The Daily Baller

?? The stage is set for Paris 2024! Nations are locking in their basketball squads—will your favorite players hit the court? ???? #Olympics2024 #Basketball

?? Kevin Durant clears the air: "You can't take what I've done, but Anthony Edwards is on the rise to match it!" ?? As they team up for Team USA in Paris, KD acknowledges Ant's game respect is skyrocketing. ?? #NBA #TeamUSA ??

Did you hear? Toronto's getting a WNBA team in 2026! THREE POINTER: ?? TORONTO SET TO WELCOME WNBA TEAM Toronto is officially on the WNBA map with a new team playing at Coca-Cola Coliseum starting 2026. This move, spearheaded by Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports, marks a significant expansion for the league. ?? PORTLAND'S WNBA AMBITIONS REVIVED Portland isn't far behind in the WNBA expansion race, with two groups, including the Bhathal family and Monarch Collective, pushing to establish a team. Their efforts are fueled by significant investments and local support, including potential involvement from NBA star Damian Lillard. ?? WNBA'S EXPANSION PLANS With Toronto and Portland in the mix, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is optimistic about the league's growth, aiming for a total of 16 teams by 2028. This expansion reflects increasing interest and investment in women's sports. #WNBAExpansion #WomensSports #WNBA

Did you know WNBA ticket sales have nearly doubled this season? ?? THREE POINTER: ?? RECORD-SMASHING DRAFT PICKS Caitlin Clark leads a dynamic rookie class into the WNBA, drawing unprecedented attention with record viewership numbers. Her draft was the most-watched ever, thanks to her outstanding collegiate performance. ?? MAJOR LEAGUE MOVES Teams are shifting games to larger venues to accommodate a surge in fan interest. The Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas Aces have moved key games back to major arenas, highlighting the growing demand for women's basketball. ?? INVESTMENT IN GROWTH The WNBA is investing heavily in its future, initiating a $50 million charter flight program to enhance player travel. This move, among others, signals a new era of professional treatment and resources for women athletes. #WNBA #SportsBusiness

Did you know Dave Bing redefined career agility post-NBA? THREE POINTER: ?? FROM THE COURTS TO CITY HALL After an illustrious NBA career, Dave Bing took his leadership skills to Detroit's mayoral office, serving from 2009 to 2014. His transition from sports to politics showcases the versatility and capability of athletes beyond their sports careers. ?? A LEGACY AT SYRACUSE Bing transformed Syracuse University's basketball program from a struggling team to a powerhouse, illustrating his impact both on and off the court. His legacy continues to influence the program, proving that one person's contribution can have lasting effects. ?? OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Despite a serious childhood eye injury and initial setbacks in sports, Bing's resilience led him to become an NBA Hall of Famer and a celebrated community leader. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. #CareerTransition #Leadership

Charles Barkley Throws Down on NBA Media: Who's Really at Fault? THREE POINTER: ?? CHARLES BARKLEY DEFENDS NBA COACHES: Barkley argues that poor team performances should not be pinned on the coaches. He stands firm in his belief that the players and the executives bear more responsibility. ?? TARGETS NBA MEDIA: He accuses the media of biased reporting, favoring relationships with players over delivering honest critiques. This, according to Barkley, skews the public's perception of coaching effectiveness. ?? UNCERTAIN FUTURES: Despite Barkley’s staunch defense, the future of Lakers' coach Darvin Ham and Suns' coach Frank Vogel hangs in the balance. With the teams underperforming, changes might be on the horizon. Charles Barkley doesn't hold back in his critique of the NBA media, defending coaches and pointing fingers at where the blame truly lies. #NBA #NBAPlayoffs https://ayr.app/l/rHbU

From WNBA to CEO: Candace Parker Charts a Bold New Course Post-Retirement Candace Parker isn't just leaving the WNBA; she's gearing up to revolutionize the sports business landscape. THREE POINTER: ?? DIVERSE BUSINESS AMBITIONS After an illustrious 16-year WNBA career, Parker is setting her sights on ownership roles in both the NBA and WNBA, alongside ventures in private equity and more. Her plans don't stop at basketball—she's also eyeing roles in broadcasting, production, and even beach volleyball! ?? BROADCASTING AND BEYOND Since 2018, Parker has been a familiar face on the NBA on TNT crew, and she recently signed a multiyear extension with Turner Sports. Her transition from the court to the commentator's desk has been seamless, showcasing her versatility and commitment to staying connected to the sport. ?? WNBA EXPANSION TALKS As the WNBA looks to expand from 12 to 16 teams by 2028, Parker's potential move into team ownership could be timely. With discussions about new teams, including a possible team in Nashville near her alma mater, the University of Tennessee, Parker's involvement could bring valuable insights and leadership. Candace Parker's retirement marks not an end but an exciting new beginning. Her journey from a top athlete to a business mogul is a testament to her relentless drive and visionary approach. Stay tuned as she takes on this new chapter with the same fervor she's known for on the court. #SportsBusiness #Leadership #WNBA

Kyrie Irving recently opened up about his failures and how he stayed motivated to bounce back. He’s now back in the playoffs and performing at a high level. How do you bounce back? #motivation #failure #business #basketball #sport #inspire #leadership

Coaching is all about empowering your players! Basketball is no different to the workplace, a leader must empower their players. Believe in someone and you’ll give them all the confidence they need. #leadership #coaching #basketball #sport #nba https://lnkd.in/gvddcx2z

Women’s NCAA Final Outshines Men’s in Viewership for the First Time Ever! This surge isn't just a fluke but a sign of growing enthusiasm and investment in women's sports. With stars like Caitlin Clark and increased media attention, women's basketball is scoring big, on and off the court. As the landscape of college sports evolves, it's clear that women’s basketball is not just catching up, it's leading the way. For the first time in history, the women's NCAA basketball championship final drew more viewers than the men's. Let's dive into what's driving this shift. THREE POINTER: ?? VIEWERSHIP VICTORY: The 2024 women's final between Iowa and South Carolina attracted 18.9 million viewers, outpacing the men's 14.8 million. ?? MERCHANDISE AND MEDIA MAGIC: Merchandise sales are soaring, with Caitlin Clark's items setting new records at Fanatics, and media coverage intensifying. ?? BEYOND THE COU The WNBA sees a spike in popularity, and the influence of NIL agreements is empowering female college athletes more than ever! Share your thoughts below! #NCAA #WomensSports #basketball #NCAA #WNBA #Business