Empowering the Future: Championing the WNBA

The NBA can typically be portrayed in a negative light when put in contrast to the WNBA. The NBA players get paid more, they generate more attention in the media, their games are better attended, the list goes on. Therefore, it is crucial that the NBA players recognize their position of privilege as males and show their support for their WNBA counterparts in order to challenge gender stereotypes and to advocate for equal representation. 

Thankfully, many of the NBA players have been and are currently taking action to advocate for their WNBA counterparts. This has taken shape in a multitude of different ways. 

NBA stars such as Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Chris Paul have all advocated for the WNBA by repping the “Orange Hoodie.”

• It was the beloved Kobe Bryant who truly kickstarted the support by wearing the orange hoodie to an NBA game with his daughter by his side.
  • Eb Jones, the former lead for content and influencer strategy for the WNBA, created the infamous orange hoodie. It was made in hopes to find an inclusive and gender neutral representation of supporting the WNBA and what the league stands for. 
  • Many followed in Bryant’s footsteps by posting on their social media platforms while wearing the orange hoodie. 

Another NBA player that consistently shows support to the WNBA is The Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving pledged $1.5 million to help cover salaries of WNBA players who had to take a season off for any kind of reason. Irving became increasingly involved during COVID when the league was not paying players who had to sit for the season for a number of reasons. 

“I have learned about the challenges and opportunities of their decisions and how it will impact their lives, family, and overall well being. He continues, “This platform was created to provide support for all WNBA players in hopes to relieve some of the financial strain imposed during these challenging times.” He shares, “Whether a person decides to fight for social justice, play basketball, focus on physical or mental health or simply connect with their families, this initiative can hopefully support their priorities and decisions.” – Kyrie Irving. 

Generating off of this support and the contributions of many in recent years, allowed for the 2023 WNBA season to be a smashing success. It broke a handful of records and is paving the way towards further successful seasons. 

This season was the most watched season in 21 years, reaching over 36 million total views. Not only did viewership skyrocket this season, but also in-person attendance. The WNBA recorded 1,587,488 attendances across the regular season, the most in 13 years. 

This season was also special in that the 2023 season was dedicated to advocating for women’s health, with an added focus on the LQBTQ+ community as a part of their mental health pillar. Each WNBA team partnered with an organization in order to show their further support. Branching off of that the WNBA is working with Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Southern Birth Justice Network to promote maternal health. It is evident that the WNBA holds engaging in the community as a core value of their service mission. 

Support for the WNBA stretches beyond the basketball court. It is a fight for gender equality, representation, and the empowerment of women. Therefore, we can all do our part to continue supporting these wonderful athletes. Choose to watch a WNBA game. If the opportunity presents itself, head to a game in-person. If you are able, pick up an Orange Hoodie. Your support matters.