The WNBA received backlash after not televising the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso’s debut against the Minnesota Lynx. A fan live-streamed the preseason game, and it received more than 420,000 views.
The Sky’s second preseason game against the New York Liberty on May 7 also was not scheduled to be streamed. However, due to the overwhelming viewership of the fan’s livestream and public relations backlash, the WNBA changed course.
It was reported on social media that the game is being carried on League Pass. However, this could change since the Sky’s preseason opener was to be shown on League Pass but then was not available.
BREAKING: The WNBA has changed their preseason schedule according to LP app
They will now stream the Chicago Sky vs. NY Liberty on League Pass this Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/tpfRG8TXAz
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 5, 2024
“Anybody that watched it should send three bucks to the person; I don’t even know who it is,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “I think that what I would say is that the growth is happening so fast. It’s so accelerated. And I’ve been saying this in our own organization — that business as usual isn’t going to work anymore. You’re gonna get left behind and this is an example.”
Cheryl Reeve had some good post game remarks on the decision NOT to stream Sky-Lynx game. Watch entire clip.
"Growth is happening so fast.. Business as usual is not going to work anymore. You're going to get left behind & this is an example of it." #WNBA
@minnesotalynx pic.twitter.com/VIYfrzUteD
— Vanshay Murdock