The WNBA wrapped up their 27th season with the Las Vegas Aces repeating as back-to-back champions. The Aces defeated the New York Liberty 3-1. This past season, the WNBA expanded to a 40-game season–as opposed to having a 36-game season the year before, and 32 games the season before that. A new rule from the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement that was enforced this season (which was very controversial) dictates that those who miss the start of the regular season or the start of training camp will be suspended for the season. This rule is different because in the NBA players, who can miss the start of the season or training camp for various reasons and not be suspended for any time. Look at James Harden, who missed this season’s opener before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
After a very successful college career at the university of South Carolina, highly touted Aliyah Boston was picked number one overall by the Indiana Fever, who went 5-31 the year prior. Boston had a pretty successful first year, averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks, and who averaged 57.8% on shooting. This improves the previous season’s record for the Fever by eight wins, going 13-27.
The consistent concern for the WNBA is the lack of media coverage and exposure. Slowly but surely, I believe the WNBA is moving in the right direction. On April 20, 2023, Ion Television signed a multi-year TV partnership deal.
I asked AIC basketball player Nora Young her stance on the WNBA viewership and the exposure of the league. She said, “Truthfully, the viewership has been increasing recently. There [have] been more posts on social media about the WNBA, and the NBA players advocate so much for women basketball these days. This increases popularity and how many people notice women’s basketball. There is a possibility that they could be broadcasted on more channels for people to see because that’s what brings in more views and money.”
There were also some legends that we missed from the game this past season due to their retirement. They felt it was time to hang up their shoes and walk away from the game. Sue Bird, one of the absolute greats, walked away after losing in the 2022 playoffs against the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces. In a 20-year career, Bird won the championship four times, was a thirteen-time all-star, won All WNBA eight times, and when she retired, she was the all-time leader in assists.
Maya Moore officially retired from the WNBA, although she hasn’t played the game since the 2018 season; she took a hiatus to focus on other things. In eight years, she won a championship four times, and a finals MVP once. Along with a WNBA MVP, Moore won a rookie of the year nod. Also retiring was Kia Vaughn, Sylvia Fowles, and Briann January.
In 2023, there were five new coaches before the season, as well as two in the midseason. The Los Angeles Sparks got a new coach in Curt Miller. Indiana Fever got a new coach in Christie Sides. The Dallas Wings got a new coach in Latricia Trammell. The Connecticut Sun got a new coach in Stephanie White.
Also, the Washington Mystics got a new coach in Eric Thibault. During the middle of the season, two new coaches were hired. For the Phoenix Mercury, they hired Nikki Blue mid-season; also Emre Vatansever was hired by the Chicago Sky.
When it came for the all-star game, Team Stewart beat Team Wilson, 143-127. The four teams that didn’t make the playoffs were the Los Angeles Sparks, the Indiana Fever, the Seattle Storm, and the Phoenix Mercury. All the other teams made it to the playoffs.
Breanna Stewart was named WNBA MVP. Rookie of the year was Aliyah Boston. Finals MVP was A’ja Wilson; she was also the defensive player of the year. Most improved player was Satou Sabally. The sixth man of the year was Alysha Clark. Elizabeth Williams won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. The coach of the year was Stephanie White. Basketball executive of the year was Johnathan Kolb.
I asked Gabriel Leao about his thoughts on the past WNBA season. He said, “For whatever reason, I wasn’t too keen on the WNBA… But with the hype around women’s college basketball last season, and [it’s] pouring into the NBA with the likes of Aliyah Boston and many other young players, it actually made this season pretty exciting. I really enjoyed a lot of highlights that were on social media of the WNBA this past season, which made me follow the league more.”
To conclude the season, the Las Vegas Aces won the championship, which was back-to-back. I asked Nora Young if the Aces are starting to become a dynasty. She said, “There’s a possibility that this can be the start of a dynasty. They have the potential to win it again next year. They are very good.”
