We're about halfway through the 2008 regular season and there's just so much to talk about...
From the league-leading Silver Stars to the surprising Sun and Lynx... From the higher attendance numbers to the improved TV ratings... From the upcoming Olympics to the jumbled postseason picture...
And WNBA President Donna Orender is here to answer your questions. She'll be signing on Monday afternoon at 4 ET, so get your questions in now!
Donna Orender: Hi Everyone,
Looking forward to visiting with you today so let's get right into it...
Allison, California: Which rookie has suprised you the most in their all-around effort?
Donna Orender: Hi Allison,
Actually, this year's rookie class as a whole has been a wonderful treat to watch. I'm a big fan of so many: I love the trio at Minny and how they came out of the box... Wiggins, Anosike and Houston. Of course, Candace has it all and I'm looking forward to seeing Sylvia back out on the court soon. I also want to mention Tasha Humphrey and Tamera Young and Leilani Mitchell... the list goes on and I should list them all...
Los Angeles, CA: Do you think the WNBA will ever go to a 48 minute game?
Donna Orender: Not anytime soon.
Jack (Naperville): What do you think of Becky Hammon's decision to suit up for Russia in the Olympics?
Donna Orender: Jack,
I support Becky's decision to play. In this day and age there are players playing for many different teams and we are proud of all of the wnba players who will be playing in the games and living their olympic dreams.
Michelle Sioux Falls, SD: Hi Donna - my question/comment has to do with the language that comes out of some of the player's mouths on the court. We watch as many WNBA games as we can. My kids love it as much as I do. Sometimes whether it's a good or bad play, you can CLEARLY see the foul words that are spoken for the viewing audience to see/hear. How can we send the message to the coaches and players that foul language is not necessary and definitely not acceptable for the kids that are watching, who look to these athletes as their role models?
Donna Orender: Michelle,
I can tell you that our players are fully aware and feel responsible to the families and the kids that support them. That said, there are times in the heat of the moment when cools are lost.... We do monitor closely and speak to all often as we too are mindful of your good point. Thanks for your support.
Kevin (macon ga): What do you think about the newest Women's Basketball Hall of Fame class?
Donna Orender: Hey Kevin-
What a great and accomplished class. Great representation of the WNBA, don't you think?
Donna4PREZ: Hello Donna, my name is Steffani and I want to thank you for everything you have done for the WNBA, my question is, What do you think team USA has to do in order to win the Gold at the Olympics? Thank you a lot.
Donna Orender: Hi Donna - nice screen name!
I think they need to do what they do best... play well and play well together. It is an incredibly strong group of athletes. Looking forward to it.
lette15 (somerset,nj): when will the wnba have video games like the nba.i want to play wnba08 on my playstation3.im sick of just playing with guys on video games.i think the wnba needs to try it for one year and see how it turns out.
Donna Orender: Lette,
Stand by. There is a big development coming in this area that you and your gaming friends will like.
Rick (Winston-Salem, NC): Hey there!...Such an exciting season!...I'd love your opinion, as I am a HUGE fan of hers, but how would you rank Seimone Augustus's game against the world's greatest?? Thanks!
Donna Orender: Seimone stands among the world's greatest, Rick. What an offensive player.. and what a great young woman. I am a fan as well!
Chris R. - Vernon, CT: It was good to see you in CT a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for your energy and enthusiasm for improving the quality of the league. As a male who has supported the league since its inception, my question is as follows: As you work to expand the league's male fan base, have you considered expanding merchandising options (e.g., team jerseys, baseball style designs, etc.) that are more male fan friendly? Frankly, since the switch to the new design a few years ago, I have seen a noticeable decline in men wearing team jerseys, primarily because they don't fit us very well.
Donna Orender: Chris,
This is such a great point. Matter of fact, I had some of our male staff at one of our teams raise the same issue... they want to represent.. we better do a better job of that... I'm on it!
Ryan Los Angeles, CA: Hey Donna,
its been a great WNBA season so far. you've done such a great job being president of the league. well, what do you think of Lisa Leslie's season so far after missing out last season?
Donna Orender: Ryan,
She is being discussed as an MVP candidate again... she has grace built on steel and determination. I know how hard she has worked to come back and has set a very high bar for all of us as a role model for women with experience and kids.
Sheila, Seattle, WA: I enjoy the fact that you are a very visible leader of the WNBA and always enjoy your visits. The question I have is, how hard is it as a fan of the game to sit courtside and not be able to cheer for great players and great competition. I know you can't show a bias towards one team or the other, but wouldn't you like to just jump out of your seat for good plays regardless of who makes them?
Donna Orender: YES is the first answer. But I do applaud for good plays... got to.. the game is fun and you have to have fun with it..
