WNBA: A Telling Season
Written by Daniel Turner, Thursday June 04 2009
When the Phoenix Mercury kicks off their 2009 WNBA season they will be sporting some new duds. Taking advantage of a ruling by the league Phoenix will have the name of the identity theft specialist LifeLock across the front of their jerseys and their shoot around shirts. To help their teams make ends meet the WNBA has given the OK to the placement of brand names on their uniforms.
While it is common in many other nations, outside of soccer and motor sports we aren’t truly accustomed to seeing teams sport the name of sponsors. However, for a league that is tightening the belt to the point of starvation it is one more attempt to make ends meet. The branding agreement runs through the 2011 season and the WNBA is probably hoping that everyone is still around to see if the contract will be renewed.
While these are troubling times for most, the WNBA took a big hit at the end of last season. A flagship franchise and former league dynasty closed its doors when the Houston Comets were disbanded. The slow, steady progress the league was making was derailed mightily by the loss of the Comets. Along with a record setting franchise, they hold four consecutive WNBA titles, the league lost roster spots, a venue and a major market. This has led to some reconfiguration that could have disastrous effects.
In an effort to save payroll the league has cut roster size from 13 to 11 players. This puts highly paid veterans in danger since teams may consult a calendar when determining an aging player’s worth. However, it can also cause high round draft choices to go unsigned. If the newbie is asking for too much money teams can hold firm knowing that competitors also lack the wiggle room needed to dispense big paychecks.
Most of the big names in the draft have secured a spot, but it could have a bigger effect next season. Last season’s bumper crop, combined with this season’s draft picks will be gaining experience and still under current contract. That could make a rookie wanting to crack a lineup the odd player out. International leagues could profit from the talent pool unable to get signed to a WNBA team.
To further save money the exhibition schedule was slashed to two games. Coming back from the off season it’s tough to sync up current team mates in two warm ups. Imagine having to try to teach rookies a system in that period of time. If nothing else the lack of floor time should make everyone even coming into the regular season which opens this weekend.
The WNBA is tightlipped, but there is no question that there is a high level of concern as they enter what could be their most contentious season. Reduced rosters mean that injuries could wreck havoc with the season. A marquee player could be difficult to replace both on the floor and in the seats. Gate receipts will weigh heavily this season and light rosters could affect the level of play. Having lost a major franchise the WNBA enters a season of discontent hopeful that it is the last loss they must endure.
Tags:
Leave a comment
Not So Fast! To publish your comment, you have to login
Not Registered? Register now as it only take 20 seconds!
Click here to browse
2 comments
Please sign in to rate!
I live in the Cleveland area and saw the loss of the Cleveland Rockers several yeras back. I thought it was a shame then because people in the area had seemingly taken to the team.
Please sign in to rate!
Lifelock?... if i were Phoenix i would ask for a immediate cash payment...that company seems that will fold anytime soon.