Tag: WNBA

Beyond the Ratings: How the WNBA Is Building a Bigger Business Around Women’s Basketball

Brandon King

By Brandon King | Sneaker Shop Talk The WNBA is no longer simply trying to convince sports fans to watch women’s basketball. The league is increasingly competing for their attention, loyalty and spending power. The conclusion of the 2026 WNBA Finals offered another powerful example. Game 7 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream averaged 3.3 million viewers across USA Network, CNBC and Peacock. The matchup became the most-watched playoff game in WNBA history and the fourth-most-watched game overall. Even more impressive, the audience was 128% larger than the…

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New York Liberty Part Ways With Chris DeMarco After Just One Season as Head Coach

Brandon King

image via Wikipedia The New York Liberty are making another coaching change. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, the Liberty will not retain head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season leading the franchise. The decision comes less than a year after New York hired DeMarco, a longtime Golden State Warriors assistant coach who was part of four NBA championship teams. The move makes the Liberty one of the WNBA’s biggest coaching vacancies heading into the 2027 season. A disappointing ending to the 2026 season DeMarco’s first season in New York…

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WNBA Finals Game 4 Draws 1.9 Million Viewers on NBC, Peacock

Brandon King

image via Adam Hagy | National Basketball Association | Getty Images The 2026 WNBA Finals continued to deliver strong television audiences, with Game 4 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries averaging 1.9 million viewers across NBC and Peacock on Saturday, according to the network. The audience total marked a rebound from Game 3, which averaged 1.71 million viewers on USA Network and Peacock. Game 4’s audience also came close to the series-high 2.1 million viewers who watched Game 1 on NBC and Peacock. According to figures shared by…

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Atlanta Dream Say WNBA Ignored Scheduling Concerns as Ownership Speaks Out Over Game 6

Brandon King

The Atlanta Dream are pushing back against the WNBA’s handling of the 2026 WNBA Finals schedule, saying their concerns were raised well before Game 6 was moved to a Thursday afternoon tipoff but did not receive the attention they deserved. The controversy has intensified following a public statement from the Dream’s ownership group, which expressed frustration with the decision to schedule the pivotal Finals matchup for 12:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. “Playing a midday game on a Thursday is not what we would have chosen and…

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WNBA Finals Game 6 Sells Out State Farm Arena After 10,000 Tickets Sold in 90 Minutes

Brandon King

The Atlanta Dream will have a packed house for Game 6 of the WNBA Finals after a massive response from fans in Atlanta. More than 10,000 tickets were sold in the first 90 minutes after tickets for Game 6 were released, the Dream announced. The demand quickly translated into a sellout, with Renee Montgomery confirming during the broadcast that State Farm Arena was sold out. The arena, which has a capacity of approximately 17,000, will provide the backdrop for Thursday’s 12:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Atlanta Fans Answer the Call The…

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WNBA Finals Game 6 Moved to State Farm Arena as League Resolves Scheduling Conflict

Brandon King

ATLANTA — The WNBA has reached a resolution on the venue and start time for Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, keeping the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena for Thursday’s potential championship-clinching game against the Golden State Valkyries. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m. ET at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, which seats approximately 17,000 fans. The game was originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, but the WNBA announced Monday that the start time would be moved up to accommodate the arena’s schedule. The…

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WNBA Finals Game 6 Could Be Played in 3,500-Seat Arena Amid Relocation Uncertainty

Brandon King

The WNBA Finals are guaranteed to return to Atlanta for Game 6, but the league still faces a major question: Where will the game be played? As of Sunday, October 25, Game 6 remains scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 8 p.m. ET. However, the Atlanta Dream could be forced to host the Golden State Valkyries at Gateway Center Arena, a venue with approximately 3,500 seats, unless the league and other parties reach an agreement to relocate the game. According to reporting by USA TODAY Sports, published through Yahoo Sports,…

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BREAKING: Indiana Fever Reportedly Firing GM Amber Cox Amid Major Front Office Shake-Up

Brandon King

The Indiana Fever are reportedly firing general manager Amber Cox, according to The Athletic reporter Annie Costabile, who cited multiple sources with knowledge of the decision. The reported move comes just hours after the organization announced that team president Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down, raising significant questions about the Fever’s leadership structure heading into a pivotal offseason. As of publication, the team has not publicly confirmed Cox’s reported firing. Another Major Change for the Indiana Fever Cox’s reported departure would represent another significant change for a franchise looking to take…

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Kelly Krauskopf Steps Down as Indiana Fever President, Closing Historic Chapter in WNBA Career

Brandon King

image via Athlon Sports Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down as president of the Indiana Fever, bringing an extraordinary chapter in her basketball career to a close after nearly three decades with Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E). The Fever announced the news Friday, Oct. 23, recognizing Krauskopf’s contributions to building the franchise from its inception, delivering its first WNBA championship and helping create opportunities for women throughout professional basketball. Krauskopf’s departure marks a significant moment for an organization that has experienced a remarkable transformation throughout its history, with her leadership playing…

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WNBA Announces 2026 All-Defensive Teams: Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson Headline First Team

Brandon King

The WNBA has announced its 2026 All-Defensive Teams, recognizing 10 players for their impact on the defensive end of the floor. The First Team features Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, Rhyne Howard, Shakira Austin and Gabby Williams. The Second Team includes Veronica Burton, Jordin Canada, Sonia Citron, Breanna Stewart and Kiah Stokes. 2026 WNBA All-Defensive First Team 2026 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team What This Means Earning All-Defensive honors is a major recognition of a player’s impact beyond the box score. From protecting the rim to pressuring ball handlers and limiting scoring…

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