Welcome to the FIRST EVER episode of ‘The 6th Woman Basketball Podcast’ where wespeak to the the stories, leagues, and players shaping women’s basketball globally. In this first ep we are spotlighting the shifting opportunities for players starting with the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues and how star athletes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are changing the game on and off the court in different ways. Our conversation reflects on these changes and explores the upcoming WNBA CBA negotiations, the success of the newest franchise the Golden State Valkyries, and the crucial role of media coverage and storytelling to growing the game. We also discuss fan engagement and how they view shifting player loyalty, and how Aussie players continue to make their mark on the international stage.

Links:

• Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/the_6thwomanbasketball/
• Thanks to our sponsor: https://www.uncloud.org/whats-uncloud/

Takeaways

• Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are redefining women’s basketball – who is the more interesting.
• The sport’s landscape is evolving rapidly post-pandemic with the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues changing dramatically where the best players will play.
• The CBA negotiations will reshape the WNBA’s structure and salaries.
• Better media coverage is essential to continue momentum thru visibility and growth.
• The Valkyries franchise represents innovation and investment in women’s sport.
• Recent WNBA coaching changes reflect a more professional, results-driven culture.
• Australian athletes continue to excel in the WNBA – as do USA players who have played in the WNBL
• The new WNBL represents a great opportunity to capitalise on momentum from WNBA growth
• Fan engagement is shifting with greater player movement as fans follow individual stars.
• Storytelling remains the key to building emotional connection and advocacy.
  
  
  

Chapters

00:00 – Introducing our co-hosts – Beza and Tony
02:46 – The Rise of Women’s Basketball – what’s driven this change
04:30 – The Impact of US College Basketball

07:00 – WNBA CBA Negotiations and the flow on effects and risks
11:30 – Caitlin Clark and Angel Reece – which one is more interesting

16:15 – Pay Us What You Owe Us

17:15 – The Valkyries and roster strategies
21:15 – Liberty and Storm Coaching Changes
26:00 – Aussie Players in the WNBA – How Little Coverage This Gets
29:11 – New WNBL Launching – What Can We Expect 35:15 – Listener Questions – Do Fans Follow Players or Teams; Favourite Players to Watch;

38:40 – The Importance of Storytelling in Women’s Basketball

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