Is the NCAA Still Effective at Developing Prospects? Plus, Sue Bird on the Rapid Ascent of Women’s Basketball. | Real Ones
Mar 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird discusses the growth of women's college basketball, player-led media platforms, and the uniqueness of Sabrina Ionescu. Hosts also debate the NCAA's impact on NBA prospects, the new era of sports gambling, and pick their Real Ones of the Week.
Social media is transforming women's basketball by elevating player popularity and creating opportunities for league growth.
The emergence of social media influencer athletes like Paige Bueckers is reshaping the landscape of women's basketball.
The WNBA can leverage players with large social media followings to enhance visibility and capitalize on expanding opportunities.
Player-led media platforms, like podcasts, are enriching the coverage of women's sports and contributing to the sport's growth.
Deep dives
Transition to the Current Renaissance in Women's Basketball
The current renaissance in women's basketball, marked by emerging stars like Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, can be traced back to societal changes and increased awareness of racism, sexism, and homophobia. The visibility of high school players like Paige Bueckers with large social media followings indicated a shift, highlighting the need for the WNBA to retain such talent and capitalize on the players' popularity.
Impact of High Social Media Following in Women's Basketball
The high social media followings of players like Paige Bueckers signal a transformative moment in women's basketball, creating a momentum that the WNBA can leverage to retain top talent and enhance the league's visibility and marketability. Recognizing the potential of players with significant followings from high school, the shift towards player empowerment in the NIL era emphasizes the importance of retaining and nurturing such talent.
The Significance of Players Like Paige Bueckers
Players like Paige Bueckers, with nearly a million followers before entering college, represent a new wave in women's basketball where individual players can amass significant online followings. This shift underscores the impact of social media on elevating players' profiles and expanding the reach of women's basketball, setting the stage for increased exposure and opportunities for budding talents.
The Role of the WNBA in Retaining Emerging Talent
As high school players like Paige Bueckers garner attention and followers online, the WNBA is positioned to capitalize on this wave of popularity and talent. Embracing the emergence of social media influencer athletes, the league can enhance its appeal and visibility, ensuring that promising players can make a seamless transition to professional basketball and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of women's basketball.
Impact of NIL on College Sports
The advent of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in college sports has created a divide between men's and women's sports, impacting sponsorships and market opportunities. Female college basketball players like Juju, Caitlyn Clark, and Angel Reese are becoming influential figures, benefiting women's basketball differently from the men's side.
Evolution of College Basketball for Male Players
For men's college basketball players, the focus on professional leagues as the ultimate financial destination affects the significance of NIL opportunities in the college game. Major transitions like players shifting to different leagues influence conference realignments and financial decisions, distinct from the women's basketball landscape.
Changing Narratives in Women's Basketball
Women's college basketball players are gaining recognition and creating unique narratives that contribute to the sport's growth. The built-in fan base, the impact of March Madness, and the rise of player-led media platforms like podcasts are enhancing the storytelling and coverage of women's sports.
Future of Women's Sports Media and Player-Led Platforms
The trajectory of women's sports media is evolving, influenced by player-led initiatives and a focus on authentic storytelling. Engagement with platforms like podcasts featuring player perspectives enhances the narrative depth and accuracy in sports coverage, contributing to the overall growth and representation of women's sports.
Logan and Raja discuss how effective the NCAA is at developing NBA prospects in comparison to the past, the positive (and negative) impacts of NIL, and differences in the international approach (3:47). Next, they talk about what is required of athletes to navigate the new era of sports gambling amid the ongoing investigation into Raptors center Jontay Porter (31:46). Along the way, the guys pick their Real Ones of the Week (46:52). Later, four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird joins the show to talk about the current state of women’s college basketball, how the game is growing through player-led media platforms, what makes Sabrina Ionescu such a special star, and much more (49:10).
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkoutringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
