After the exciting monthlong Olympic hiatus, it's time for the WNBA season to start up again. And with just two and a half weeks left in the regular season, there's just so much to talk about...
From the USA's gold-medal performance in Beijing to Becky Hammon's bronze with Russia... From the Shock trading for Taj to the Sun picking up Svetlana Abrosimova and Erin Phillips... And from the jumbled playoff picture to the most hotly contested postseason ever...
WNBA President Donna Orender is here to answer your questions. She'll be signing on Thursday afternoon at 3 ET, so get your questions in now!
Donna
Orender: Hello everyone,
We're just hours away from the season getting underway and YES, I am looking
forward to it. I'm thrilled to have been in China to witness first hand the
golden performance of the USA teams and now, like you, cannot wait to see how
the playoffs will unfold. First, we have to see who will even make the playoffs.
To you.....
Todd Nelkin: Ms Orender- I have had the chance to shale your hand at a Comets game before-we do not want to loose our team!- please restate for my own sleeping habits that the WNBA is commited to having a team in Houston!...thank you
Todd Nelkin - Comets season ticket holder and WNBA fan
Donna
Orender: For both of our sleeping habits, Todd... The WNBA is absolutely
committed to the Comets and the city of Houston. It's a great WNBA city with a
tremendous tradition and we absolutely want to see that continue. Along with Mayor
White's help, we are seeking new owners that will continue and grow the Comets
tradition.
stormfan (Seattle, WA): How do you feel about the situation in Seattle, with LJ and possibly Swin Cash out? Since Cash has been injured for a year+, will she be able to continue? Will Jackson return? Is Brian Agler really fighting to sign a replacement, or will he stick with the old crew? Will the Storm make the playoffs?
OK, so I realize every Storm fan must be wondering the same thing and a lot of it is wait and see. And you aren't the all foreseeing divine basketball prophet (right?). But, ANY insight at all would be great!!
Donna
Orender: First, how about the Storm this year! What a great job Coach
Agler has done assembling his team and then getting them to play so well. Re:
the injuries, it is part of the game and Lauren, who has been devoted to the Storm
all of these years, will be missed. But there is hope that she will be able to
return and, of course, looking down the road be healthier and more fit in the
years ahead.
Re: Swin, I understand she will be back....
Great race in the West.
HFH San Antonio Texas: Hi Donna, The Hammonites all say hello! Were you cheering for Becky when she wasn't playing the against the US i Bejing? A lot of us were pretty thrilled it took an American to help Russia get that bronze medal.
Donna
Orender: Count me among the Hammonites. I rooted for Becky the entire
way. She is a remarkable player and a wonderful person and represents the league
extemely well. I'm happy she has her Olympic medal and I look forward to seeing
her here in NY next Tuesday.
Tony, Ruston, La.: Candace Parker is great, love her to death. But will the league please promote other young stars like Sophia Young, Janel McCarville, etc.
Donna
Orender: YES - you selected two other great players.
Bill Bolen, Atlanta: We are very close to a sellout for Friday night's Dream Pink game at Philips Arena - do you think you could bring a big crowd down from NYC to get us to a sellout? Cmon, you know the WNBA staff would have a great time down here!
Donna
Orender: The WNBA charter is oversubscribed... but you would expect that,
right?
Can't wait to see you all in Atlanta tomorrow night!!!
B. Jones, Fayetteville, NC.: What do you think about people saying the league is biased?? And about Candace Parker's suspension "not being fair"?
Donna Orender: Dear B,
I, of course, want everyone to think that the league is perfect in every way....
but debate is healthy. And at the core, I believe that our fans, sponsors, athletes
and partners truly believe that we are headed in the right direction, that our
judgement is sound and that our motives are all about the success for this league
that we are all so passionate about.
Kevin (Macon GA): Hey, Donna, I knew you would get the gas prices down for me. Keep up the good work!
Donna
Orender: Absolutely!! What's next on your list?
Jessica, Okemos MI: How hard of a job was it to have to make a decision about who to give suspensions out to when the Detroit/La brawl happened this season and do you feel you made the right decision?
Donna Orender: Jessica - It was a decision made with a lot of input, thoughtful consideration and internal debate with people who have a great deal of expertise and experience.
Reflecting on the outcome, I am comfortable with where we came out.
