court performance; her Nike contract, reportedly worth $28 million, highlights the rising commercial appeal of women’s basketball. The fans love her story—an underdog who worked hard to bring her team from the bottom to competitiveness, gaining national attention along the way.
In Reeve’s words, the league is only “scratching the surface,” with more opportunities ahead to showcase the talent and passion of women’s basketball on a professional level.