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WNBA: Five Things That Need To Be Fixed ASAP

Dr. Roto

Published

June 13, 2025

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Right now, the WNBA is a bit of a mess. Their attendance continually fluctuates, and it is trying to keep viewership and sponsorship alive. When Caitlin Clark missed time with an injury recently, the league suffered greatly. How can the WNBA make itself more sustainable? Here are five more things that the WNBA can do to fix the league:

5. Attract international players

German basketball player Dirk Nowitzki in action for Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game between the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, held at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, 30th January 1999. Also in frame in the background are American basketball player Todd Day and American basketball player Michael Finley. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The NBA did a great job of marketing by bringing in international players like Yao Ming and Dirk Nowitzki. When that happened, it opened the doors to Asia and Europe. There are many talented international female players around. Why hasn’t the WBNA pursued them more? It would help globalize the women’s game quickly.

4. Better Ownership

DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 22: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts during a timeout in the game against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

How many WNBA owners can you name? Most people can’t name any. The NBA has owners like Jim Dolan, and formerly Mark Cuban, who people knew and related to. If can only help the WNBA if ownership acted like they cared more about the league and were more visible.

3. Get the NBA more involved

Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media before game one between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA players have done a fantastic job of supporting the WNBA players but what about the NBA league office? Adam Silver needs to be more hands-on in fixing issues that are affecting the league. Or if not Adam Silver, hire a commissioner with more clout that the players will respect.

2. Hire better quality officials

Sep 22, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shows marks on her arm to the ref in the fourth quarter during game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

If you’ve watched a WNBA game recently, you will see TONS of fouls on virtually every play. Some of the plays are so violent that they literally look like assault and battery charges should be filed. The referees want to let the players play but to what extent? What happened with Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham the other night against Connecticut looked more like MMA than the WNBA.

1. Give players more star treatment

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 15: Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected first overall pick by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Both the NBA and the WNBA are star-driven. Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and others were given star treatment by the officials who made sure that the “product” was not endangered. Caitlin Clark’s presence has helped every city in the league with attendance and merchandise sales. Others like Brianna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have earned protection as well from the incessant fouling. If one of those players misses extended time with an injury it could really cost the league. Calling more touch fouls will help the star players remain as untouched as possible.

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