Libertysbiggestfan (NJ): Hi, Donna with all the great rookies this year and WNBA players the playoff position is up for grabs!! Would it be a surprise to you if the finals is in NY? Liberty are having a great season dont you think? I hope the finals are in NY I also hope they can bring that trophy back to NY!!
Donna
Orender: I'm not sure I would be surprised by anything at this point.
The depth of talent and the parity that we are seeing is contributing to one of
the most competitive and exciting seasons to date.
cassie,topeka,ks: Is Kansas City in the mix for a WNBA franchise?
Donna Orender: It's up to Kansas City. They do have a beautfiul new arena that would benefit from a great tenant like the WNBA. It's a city with strong women's programs and the family values that our league prizes....
Aubrey: Who do you think will be the MVP? why?
Donna
Orender: Aubrey,
Who do you think will be the MVP? We just announced a new partnership
with T-Mobile that provides you the opportunity to cast your vote for this
year's MVP. It's an interesting race. I'm always intrigued by how to gauge the
winner... what criteria do you use? It'll be interesting to see how you all
vote this year.
My MVP is Adam Hirshfield. He runs our website and if you can see our growth
numbers... up 60% - he's doing an awesome job....
Orginal Mystics Fan: What do you think Sheila Johnson needs to do to turn the Mystics around?
Donna
Orender: Sheila is doing it. She hired a great COO and has the business
humming. Further, they are very proactive about getting their on-court business
straight and they are making bold moves. How about Taj to Detroit???? They are
looking to go young and establish great leadership... keep your eye on them.
John, Rocky Hill CT: How about a throwback night somewhere down the line? Has it ever been discussed?
Like the WBL (when you played for Chicago Hustle) and use similar type uniforms, or the All American Red Heads.
honor them by being pioneers and having some at each game around the country.
Thanks and keep up the wonderful work.
Donna Orender: John,
I like the idea... the uniforms... not as extreme as the Australian unitard, but....
Re: the redheads.... I love their history and they are so deserving of more attention...
Orig Mystics Fan: Are you kidding? With Taj gone, there isn't a single leader on the Mystics' roster.
Donna Orender: stay tuned....
calif: When are you gonna own a WNBA team!??
would love to see that.. :)
Donna
Orender: So would I... if I had the money... I would put it behind a
team...
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): On the subject of Gear...any talk of having more gear in Mens and large women's sizes...it stinks when new shirts don't even fit my girlfriend! Let alone ME!
Donna Orender: Glenn,
Thanks for all of your queries...
I AGREE!! Something has to be done... we have been working with adidas on this...
they have been making progess and we together are looking to make more...
Rich, (London UK): Come on Donna, admit it. One freaking game for Parker, one of the instigators of the entire fracas along with Pierson, was absolutely ridiculous. It should've been at least two, and would've been for anyone other than the league's current golden child.
Donna
Orender: Rich,
I take extreme umbrage with the intimation that a decision was made based on anything but the evaluation of the incident itself.
We can debate one or two for Candace based on the merits of what happened, but
to indicate otherwise.... it's insulting.
Colleen, Clinton, IA: Hi Donna! I was just wondering if the league has looked into having a team in Knoxville? I mean look at all the greats that have played there!
Donna
Orender: How about the state of Tennessee... YES.
LKC, Phoenix: Hello Donna--
I wanted your thoughts on the suspensions. Do you think they were long enough and appropriate?
Donna
Orender: Yes.
Laurie (Charlotte, NC): There is always a lot of talk on the fan message boards about how the league is marketed. For those like myself who love the pureness of WNBA basketball, we're hooked. Others who didn't grow up with the game is a bit of a tough sell. How do you get middle age women to support women's basketball the way middle age men support the NBA and NCAA?
Donna Orender: Laurie,
I'm interested in your thoughts. Remember, "middle-aged women" is a
large group with diverse motivations...
Medford NJ: with everyone saying that the wnba isnt big enough and that it will fold. do you believe that will happen? or do you believe that wnba is growing each year with the new rookies and the hype they bring to the game?
Donna
Orender: Who is this "everyone"? I'm not hearing anything like
that from the "everyone" I know. The league has never been healthier.....
the level of play is leading the way... the fact that basketball is the top participation
sport for girls by far is a key factor. According to ESPN, it's a hot sport with
lots of growth in sight.
Kevin (Macon GA): Who would you pick for Team USA in 2012?
Donna
Orender: Let me say that there are a lot of candidates which bodes well
for USA Basketball long into the future.
