The WNBA is finishing its 19th season, and the question is “whether it will have the longevity to survive another 19 or whether the NBA will decide to finally divest funds from the league,” according to Gary Washburn of the BOSTON GLOBE. WNBA President Laurel Richie said, “One of the things this year that I’m really proud of is at the end of this season, 10 out of our 12 teams have marquee (sponsorship) partners, and that is a real game-changer in terms of their business model. I am really impressed -- and I know I keep saying it -- but I’m really impressed with the depth of talent in our league.” She added, “We’re going to be somewhere in the range of four to five of our teams being profitable this year. But that’s a steady process, and we keep moving forward with that.” Washburn wrote the league could “help itself greatly by moving some of its teams into smaller arenas that would create more intimate settings and better atmospheres.” The league also has to "make playing more attractive so its marquee stars” such as Mercury G Diana Taurasi “don’t consider sitting out seasons to remain fresh for their teams overseas.” That is “embarrassing for the league” (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/11).
FEVER PITCH: Last night's WNBA Finals Lynx-Fever Game 4 drew a crowd of 10,582 to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, two nights after 16,332 attended Game 3 at the building (THE DAILY). ESPNW’s Melissa Isaacson profiled Fever President & GM Kelly Krauskopf, writing that her leadership “boasts a sustained level of excellence few other teams in the league can match.” Since ‘05, the Fever have reached the playoffs a league-record 11 straight seasons, including five consecutive Eastern Conference finals appearances and eight overall as well as winning the ’12 WNBA championship. From F Tamika Catchings “down through virtually every department head in the front office, it has been with the same cast of characters.” Krauskopf has “the longest tenure” of any top exec in the WNBA. It has been 16 years “since she left the league office, where she served as the first director of basketball operations.” The Fever are “among the highest in league attendance, with corporate partnership sales that have more than doubled in four years, and enjoying a relationship with the Indianapolis sports community.” Krauskopf said that relationship is “one big family.” Isaacson noted the Fever are “one of eight WNBA teams with NBA ownership groups,” but that “does not always guarantee a supportive environment.” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said, “I've seen many a team that pays lip service to it or really don't even pay attention to it” (ESPNW.com, 10/10).
