By the time of the All-Star Game, most WNBA teams have played 25 games. That's about 60% of the regular season, since each team plays 40 games. That ratio could change next season, as the women's league is considering an expanded 44-game season.
” We are thinking about the framework for next year. There will be no international competition like the World Cup or the Olympics next year, which will allow us to do without interruption or disruption, as is the case this year. “, displays the “commissioner” Cathy Engelbert.
A reference to the fact that the current season, on hold after this All-Star game, will not restart until August 16, after the Olympic tournament in Paris.
ESPN recalls that 44 games per team is the maximum allowed by the current collective agreement, although in the long term Cathy Engelbert is considering extending the season even further. A greater number of games is also planned for the next two seasons, with the arrival of the new franchises Golden State (2025) and Toronto (2026).
The WNBA is enjoying one of its most memorable seasons ever, with a 26-year high in attendance, new audience records, surging merchandise sales and increased fan engagement.
Matches organized abroad
” When I stood before you this time last year, I knew we were ready for great things. We were preparing for great things. But I'm really excited about what we've been able to accomplish over the past year. “, rejoices Cathy Engelbert.
This is particularly true of the two rookies who are already All-Stars, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who are contributing to the interest generated by the women's championship. I think this rookie class has gotten a lot of attention and it improves our overall game and our players. “, judges the leader.
Another sign of the league's dynamism is this agreement for more than 2 billion dollars in TV rights, which Cathy Engelbert prefers not to elaborate on, describing it all the same as a ” historic period for women's sport “, which the WNBA will be ” spearhead “.
Also, to continue globalizing the game, the WNBA is considering hosting games around the world. The official mentions Europe, Asia, Mexico City and the Middle East in particular. The league has already hosted exhibition games in Canada. It could also consider hosting competitions at neutral sites in the United States, to test growing markets.
