WNBA

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the WNBA is postponing the start of the regular season originally scheduled for May 15. The WNBA continues to scenario plan regarding new dates and will provide updates accordingly.

The league was founded on April 22, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and league play started in 1997. The regular season is played from May to September, with the All Star game being played midway through the season in July (except in Olympic years) and the WNBA Finals at the end of September until the beginning of October

This years draft was the highest rated in 16 years. Not sure if that is showing growth in the league or just the thirst for sports by the viewing audience. 

With the exception of 2015, the rating for the WNBA playoffs have been on the rise. 

The WNBA is not able to support itself. During the mid-2000s, the NBA spent more than $10 million per year to keep the WNBA financially solvent. In 2007, teams were estimated to be losing $1.5 million to $2 million a year.

The league has begun to do better financially in recent years. In December 2010, Donna Orender said that the league had its first-ever "cash flow positive" team (Connecticut Sun) for the 2010 season.In 2011, three teams were profitable, and in 2013, six of the league's 12 teams reported a profit.The league has also signed extended television contracts with ESPN and sponsorship agreements with Boost Mobile.

On June 1, 2009, the Phoenix Mercury was the first team in WNBA history to announce a marquee sponsorship. The team secured a partnership with LifeLock to brand their jerseys and warm-ups. It was the first branded jersey in WNBA history. Following the expiration of the LifeLock deal, the Mercury secured a new uniform sponsorship deal with Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort on February 3, 2014. 

All teams now have sponsorship on the uniforms. 

I personally enjoy the WNBA. I hope it returns and that this pandemic does not cause the league to fold. The players play for love of the game, not to make the highlights on Sports Center. Yes, some of these athletes play in other country's in the off season, where they make a lot more money then here in the US. The sport is more popular overseas and therefore the higher pay.   

-Andy