Jump on this Bandwagon and Support the WNBA

As the Washington Mystics head into Game 4 of the 2019 WNBA Finals tonight for a chance to win their first-ever WNBA Championship title, and coming off the heels of the team’s most historic and record-breaking season in franchise history, I am reminded about the influence that these players have had on the game and also across all of women’s sports. 

As the founder of one of the country’s largest sports and entertainment companies, I believe it is critical to support not only the WNBA but the advancement and success of women in all sports.

There have been many strides made in the last few years for women in sports. Every year, more and more women are named to coaching and front office positions in various leagues. The WNBA named astute businesswoman Cathy Engelbert as its first commissioner (they previously only had league presidents) and the popularity and growth of the league is increasing at a steady rate. 

The detractors are still there, choosing to belittle and ignore a league and its players who are clearly having an impact. When Elena Delle Donne, this year’s Most Valuable Player, met with a Make-a-Wish recipient named Shaiana during this year’s successful All-Star game in Las Vegas, you could tell that both were moved by the interaction. There isn’t a league in the world whose world class athletes are as accessible to their fans as WNBA players.

I wish that more of their stories would be told, allowing sports fans to get to know them. To know that University of Maryland alum, D.C. native and Mystics forward Tianna Hawkins is a mom, has interned with the FBI and has an interest in technology. That Mystics guard Kristi Toliver, a Virginia native and another University of Maryland alum, joined the Wizards as an assistant coach in the NBA and became the team’s first female coach. And Mystics guard Natasha Cloud earning the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her outstanding efforts in the community. Natasha has used her voice to advocate for future generations and speak out against injustices, most recently supporting the students of Hendley Elementary School in Southeast, D.C.

I could go on and on as there are so many stories of accomplished and impressive women in the WNBA. My hope is that one day the media coverage, which increases every year, will continue to expand so that many more of their stories can be told. 

The increased coverage of the WNBA goes against the perception that women’s sports are not exciting or marketable. In addition to being broadcast on ESPN, CBS Sports and regionally on NBC Sports Washington, WNBA games are streamed on Monumental Sports Network, Twitter and Canadian broadcaster TSN. These last few weeks, it has been exciting to see the increased visibility of the Mystics in various outlets led by The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Just check out the amazing star power on the Mystics alone. Time and time again, Delle Donne has showed why she is the league’s Most Valuable Player and one of the top athletes in the world. Already one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, she had a career year that saw her become the first WNBA player to join the exclusive 50/40/90 club, where she shot 51.5% from the field, 43% from the three-point line and a league-high 97.4% from the free throw line.

Mystics center Emma Meesseman tied a career high with 30 points in her second consecutive exceptional performance during Game 2 of this year’s WNBA Semifinals. And this season, Natasha Cloud made history to become the Mystic’s all-time leader in assists helping the team clinch a spot in the 2019 WNBA Playoffs.

From a business standpoint, the metrics have been tremendous for the Mystics. We have had eight sellouts, we have increased our STM base by nearly 50% and our single-game numbers are up by over 50%. We are also committed to be a community partner in Ward 8. The Mystics playing at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast D.C. has helped create many job opportunities for the residents of Ward 8 and MSE, as an organization, is committed to spending $10 million in the neighborhood through our collective philanthropy.

Our new home here in Congress Heights is right in the heart and soul of Washington D.C. And there’s no team with more heart and soul than the Mystics.

If you want to see women’s sports succeed and thrive, providing these exceptional role models for our daughters — and sons — then we all need to come out and support. Watch Game 4 of the WNBA Finals tonight on ESPN2 as the Mystics take on the Connecticut Sun at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Better yet, buy a ticket for next season and come see our team in person. Follow the athletes on social media, share their stories and join me in not only celebrating their accomplishments but championing their stories and the need for these important platforms for women the world over.