Drama and Performance Define Latest WNBA Season

During a recent appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” I was asked, “What will be the biggest storyline in the WNBA this season, and will it have anything to do with basketball?” The immediate response was clear. No. While the game itself is central, ongoing narratives often overshadow the sport.

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Criticism of Angel Reese in the WNBA Finals often leads to broader discussions on race.

I am deeply invested in the WNBA. Recently, I traveled between San Francisco and Atlanta over two weeks to cover the WNBA Finals. The game’s outcome was less significant to me compared to the off-court matters. I focused on why teams left the court before the national anthem and what insights players, coaches, and the league shared.

In July, Chiney Ogwumike from ESPN called for a shift in the media’s focus on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA during “First Take.” She emphasized the importance of showcasing the impressive basketball happening in the WNBA’s 30th year.

Basketball Highlights

Gabby Williams and Angel Reese entered Game 7 as favorites for the WNBA Finals MVP. Throughout six games, they shot a combined 34.4% from the field. For perspective, the lowest NBA Finals MVP field goal percentage was Kobe Bryant’s at 40.5% in 2010.

At halftime in Game 7, Atlanta led 30-24, with both teams shooting 31.8%. Reese and Williams together scored seven points on 3-for-8 shooting, with Reese contributing five.

Gabby Williams’ Remarkable Second Half

In the second half, Williams scored 28 points, leading Golden State to a 68-63 victory and its first championship. Her contributions included the decisive three-pointer, totaling 30 points and four blocks. Despite a 32.6% shooting average, the lowest by a WNBA Finals MVP, her performance was key. Angel Reese shot 41% during the Finals, excelling at rebounds, averaging nearly 13, which justified her presence on the floor.

On-Court Drama

Reese’s spirited taunting of Golden State after Game 3 when Atlanta was leading 2-1 fueled the rivalry. She later struggled with her performance, going 4-for-20 in the subsequent games, and criticized officiating by Game 6. Reese previously displayed similar behavior in the 2023 national championship, taunting Caitlin Clark with gestures and prompting fan discussions.

This year, a game between Clark’s Fever and Reese’s Dream drew a record WNBA audience of 2.6 million, highlighting their ongoing rivalry from college days.

Viewer Engagement

The WNBA celebrated 3.3 million viewers for Game 7, which is impressive for the league. If tuned in to cheer against Reese, viewers witnessed Gabby Williams’ championship-winning performance.

To boost viewership, avoid dictating fan interests. Focus on the compelling stories that naturally draw audiences. Dan Zaksheske, a reporter at OutKick, emphasizes this point.