WNBA Finals

[Dillon77]

As an aside, I'm not sure when the broadcasting rights agreement is up next but I would sure like to see some competition for ESPN. The fact that the Mercury had to play a Game 5 against the Aces on Friday night, fly home commercial on Saturday and then play Game 1 of the Finals at noon on Sunday was just terrible. That would never happen in the NBA. After all these years, the WNBA is still so beholding to ESPN and that has to change.

First off, congratulations to the Sky and longtime fans -- @Orangutan, for sure -- for the victory. Well done by players and coaches (Copper and 'sloot were relentless.)

@UConnCat's comment sticks with me, as does Phoenix's lack of depth, when I think back on Phoenix's 4th quarter collapse (the Sky's comeback if you will). Specifically, the three missed lay-ups by (in order) Brianna Turner, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Diana Taurasi. At the time, Chicago had cut it down to a five-point lead and Phoenix could've gone back and forth by hitting those lay-ups. They didn't: Bam, Parker's three ties the game.

I'm an older guy who still plays in a Sunday morning round-robin. Three full-court games are good. Fourth...depends how much running went on. One thing we all agree on: your legs go first and when your legs go, you miss layups and/or gimmes; whether you're an over-the-hill guy like me or, apparently, top-of-the line players.

I think fatigue had a lot to do with Phoenix, with it's pared down and injury-affected roster. The shortened time frame and travel didn't help any. Plus, Chicago had a lot of weapons and used them. Phoenix couldn't overcome all of it.

 

[Plebe]

 

[UConnCat]

If they were to ditch ESPN, where do you suggest they go?

I didn’t necessarily suggest the WNBA ditch ESPN. What I’m hoping for is that the growing ratings for the WNBA will cause some other broadcast network to offer up a competitive bid for the broadcast rights. Competition provides leverage, and leverage in negotiations provides the opportunity to ask for better conditions, e.g., something as simple as an extra day or 2 between the semis and the finals. Or how ‘bout at least 48 hours? The NBA finalists had at least 2 full days off before the finals without having to fly commercial.

Also, the ABC/ESPN family chose not to broadcast yesterday’s game on ABC so that it could instead show a documentary on the 1986 Mets.

It’s doubtful that any other broadcast network will outbid ESPN for a number of regular season games and the playoffs. I also get that there is a downside to taking a contract away from ESPN. Ask the NHL about the consequences of doing that.

I’m just dreaming of a day when ESPN doesn’t have so much control over women’s basketball.

 

[Rooster C.]

Breaking: the WNBA has fined a Chicago Sky locker room door for making contact with Diana Taurasi.

 

[Plebe]

This article contains quotes from Diana, Skylar and BG.

Diana Taurasi says 'magic slipped away' from Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Finals loss

Diana Taurasi said the "magic slipped away" from the Phoenix Mercury in addressing their loss to the Sky in the WNBA Finals.

www.espn.com

"I'm just as proud to be on this team as on those championship teams," she [Taurasi] said. "I've never seen a team really fight this hard ever. And I've been obviously on a lot of good teams. I've been on some OK teams, but this team had a grit that just was incredible. I really enjoyed it."