The NWSL pays players a lot less than the WNBA, so running a franchise probably costs a lot less. Women's soccer, for whatever reason, seems to be the hot new sport. My impression is that far more girls play soccer (both of my daughters did) than basketball, so there is a greater potential fan base out there.
The NWSL pays players a lot less than the WNBA, so running a franchise probably costs a lot less. Women's soccer, for whatever reason, seems to be the hot new sport. My impression is that far more girls play soccer (both of my daughters did) than basketball, so there is a greater potential fan base out there.
yeah, the pay of NWSL players is nearly half of WNBA players. But women's soccer is clearly more popular and the NWSL keeps building steam. Their ratings for their weekly CBS broadcast were higher than any WNBA regular season game. The NWSL also gets a boost from the Women's World Cup, something the WNBA never gets.
It is interesting how the NWSL is gaining attention. I'm guessing, though, the cost of running a team is much less (arena rentals, etc.) so an MLS franchise might not have to lose much money to support one. And the cross-marketing may be more effective too, as the cost of NBA tickets is a barrier to a lot of WNBA fans (and others).
It is a little ironic that the WNBA seems to get nothing from Team USA winning Olympics and World Championships time after time, while the NWSL seems to gain momentum from the Team USA winning the World CUP. Part of it may be that the exposure from the World Cup may be much better than from the Olympics where there are a lot of other sports on display. Part is the perhaps fans taking it for granted that the US should win basketball gold medals, while in soccer the Cup seems to be up for grabs every time.
That seems quite possible and that has certainly be argued in other places. I think the greater "grass roots" participation in soccer probably is part of the appeal of women's soccer, plus the lack of success of the US Men in World Cup probably helps as well.
I was hoping by the 25th anniversary we'd expand by now, but that clearly didn't happen. Hopefully by the league's 30th anniversary it happens. Too much talent getting cut.
Last Edit: Feb 15, 2021 18:38:19 GMT -5 by toad455
My guess is they are more worried about a team (or teams) folding than missing out on the opportunity to expand. They probably wouldn't mind keeping a few prospective owners waiting in the wings in case a team needs a new owner before it folds.
Lebron clearly stirred up interest. Seeing certain vets no being able to sign a new contract because there's simply no space is alarming. To go along with the amount of draft picks that get wasted because teams don't have the space. League desperately needs expansion as well as roster expansion to 13 teams. 13 roster spots X 14 teams = 182 roster spots total. X 16 teams = 208 spots.
Roster size reduction may be an unintended consequence of the new CBA. Seems like a lot of teams have got themselves in cap space bind and may have to go to 11. Some may be struggling to get there unless they go with the cheapest rookie(s) they can get. So it would be nice to see some steps taken to roster expansion. Would take a CBA change.
Teams really ought to stay at 11-12 players. It’s the most optimal when it comes to balancing the money aspect of it all – particularly in this new CBA – with having enough players to make up for inevitable injuries that come up during a season. I miss the days of 13, but I understand why those days are pretty much gone forever. I'd rather have more teams than more roster spots. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
On another note, we should probably lock/move/delete the other “WNBA Expansion” thread so that things don’t get confusing for someone if they go to search for this thread in hopes of talking about a new development.
Post by libertyfan2020 on Feb 28, 2021 10:21:58 GMT -5
My fantasy 20 team league/alignment:
EAST: Connecticut, New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Atlanta CENTRAL: Indiana, Cleveland, Louisville, Toronto, Tennessee MIDWEST: Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix PACIFIC: Los Angeles, Bay Area, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas
Hell, I would take 13 teams right about now. Actually, I'd take it next year, in 2022, especially if enough seniors this season decide to return for another year and we see a crap ton of quality college players be available for the 2022 Draft...
Last Edit: Feb 28, 2021 13:19:13 GMT -5 by Deleted
Big if true! Cloud is from Pennsylvania, so I would tend to believe that this is legit. And as much as I'd love to hear more, I'm guessing this (again, if true) will be kept completely under wraps until a formal announcement is ready to be made.
I wonder what kind of prospective owners are out there for a Philly team. Whether or not they'd be affiliated with the Sixers is another question.
Anyone got any good potential names for the team off the top of their head?