Morning Brew Daily How WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is Seizing Soaring Momentum
Jul 5, 2024
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner and former Deloitte CEO, shares insights on the WNBA's growth and how it's leveraging increasing viewership. She discusses enhancing player compensation through strategic sponsorships and media rights. Engelbert highlights the star power of rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which has boosted media attention. Additionally, she reflects on challenges in marketing women's sports and her thoughts on corporate jargon in the sports industry.
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WNBA Growth Strategy
- The WNBA wants to emulate college basketball's success by focusing on three key elements.
- These elements include creating household names, fostering rivalries, and ensuring games have significant consequences.
WNBA Rivalry Success
- A recent Fever vs. Chicago game drew over 3 million viewers, surpassing regular season NHL and MLS games.
- This demonstrates the power of rivalries and targeted marketing in attracting viewership.
Addressing Low WNBA Pay
- Low WNBA salaries force players to seek supplemental income overseas during the offseason.
- The league aims to increase player pay through sponsorships, media deals, and marketing agreements.