What We’re Leaving Behind in the 2025 WNBA Season

The WNBA is one of the fastest-growing sports in terms of popularity.

There have been a lot of growing pains. The amount of growth the league has seen since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese joined has brought a lot of good, but also a lot of different floating ideas around the sport.

New fans have complained about veteran fans and several different topics.

Veteran fans have complained about new fans and several different topics.

Players and coaches have complained about refs, but what’s new?

And then there are people who complain about everyone.

Nevertheless, the upcoming WNBA season is fast approaching. With the new season comes the promise of new storylines, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments. Before those new storylines come into play, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what should be left behind from last season.

There was unnecessary off-court drama.

Here’s what we’re hoping stays in the past as we move forward.

THE NOISE THAT DOESN’T BELONG

The comments on social media.

The discourse during media sessions.

The discussions that were occurring on television. Whether it be the WNBA commissioner talking about how racism is bringing people together, or how fans were jealous that one player got a huge spotlight. Additionally, the fact that people were upset about in-game basketball plays.

DiJonai Carrington received death threats! Aliyah Boston got bullied. Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner both received hate online. These are just a handful of the countless examples.

Let’s be honest. Last WNBA season had a lot of conversations that had nothing to do with basketball.

Whether it was debates about racism, homophobia, intentional fouls, fanbase rivalries, or the constant scrutiny of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the noise often overshadowed the beautiful game itself.

Next year’s dream should be to refocus on the game of basketball.

It’s difficult because, at times, these storylines seem to drive the game’s popularity, but at what cost? The players’ mental health and well-being. Athletes shut down their social media accounts left and right. Coaches were firing back at players and fans in media sessions. Fans would bicker online about the most marginal topics.

It’s time to refocus. The WNBA is home to some of the most talented athletes in the world, and their performances deserve to be the center of attention. The game should be celebrated for what it is: a showcase of skill, passion, and excellence.

OFFICIATING WOES

If there’s one topic that everyone can agree with—players, coaches, fans, media—it’s that the refs in the WNBA need to do a better job.

The officiating has got to get better. The season was plagued with inconsistent calls, questionable fouls, and a general lack of clarity.

Can we also talk about the inconsistency when it comes to flagrant fouls? Some athletes are not allowed to show an ounce of emotion. Meanwhile, others are held to such a standard that leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

The truth is, officiating can make or break a game, especially in crucial game time.

For a league that wants to continue growing in popularity and visibility, the officiating has to change. It is paramount that ensuring fair and consistent calls is a priority across the board for all players.

Let’s hope the 2024 season brings improvements in the officiating space. This way, everyone can keep their focus on the players and their incredible performances.

THE EYE TEST VS. ANALYTICS DEBATE

The eye test or analytics?

This age-old debate is like the chicken or the egg.

When done appropriately, the eye test vs. analytics argument is still one of the most interesting conversations. The problem is, most people who use the eye test aren’t subjective. Those who use analytics don’t use enough context.

Here’s to hoping that changes.

Last season revolved around the balance between the “eye test” and analytics. Some people genuinely believe that the eye test is the ultimate measure of a player’s impact. However, others believe that analytics provide a more objective perspective.

The best way of analyzing a player is to use both. Due to the fact that the eye test is subjective, it needs to be validated by metrics. Any argument that cannot be supported by statistics is not an argument.

The debate isn’t going away anytime soon.

Nevertheless, people need to arrive at a middle ground. Both the eye test and analytics have their place in evaluating players and teams.

Let’s leave behind the either/or mentality and embrace a more nuanced approach to understanding the game.

MISPRONOUNCED NAMES AND LACK OF PREPARATION

It’s 2024, and there’s no excuse for media members mispronouncing players’ names.

The league was plagued with a lot of mispronunciations last season.

The best player in the league, A’ja Wilson, was called “Asia, or Ah’Ja.” Meanwhile, Azurá Stevens was referred to as “Ah-zoo-ra.” These are just the beginning. These mistakes are a disservice to the players and the league.

A lot of these players are veterans. This makes the mispronunciation that much more egregious.

This season, we need to hold media members around the league more accountable. It should be expected that people are doing their homework.

These athletes deserve respect, and that starts with getting their names right.

WHAT WE’RE TAKING WITH US

While there’s plenty we’d like to leave behind, there is still a lot more to love about the WNBA than not.

The growth of the game is going to look great next season because of the young stars like Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese.

Additionally, being able to watch the continued dominance of veterans like A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart will only further push the league forward. Additionally, the league’s increasing visibility is worth celebrating.

As we look ahead to the new season, let’s focus on what truly matters: the game, the players, and the stories that make the WNBA so special.

Here’s to leaving the distractions behind and embracing the future of women’s basketball.