The Twitter live stream of the first game was a smashing success. It was of great quality and the conversation was also great. There were very few trolls or mean comments. It was refreshing based on what we normally see in comments section on the Internet. This was a very good step forward by not only the WNBA but Twitter as well.
One of the many things people often complain about the product is the fact that the WNBA does not market itself well. Very few TV ads are placed and the WNBA is not front and center in the public very often. The WNBA has started to address this by using Twitter, a social media tool that is used world wide and has great reach than what the WNBA can provide in the United States.
This is a very smart business move by the WNBA. Social media and online networks will continue to move forward and the WNBA has pushed forward in getting women’s sports out in the digital world. But what people fail to realize is, the WNBA has no intent to put out all of their games on Twitter. This is just a sneak peek to gauge casual fans interest and essentially get people to visit the website and purchase WNBA League Pass. It’s also to get people talking about the WNBA and for them to see the greatness of these WNBA players.
Another key part of this is Twitter. Twitter has started to already have an online digital network presence. They broadcast the news, sports, and other activities and have more lined up for the fall. For right now, the Twitter live stream is FREE. Remember, Twitter is a business. They need to make money. It could be in three to four years, that they start charging Twitter users who want to watch the Twitter live stream. Only then, will the WNBA have an active presence on Twitter.
I find it fascinating when I was reading the comments on #WNBALive and one of the comments said something along the lines of “I love this game! If there were MORE games to watch, I would!”. That kind of set me back a bit. The WNBA already does feature more games on ESPN and on local TV networks. Like I mentioned previously, they also have League Pass. Maybe the WNBA should have an in game advertisement saying if you enjoyed this game, you can watch the games on League Pass! Something along the lines of that.
I’ve been a fan of the WNBA for 9 years (10 WNBA seasons) and the product just keeps getting better and better. Every year, these new athletes get better. There will still be haters, or people who don’t want to see the WNBA get better. Over the years, I’ve shifted through articles of the following: “WNBA Players don’t get paid as much as the NBA Players”, “Where is the media coverage for the WNBA”, “Can the WNBA survive? Is it profitable?”, and so on and on. It gets annoying for me to read as well as other people. So I’ve stopped. I’ve stopped reading those type of articles. Stopped mentioning to others to go read.
That is why I am so glad that the WNBA and Twitter have teamed up. Twitter is BY FAR the most social media tool I use and I am grateful that the league thinks the same way. I am ready to see the impact the Twitter deal will have on the league and if it can pick up more fans.
One last thing, if you want the WNBA to have more games on Twitter, be willing to pay. You like the action, but don’t live in a WNBA city? Buy WNBA League Pass. Stop making excuses and be honest with yourselves. You want the WNBA to succeed? Then prepare to open your wallet.
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