Before this season, I have never watched a WNBA televised game. I began, last year, watching women’s basketball, but only if Iowa was playing. This year is different, with me watching every televised WNBA game, with a season pass, as long as my favorite team is playing. Before I tell you why, a little history is in order.
Women have always been the center of my life. A “well turned ankle” turns my head, and will up until they close the box. I was raised with three sisters, and each of them were achievers, possessing drive and ambition. I am married to a lady, another achiever, that is a perfect combination of intelligence, fire and ice. My primary flight instructor, one Ms Jeanne’ Willerth, commanded my attention on the ground and in the air. She is in my view a “Super Pilot” a distinction that belongs to just one other pilot. As I rose through the ranks of the Patrol, and again in the Gaming business, I was supported by four administrative assistants, who could have easily traded desks with me, and whose counsel I often sought.
A few factoids will help the reader to know where I am going. Attendance at WNBA games is up 156%, filling arenas at 94% capacity. Last year, TV viewership stood at an average of 462,000. Today it is at 1.32 Million, representing a 211% increase. WNBA merchandise sales are up a staggering 756%, HALFWAY through the season. Finally WNBA social channels are seeing an increase of 380% participation over last year. I can’t think of any business that would not drool over such statistics today.
What is different this year? Caitlan Clark is on the hardwood. She is an incomparable blend of speed, grace and brains who also happens to be a ball handler on the level of a wizard. She always gives credit to her team mates and has a passing ability that says “never drop your guard” when on offense. She is that good. She makes me smile, broadly. This round baller, from Iowa, is the epitome of a country girl that is at the top of her game, in her rookie year. If you have not caught a WNBA game, dial up an evening when the Indiana Fever is on the court. You’ll thank me later. Finally, she is graceful and gorgeous off the court, always groomed and in great outfits, accentuating her feminine features. What is not to like?
To all of the women in my life, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have made room for one more of you, albeit from a distance. She is in a special class, right along side of my gastroenterologist and interventional cardiologist in Cleveland, and Miss Sharon.
Have a great week!
SR
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