Tag: Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart is taking the long view on the WNBA’s meager salaries

“The WNBA has been around for 28 years, which is really small compared to any other league in professional sports.”

With the arrival of the 2024 draft class, the WNBA salary debate is re-infiltrating sports circles. Fans, pundits, and even media personalities like Whoopi Goldberg are discussing how much money the WNBA is making and how little it is seemingly paying its players. However, two-time champion and 2023 league MVP Breanna Stewart says a salary increase will not immediately occur.

As 2024’s highly anticipated draft is introduced to the sports world, many people have wondered why these top-tier college athletes won’t be paid as much as their NBA counterparts. The answer is complex and includes factors like media rights deals and investment from owners. Still, the seemingly low numbers don’t wholly reflect the growth and changes that have been happening for several years — changes that New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart says will take some time to feel.

Per Natasha Dye and Julie Mazziotta of People, here’s what Stewie recently shared about the WNBA salary debate:

“I think that the changes have been happening. The WNBA has been around for 28 years, which is really small compared to any other league in professional sports. Hopefully, soon again, we’ll be at another turning point, where we’ll have another CBA, and that’ll also increase player salaries.

You can talk about opportunities for pensions and charters and all these things, but it’s not something that’s going to change overnight, and it’s the mix between us continuing to be great on the court and taking advantage of the things happening off the court.”

Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. admires Breanna Stewart’s game and her shoes

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. recently signed a shoe deal extension with Puma, and wants to continue to push the brand forward.

There have only ever been 12 players with their own signature shoes bearing their name. With the WNBA finished with its 27th season, that is roughly .44 shoe deals per season.

The first shoe deal in WNBA history was the Nike Air Swoopes in 1995, named after legendary player Sheryl Swoopes. In 2021, New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart signed a deal with Puma and was the 10th player in WNBA history to have a signature shoe.

“Hopefully, Puma and I will set the standard and the bar for many more WNBA players deserving a signature shoe,” said Stewart.

Since then, Washington Mystic’s Elena Delle Donne and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu have had shoe deals. However, Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is looking to change that.

“You have guys wearing women’s shoes, and it’s usually the other way around,” Porter told Boardroom. “We want to bring more awareness to the WNBA and give those women the flowers that they deserve. I just think it’s cool for me to be able to represent that.”

Porter recently signed a shoe deal extension with Puma, and he wants to continue to push the brand forward along with shining a spotlight on the players of the WNBA.

“I’ve always admired Stewie’s game since back at UConn,” Porter said. “She’s broken tons of records, and ever since her rookie year in the WNBA, she’s done some amazing things. She’s always been a hooper to me.”

He sports Stewart’s signature shoes, the Puma Stewie 2s, on the court and continues to do what he can to support his fellow ballers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261897]

How Michael Porter Jr. is using his Breanna Stewart’s Stewie 2s to help ignite talk around WNBA signature shoes

Michael Porter Jr. is proudly wearing Breanna Stewart’s Stewie 2s and loving them.

The WNBA only has 12 players who have signature shoes. That’s why accessibility and visibility matter, and part of the reason NBA champion Michael Porter Jr. is wearing Breanna Stewart’s signature shoes this season.

The WNBA is growing, and so is the popularity of its stars. It’s not uncommon now to look across the court and see college basketball players or NBA stars wearing Sabrina Ionescu’s signature shoe, the Sabrina 1.

But what about her teammate and 2023 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart? Stewart also has signature shoes, and the latest version, the Stewie 2s, are being worn by Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets. Porter Jr., who has strong family ties to women’s hoops, is rocking his Stewies 2’s after signing an extension with Puma and to show his love for the sport.

Per Nick DePaula of Boardroom, Porter’s mission is to raise more awareness about Breanna Stewart’s shoes and advocate for other great WNBA hoopers to have a signature shoe:

“I’ve always admired Stewie’s game since back at UConn,” he said. “She’s broken tons of records, and ever since her rookie year in the WNBA, she’s done some amazing things. She’s always been a hooper to me.”

“You have guys wearing women’s shoes, and it’s usually the other way around,” he adds. “We want to bring more awareness to the WNBA and give those women the flowers that they deserve. I just think it’s cool for me to be able to represent that.”

 

25 WNBA players to track ahead of free agency, including 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart

WNBA free agency is around the corner. Here’s a list of some of the biggest names who will hit the market.

The WNBA offseason is in full swing, with rumors already swirling about what teams will do in the WNBA draft. However, before that time arrives, teams will have to navigate free agency.

Things are quickly heating up as the league approaches the start of free agency on January 21. At that time, teams are allowed to speak with players, but deals cannot officially be signed until February 1. Naturally, teams are vying for a chance to address major needs before the WNBA Draft on April 15.

This year’s free agency is particularly important because several significant names will hit the market, including Jonquel Jones, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Brittney Griner and 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart.

As free agency begins, here are 25 names that you should keep an eye on:

The New York Liberty released their 2024 schedule by comically torturing Breanna Stewart with hot wings

“Is this what it feels like when other teams play us?”

The New York Liberty’s 2024 schedule is HOT. Literally.

The WNBA dropped its 2024 schedule Monday, and it’s got some spicy matchups during opening night, including games featuring the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, who just met in the 2023 WNBA Finals.

