I thought Indiana would relocate to SF's Chase Center, as the Pacers don't seem to care and Joe Lacob apparently wants a relocated team (not an expansion team).
I still don't understand anything about the Fever. The only thing that makes sense is they really need the dates at the arena, and they don't care how many they draw as long as they get some revenue to offset basic costs. But if you're doing that, why not maximize attendance? OK, maybe they wind up with the same or better bottom line with small crowds and minimal staff than with 6,000 people and more staff.
the man is 88 years old, so at some point in the next decade or so the Fever will likely be changing hands. (not soon enough if you ask me.) it would be really nice if he sells. however, seeing as he also owns the Pacers and apparently has ten children (🤢), it would not be surprising to see the Fever simply be handed down to the next indifferent caretaker(s). hopefully at least the Fever can escape his [family’s] clutches; the Pacers meanwhile will be fine no matter what, i imagine.
I thought Indiana would relocate to SF's Chase Center, as the Pacers don't seem to care and Joe Lacob apparently wants a relocated team (not an expansion team).
I still don't understand anything about the Fever. The only thing that makes sense is they really need the dates at the arena, and they don't care how many they draw as long as they get some revenue to offset basic costs. But if you're doing that, why not maximize attendance? OK, maybe they wind up with the same or better bottom line with small crowds and minimal staff than with 6,000 people and more staff.
A mystery ...
I am less bothered by teams that sell tickets at a reasonable price and make them available even if they market than the teams that have small homes or charge a ton and close off a large part of the arena. Although Indiana is far from the cheapest season ticket, being just a bit lower than the Sparks, who are right in the middle. Washington does not publicly release season ticket prices, but if anyone has their marketing material and can get it to me, that would appreciated. Their cheapest half season package is more expensive than the cheapest Los Angeles full season ticket. Las Vegas should be commended for their $200 season ticket, tied for the second cheapest. I hope that new ownership keeps Chicago's prices low, although $119 is quite cheap. For those wondering, Seattle's cheapest is $630 and New York checks in next at $500. These may be featured in a forthcoming article once more overseas teams put their tickets up for sale.
This is good news on attendance. Of course we don't know the percentage of freebies or heavily discounted tickets, but assuming there have been no major changes, a small but steady rise in paid attendance is an important marker. It appears that the bulk of WNBA income is from media and sponsorship, but still, in-arena attendance and the accompanying merchandise sales should make franchises more attractive to prospective owners.
The question remains, though, as to whether it's better to fill a small arena or have crowds look lost in big ones. I think we all wish there were 10,000-seat arenas in every WNBA city because that seems like the perfect size for the league.
This is good news for the WNBA. Assuming a fair number of tickets (camp day, etc.) are heavily discounted or free, the WNBA is still drawing 5,000+ paying customers every night to watch women play basketball. In 1960, who woulda thunk it?
It was a bad week for attendance. The Liberty had the sole number over 10k. Sparks remain terrible at bringing in over 6k. The Fever are now getting only 3k per game. Yes, they suck and will miss the playoffs. Wings are actually good this season and struggle to get over 4k. This week has only 12 games in total. I'm hopefully the league will finish with an average of 7k on the season. But half of the teams are really bringing down the overall attendance.
I don't know how things work around the country, but in California, schools are starting earlier and earlier. Most in the areas I know about have already begun or will start by the end of next week.
If that's true elsewhere, it could cut into attendance in the final weeks, as once kids are back in school, weeknight games probably won't draw as well.
Seems like a decent season, attendance-wise. My sense, though, is this is about it. Teams will rise and fall in attendance depending on performance, but I don't see a scenario where there's a quantum leap in paying customers per franchise.