Saturday night in NY Lisa Willis made a one-handed lay-up on a drive that was amazing...and then there is Tweetie...wow.
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): Love the new TV deal and most W teams now have local TV...are there any other plans to expand the media footprint of the W?
Donna Orender: Glenn,
We will continue to work on all options that we can. Expanding local TV coverage is a goal every year and we have grown the total number of games telecasts year over year. Take note, between ESPN2 and NBA TV there is a game on every night this week.
joe(Phoenix): what wnba arena is your favorite?
Donna Orender: Joe... you know the answer...
Mary Barker Sacramento, Ca.: Hi Donna...first let me say what a fabulous job your doing runnin the Wnba!
If there is one thing you could do to improve the league overall, what would it be? Last can we get a WNBA ALL-STAR game out West! Thanks Donna...see ya in SacTown!
Donna Orender: Hi Mary Barker,
First let me say what a great visit it was to Sacramento last week. Let me turn the question back to you and all of you.. what one thing would you want us to do?
Mae cleveland, ohio: Hi Donna, I presubmitted my question yesterday but in case it isn't used I'm asking it again. Is there ANY chance of getting a team in Cleveland again. I've been a fan since the beginning and REALLY miss going to the games. The owner of the Cavs might be interested. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Donna Orender: Hi Mae,
We love the Cleveland market and the fans were fantastic. Nothing imminent at this time but we are always open.
Mike (CA): Donna, why is there no All-Star game this year? Can't we do something like Olympic team vs All-Stars like in 04?Any ideas of where it will be next year? Thank you for your time.
Donna Orender: Mike,
We talked about it at length but when we evaluated the schedule and the needs for the Olympic team we decided that the current action was the best. I'm sorry, I miss the All-Star Game and it's festivities as well.
Jack, New York, NY: How do you propose that the WNBA compete with foreign leagues that offer significantly higher salaries to players? Given the current trend, it's easy to see a time when the top players take the summer off from the WNBA to recover from overseas burnout and injuries.
Donna Orender: Jack,
It's always a possibility but the feedback from the players is that this is the league where they want to play. This is home for most of them and they understand their role in paving the way for the future. That said, the WNBA plays a significant role in establishing market values for players so it is in their financial interest to play here as well.
Whitman (Pasadena, CA): This long Olympic break has me worried. What should fans do when there are no WNBA games to watch ??
Donna Orender: Like me, you can spend some time engaging with your local team as many have activities planned, or watch the olympics and countdown to the WNBA welcome home week.
C Brown, Sacramento, Ca: The outdoor game at Arthur Ashe Stadium is a wonderful idea...how did it come about and will there be more games played outdoors in other cities?
Donna Orender: I agree... it's a great idea and very exciting for all involved. Success breeds success as you know, so the seeds are being sown for more potential outdoor games in other cities... nothing firm yet.
Todd- Norwich, CT: Donna, I have questions on technical fouls. Are the players fined? If so how much and where does that money go? If they are fined would be nice to put that money into a WNBA scholarship fund of some sort. It's always good to see you at the CT game when you can make it.
Donna Orender: Todd -
Nice to be up in CT... yes there are fines for technical fouls and to your point, dollars are utilized for community and charitable purposes.
Kevin (macon ga): Who do you like for MVP so far? I think Sophia Young is the front-runner.
Donna Orender: Kevin,
You know i'm not going to say,, but Sophia is having a great year. The Stars are looking great.
Ryan F. (Tiburon, CA): Hey Donna, I was wondering, do you collect any WNBA memorabilia or souvenirs? How is your office at WNBA Headquarters decorated?
Donna Orender: Ryan -
You can see photos of my office in the Sports Business Journal... they just did a feature on it. Yes, WNBA stuff and family photos.
Marion (Detroit, MI): Hi Donna! You are doing a great job as president of the league. My question for you is what did you major in in college and how did that transition into holding your current title of WNBA President? Thank you!
Donna Orender: Marion - I majored in psychology. I can tell you that the science and art of understanding behavior is something I am glad to have been educated in.
Rich, (London UK): Regardless of technical fouls, why does the WNBA continue to be the only league in the whole of the basketball world that allows players 6 personal fouls in a 40-minute game? It only contributes to the endless fouls that often create stop-start games in the WNBA because individual fouls simply aren't costly enough to each player. Any chance of switching to five fouls as the personal foul limit?
Donna Orender: We have evaluated the switch to 5 fouls, Richard, and decided against it. I don't agree with your premise that this has any impact on the amount of fouls called.
Loretta, Ind: Donna, I am a big Candice Wiggins fan. Parker is the only rookie with an Expect Great ad. Is there one for Wiggins in the near future?
Donna Orender: Candice has a PSA running.... she does a great job.