Teams get really creative in announcing their schedules. The Atlanta Dream invited Clark Atlanta University’s band to help reveal their slate. The Phoenix Mercury had Brittney Griner and Sophie Cunningham play Chubby Bunny with marshmallows to tell fans their opponents.

However, New York Liberty quite literally wanted some extra flavor for their schedule release content. With the help of Hot Ones and women’s sports advocate Arielle Chambers, the team got 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart to walk through a tortuous gauntlet of wings.

Four WNBA MVPs star in documentary debuting January 2024

The documentary spotlights the lives, resiliency and triumphant achievements of the WNBA’s most iconic players.

New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes star in a documentary that takes you on a journey into the heart of professional women’s basketball.

The documentary spotlights the lives, resiliency and triumphant achievements of the WNBA’s most iconic players and is the first to feature four WNBA MVP players.

“SHATTERED GLASS: A WNBPA Story is more than a documentary – it’s a movement,” states executive producer Terri Carmichael Jackson. “We’re bringing to light the incredible stories of these athletes, who are not just sports icons but powerful advocates for change, respect, and inspiration – something that all women can relate to and feel empowered by.

“From intense off-season routines to the intricacies of family dynamics to navigating the politics of women’s sports, this documentary offers viewers a rare, all-encompassing look at the athletes as holistic individuals.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1AAH-LL30Z/

“SHATTERED GLASS: A WNBPA Story is a transcendent documentary that uniquely captures the power and spirit of female athletes,” said Anjali Sud, Chief Executive Officer at Tubi. “Tubi is proud to collaborate with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association as part of our commitment to uplifting bold and inspiring voices for young and diverse audiences.”

The documentary debuts on Jan. 31, 2024, exclusively on Tubi.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261897]

WNBPA’s new documentary with PUMA features the stories of 4 MVPs including Breanna Stewart and Sheryl Swoopes

SHATTERED GLASS: A WNBPA Story gives viewers an inside look at the power and spirit of the WNBA’s stars and icons.

The WNBPA knows that women’s sports is a whole vibe and movement. A new documentary aims to tell more stories about the phenomenal athletes that the league has produced.

The documentary, created from a partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), Malka Media Group and PUMA, is named SHATTERED GLASS: A WNBPA Story. It dives into the soul of professional women’s basketball with a mission to spotlight the lives and achievements of four different players.

Those players include athletes who have all won MVP trophies: New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, 2023 MVP and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and three-time MVP winner and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes.

“We’re bringing to light the incredible stories of these athletes, who are not just sports icons but powerful advocates for change, respect and inspiration – something that all women can relate to and feel empowered by,” said executive producer Terri Carmichael Jackson.

SHATTERED GLASS premieres January 31, 2024, exclusively on Tubi.

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier makes 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Collier is adding a new accolade to her résumé, a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient in the category of Sports.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier returned to the WNBA in 2023 after taking most of the 2022 season off to welcome her first child. She finished fourth in scoring and seventh in rebounding this season while co-founding a new league with superstar Breanna Stewart, called Unrivaled, to play during the offseason.

Now Collier is adding a new accolade to her résumé: A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient in the Sports category. She is the only WNBA player to make the list this year, although Robyn Brown, senior manager of brand and content strategy for the Phoenix Mercury, also represented the league on the list.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 lists 600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs, leaders and stars. There are 20 categories, including sports, media, games and social impact.

This season, Collier also made the 2023 All-WNBA first team, which was her second All-WNBA team selection, but her first to the first team. Collier’s trajectory is skyrocketing, and she is showing everyone that she is more than an athlete.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262608]

WNBA Finals 2023 TV schedule: Here’s the full schedule for Aces – Liberty

Grab your popcorn. The WNBA Finals are coming.

It’s the final countdown. The WNBA Finals begin Sunday, and this year’s matchup has all the makings of a heavyweight championship fight.

The Las Vegas Aces are pursuing back-to-back titles, while the New York Liberty are seeking the franchise’s first championship. The WNBA’s final two teams feature incredible talents like league MVP Breanna Stewart, Defensive Player of the Year A’Ja Wilson, 3-point specialist Sabrina Ionescu, the “Point Gawd” Chelsea Gray and many more.

It’s a rivalry that WNBA fans watched all season and now get to see on the league’s biggest stage. We’ve got you covered!

Here is the schedule for the potential five-game series:

WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart predicts Warriors to win 2024 NBA Finals

The reigning WNBA Most Valuable Player dropped a prediction for the 2024 NBA Finals.

After a fiery campaign with the New York Liberty, Breanna Stewart was crowned the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2023 season.

Following her MVP award, Stewart received a flurry of questions in a rapid-fire interview with Slam Magazine. During the rapid-fire segment, Stewart was asked who would win the 2024 NBA Finals. Stewart responded with the Golden State Warriors.

Via @slam on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxrK63Ytrm8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

After winning the NBA title in 2022, the Warriors were bounced in the second round of the 2023 postseason by the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a busy offseason that included the addition of Chris Paul, the Warriors will begin their climb towards another potential long playoff run on Oct. 24 in the season opener against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.

Stewart is currently in the middle of helping lead the Liberty to the WNBA Finals. The Liberty currently holds a 2-1 advantage over the Connecticut Sun in the semi-finals of the WNBA postseason. If Stewart and the Liberty clinch a series victory over the Sun, they will face the No. 1 seed Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]