When the Golden State Valkyries waived Kaitlin Chen, the WNBA franchise received major backlash from both fans and experts. The UConn guard was seen as a perfect fit for the expansion team and performed well in the preseason.
Julie Vanloo also experienced a similar unexpected exit from the side.Why is this relevant now? The league has announced three new franchises, bringing its total team count to 18. Though more spots will be available for players, the roster spots will remain at 12 per franchise (as there is no advancement in this area). There will be a cutoff, just like Chen and Vanloo, in the future.
Even though the stars are back in the league and doing well as expected, young, talented players will constantly fear losing their spot without any warning. The current talent pool and upcoming collegiate stars will build up a massive number of such ‘undrafted’ players.
However, the league can look up to its male counterpart, the NBA, which dealt with a similar situation in the past and has a solution that has proved even more beneficial.
Nurturing Young Talent For The Future Is Key To Longevity For WNBA
The WNBA waited nearly 25 years to experience the current wave of sponsorship, fan following, and high-value media rights. Now, instead of making decisions in haste, it should look for the long run, at least a century. Key to the long run would be new players and talent coming in.
There is no denying that current rookies are taking the W to new highs. And with that, the league is ready to expand its wings into new markets. So, if this league is really growing on the backs of its young stars, why not let more in? Maybe an age relaxation rule comes into play.
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But there is a risk. The risk is the time to develop the raw talent these college and teenage stars might bring in. And here’s where the NBA model will help out the league. WNBA can provide a space for talented and deserving young players to train and polish their talents. it would be a great opportunity to start as a ‘semi-pro’ before moving to the WNBA. The players will be paid for their efforts, keeping them also involved in the Collab league.
Use Of The G-League For The WNBA
A WNBA G League, or a similar developmental league, would benefit the WNBA by providing a structured pathway for player development. It would also serve as a bridge between college and the WNBA for players, offering a familiar environment for growth and maintaining player visibility.
For franchises, the parallel or affiliate team would be a huge benefit. The league could utilize the developmental league for call-ups in case of injuries or roster needs, providing a ready talent pool. A developmental league would keep players in the public eye, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors.
While players and teams will get a boost from the extra league, it will be equally beneficial for coaches and referees. Coaches with a new era, new tactics, and game plans would make the league even more competitive. Officials are currently targeted by many (including players, coaches, and fans), who will also have more ‘officiating time.’
These are the direct impacts of the G League on the WNBA. The league might also use it for various commercial purposes and decision-making. The league could pilot new markets by placing developmental teams in potential new markets. A developmental league could increase overall fan engagement and interest in women’s basketball, especially if integrated with WNBA marketing efforts.
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