Omeyra, Vancouver: the WNBA is exciting this year but i think there isn't enough teams. there's only 14 teams, so you get to watch one team verse another team a lot. Are you going to let anymore teams be in the WNBA?
Donna Orender: What's your first choice for a city?
CA: Donna,
Any news as of late of the Bay Area possibility for expansion. I know you've touched upon it briefly in some interviews. Would the team be based out of San Fran or Oakland? Thanks.
Donna Orender: Lots of interest CA but it's too early to respond specifically to your question.
Jack (Naperville): Hey Donna, Atlanta has done really well with regards to their ticket sales thus far. Are you suprised by this or is this what you expected when you announced their winning of an expansion team?
Donna Orender: Atlanta is a great great market and they have great leadership in their owner and front office.. this is a shout-out to Bill B. Our expectations are high and know that this group will continue to do a great job.
Tony, El Dorado, Ar.: Last week, the Sparks played the second half of a back-to-back on national television. This week, the Silver Stars play the second half of back-to-back road games on national television. TV time is precious for the WNBA. What can be done so the truly entertaining teams like the Sparks and Silver Stars are showcased to a national audience at their best instead of at a fatigued state?
Donna Orender: Hey Tony,
You are a close follower -- you think the Silver Stars will be tired tonight??? We track these situations and we do agree with you that we want to optimize every exposure. Our teams will respond...
Alberto (Spain): How do you describe the social and sport impact of Candace Parker?
Donna Orender: Candace is a game changer, Alberto. She has proven that she can move the needle against many benchmarks. She sells tickets, sponsorships, and is helping to redefine how the game is played and who plays it . This and being smart and considerate and fashionable. She is influencing a global generation of both females and males with her substance and style.
Kevin (macon ga): Donna, can't you do something about the gas prices? It's getting expensive for me to go see my Dream.
Donna Orender: Working on it, Kevin.. have an OPEC meeting this afternoon.. So will have to wrap up soon. Take the MARTA.
Hammonite Nation: No shout-out to the Hammonites, Donna? lol
Donna Orender: Why not?? Shouting!!!
Emily- Arkansas: Northwest Arkansas would love to welcome a WNBA team!!!
Donna Orender: Emily, anything is possible. Arkansas has raised their hand at one point but nothing new there.
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): I hate bringing up politics but will there be a day where "family" fans and LGBT fans find a happy medium and work together to help build the league?
Donna Orender: I see it working in lots of places these days... unite in a passion for something we all appreciate and love... should work.
Megan, Tampa Bay: The WNBA season is going great this season. I was wondering why the WNBA players don't dunk often. I know some of them can dunk but they never do it in games. If they did dunk like Candace Parker did, it would be super exciting and more fans would come to the games. So why don't they dunk often?
Donna Orender: Megan,
I have read so many articles of late saying that they don't need to dunk. That said, they will dunk as they see fit.
Raquel Barry, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky: Do you think the WNBA has had a big impact on women's sport around the world?
Donna Orender: Raquel.
Greetings to you and Fort Mitchell. I do believe that the WNBA is having a big impact on women and sports all over the world. The opportunity to see accomplished athletes play at the highest level and are cheered and compensated is very motiviating and inspirational for people all over the world.
Aneela Khan (Toronto, ON): Hello, Mrs. Orender. I will not lie but I did not have a single clue about the WNBA until Candace Parker came in. Ever since then, I am hooked! :) I love watching Diana, Cappie, Becky, Candace, Candice and Swin play! It's been totally great and i love the fact that these women totally are into teamwork and hard work. My question is, if a rookie brings big interest into the league, will there be a chance for a pay raise for the women? Because it just seems unfair for Lauren Jackson to make under $100,000 while a bench player in the NBA makes under $1 million!
Donna Orender: Aneela,
Their salaries are in your hands.. buy MORE tickets.... thanks so much for your support.. we are so happy to have you join us.
Hammonite Nation: Thanks for the shout-out, Donna!! You're awesome :)
Donna Orender: Back at you!!! Watch NBA TV tonight... should be a good one.
Austin (Queens, New York ): It is without a doubt that this season has been exciting so far! Are there any new cities up for consideration for expansion? I heard of Toronto, but how about Philly? Keep up the great work, Ms. President!
Donna Orender: Austin...
Closing with your very kind shout-out.. and you are from Queens where I went to school -- so there you have it. Lots of expansion questions today... hmmm... lots of interest and discussions with many cities... negotiations are complex and take time so it's hard to tell what's up next and when. But you have our commitment from the league to continue to make the WNBA the kind of league and property that you want to support.. as we appreciate you Austin and all of the fans around the country and world.. Rich from the UK and Alberto from Spain!! Ciao for now.
