WNBA CHANGES PRESEASON SCHEDULE AFTER ANGEL REESE OVERSIGHT SPARKED OUTRAGE

The WNBA has revised its preseason schedule after receiving a backlash for not airing the Chicago Sky's first preseason game, which showcased highly anticipated rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. It will now show the Sky's second preseason contest after initially intending to keep it off air.

On Friday, the Minnesota Lynx secured a hard-fought 92-81 victory over the Sky - but nobody could watch via standard broadcast. Performances from Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier, who each contributed 17 points, propelled Minnesota to win. A former Lynx player, Lindsay Allen, led the Sky's efforts with 17 points.

Reese added 13 points, and Cardoso scored six for the Sky. But the decision not to broadcast Chicago's preseason game stirred frustration among fans, particularly due to the absence of coverage for Reese and Cardoso's debut. Many people questioned why the WNBA opted against airing the game, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the two former NCAA champions. Meawnhile, No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark's preseason game with the Indiana Fever was prioritized over the significant debut.

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In response to the disappointment of not being televised, the team playfully expressed their frustration by sharing a Jose Mourinho meme on social media. The meme humorously hinted at their reluctance to comment directly on the situation, cheekily alluding to the potential consequences of doing so.

Following considerable criticism and fan feedback, the league adjusted its preseason schedule. Originally omitted from TV coverage, the Sky's May 7 game against the New York Liberty will now be available on the WNBA's League Pass subscription app, allowing fans to finally catch the team in action.

The Sky's season kicks off officially on May 15 with their first regular-season game on the road against the Dallas Wings. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Fans won't have to fear missing any of the action, as the game is slated to air on WNBA League Pass and local TV channels Bally Sports Southwest Extra and The U.

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With a recent multi-year rights extension secured with Prime Video, the WNBA's commitment to growth and expansion paid off. This partnership ensures continued coverage of WNBA games, including a significant number featuring the Seattle Storm.

The league also struck a multi-year deal with The E.W. Scripps Company to broadcast regular season games on Friday nights on ION, a widely accessible channel. The strategy underscores the WNBA's efforts to reach broader audiences and solidify its presence in the sports media landscape.

Speaking after her soft WNBA debut, Reese said of playing with Cardoso after the game: "Being able to go in and battle, being able to have a teammate where every day I know she’s going to work hard and do whatever it takes at the basket. I’m a competitor and I know she’s a competitor too.”

Cardoso added: “We’re going to do great things together on both ends of the floor. She’s a great rebounder, I’m a great rebounder, we’re both great finishers around the rim and we also can pass the ball. I think it’s going to be really exciting to watch us together.”

2024-05-05T23:12:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd