WNBA draft will be virtual event this season due to pandemic

[ctdogpound]

Apologies if this was already posted.

WNBA draft will be virtual event this season due to pandemic

 

[Plebe]

This makes the most sense IMO.

It's still too early to rule out the possibility of a shortened season. And even if the 2020 season doesn't happen, there's a cohort of draft entrants who have moved on from college and need to be divvied up among the teams, even if only contractually.

I feel for the players, who (as Lauren Cox described) will miss out on the "glam" effect of congregating in New York City with their families, coaches and fellow draftees, but this even will bring some much needed buzz to an otherwise desolate landscape.

 

[militarydog]

While the circumstances are less than ideal I could see a lot more attention on it this year as it is going to be a live event that can be hyped. Great decision to go ahead with it.

 

[eebmg]

Guessing the only way to get the logistics working with the players virtually being available for comments etc is to supply the results of the draft ahead of time to all concerned and keep it under wraps. Then the virtual technology connections could be made and some semblance of give and take between the teams, draftees and analysts could be made

 

[willtalk]

Well on plus side- The absence of any live sporting events will make the draft more of a watchable event by default for any sports fan. It should even get more coverage with no moving the latter stages to ESPN News.

 

[nickp91]

Ready for the virtual draft WNBA smart with the virtual draft Great way to promote the league, and get some good viewership

 

[MilfordHusky]

In my opinion, they should delay the draft until they know what is happening to the season. Why lock college players out of the possibility of returning to college next year if there is no WNBA season whatsoever in 2020?

 

[bballnut90]

Apologies if this was already posted.

WNBA draft will be virtual event this season due to pandemic

Glad to see they're planning to go through with it. Still a ways away though. Honestly the world will likely be a completely different place in 3 weeks so we'll see if it proceeds.

 

[Bigboote]

While the circumstances are less than ideal I could see a lot more attention on it this year as it is going to be a live event that can be hyped. Great decision to go ahead with it.

Good point -- It might go from an afterthought on ESPN2 and ESPNU to a main event on ESPN.

 

[Roger G]

It may be the biggest event of the sports season. That's a flabbergaster! I love the WNBA, but I never thought this could happen in my lifetime.

 

[willtalk]

If the quarantine lasts, perhaps they can play a virtual season as well.