This just concluded season for the WNBA probably signifies its most relevant season in perhaps its entire history. The level of attention and enthusiasm about the league increased by a mile while we saw the depths of talent that reside in the WNBA. It is a rare but odd feeling when something you've long awaited finally comes and lives up to expectation.
The WNBA has rarely captured the news, not to talk about the hearts and minds of millions of basketball followers round the World. That is before this year. Given, the sudden interest was no accident, as it definitely had a powerful catalyst in the form of a Rookie. Caitlin Clark, the number one draft pick this past season, took the massive audience that followed her through her college career to the league and brought more eyes on a sport that needed attention.
Admittedly, many came for Caitlin, and didn't watch anything else. After her season was over and the Fever got eliminated, viewership did decline. Yet there are some who ventured out into the WNBA universe and were pleasantly surprised with the quality and competitiveness on display. I'll say this, the biggest draw for the girls isn't their skillset, but their hearts. The finals was definitely a showcase of the hearts and fighting spirit within them.
I certainly hope this season will be be built on. I won't mind if the WNBA actually generates genuine excitement in the coming years. It will be one of the biggest wins for a sport that has faced years of mockery.