Denise (Durham): What can we do about seeing more games on TV or via webcast? There are some great games coming up that will not be available on either.
Donna
Orender: You and many others have been asking... as have I... we will
re-evaluate for next season... sooner, if possible, to see what we can do to make
this happen.
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): Is that all, folks?
Donna
Orender: Sorry, glenn... will not delay again.
Sherry Houston, TX: Donna - Can you help me I have been trying to get a good address for Becky Hammon. I had a flag flown over the Alamo on 4 Jul to recognize her great work as a Good Will Ambassador. If we had more people like Becky in this workd it would be a much better place. As a veteran of the military this is the ultimate gift and I just don't want to send it to any address. I would like to make sure she receives this. Many thanks for any help and for doing a great job in the WNBA.
Donna
Orender: I'm sure she would appreciate your thoughtfulness. The best
way to reach her is to send c/o the Silver Stars.
Joe - Clinton Twp, MI: Do you think a 5-game series lay-out in the post season for all rounds is in the future? or even a 7-game series, maybe for the championship round? I am a huge fan and I am truly happy for the success the WNBA has endured through the years.
Donna Orender: Joe-
We continue to evaluate what the best model is, understanding the many implications that changing the format would have.
Stephanie, Glassboro, NJ: Hi Donna!
Has there been any discussions about starting a franchise in Philadelphia? That would really help people living in NJ,PA,DE and VA get to more WNBA games.
Donna
Orender: Atlantic City has come up in the recent past. The thought being
that most Philadelphians went to the shore in the summer. No serious discussions
at this time, but what a great tradition of basketball there's been through the
years in Phila.
Ron - Newington CT: Donna - What can be done with the scheduling? If in Olympic years the season can go through Sept. Can't the season be moved back a couple of weeks so that the overseas players can get back and the teams can have a 'real' training camp?
Donna Orender: Ron,
Interesting thought... this is perhaps possible... we're looking at it.
Ron - Newington CT: Donna - With the signing of Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds as suppoters I thought that I would being to see more marketing within the stores. I don't see it. Is there a reason we aren't seeing the WNBA logo in these facilities especially in the WNBA markets such as CT?? Are there plans to get more exposure via those companies?
Donna
Orender: Ron, You raise another good issue re: activation with our sponsors.
We are moving in the right direction with Discover Card, T-Mobile, Beringer and
of course Mc Donald's. We are actively developing plans for retail activiation
and are hopeful that our partners will have the resources to execute with us in
the future. I agree with you: there's big potential for all.
Daryle Conquering Bear, Denver Colorado: Hi how are you? I am so honored and excited that you are part of the WNBA, I plan to take yor job some day lol. Thank you for your time for taking my questions. IM A HUGE WNBA and Womens basketball fan in general, what does it take to be so powerful and respectable indidivual such as yourslef, and what inspiring words would you give someone such as myself, to wanna start or bring a team to a state that has so much sports in it, but missing out on a Women's Pro team. Denver?
Donna Orender: Daryle,
Want to spell your name right as you will be sitting here one day!!! Having a
clear direction as to where you want to focus your talent and efforts is very
admirable. I would suggest you get as much experience as you can. Passion is also
a starting point, but from there you need good organization, a sound business
plan and a strong team around you that can offer a variety of necessary talents
to move your plan forward.....
By all means, your efforts can produce a team in Colorado provided you put together the right business case and get those around and with you to execute.
Good luck... i'm keeping my chair warm.
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): What do you think of the W going global with a Team in Toronto...the offer looks good and sports in toronto are blossoming with Raptors attendance higher than the Vince Carter Days, the Jays having a raise at the gate and Toronto FC breaking down the gates...Is it time for the W to explore an "eh" team?
Donna Orender: Glenn,
We like Toronto and have received serious queries from the market. It would be a good city and country for the league.
AndyScoggin: Is there going to be a new emphasis for the referees after the break? They seemed to have lost control of the players with way too much arguing and complaining.
Donna
Orender: The emphasis for the referees, under the very able leadership
of Dee Kantner (whose blog will be once again seen on wnba.com), will continue
to focus on a high standard of performance and the utmost of professionalism.
glenn (Morris Plains, NJ): I believe Medford means the critics and Street and Smiths who love to jump on the W.
Donna
Orender: Hey guys... set them straight.
Christopher(Bronx,New york): Dear Donna,
For starters, welcome back and major congrats that the USA women's basketball team won the Gold Medal in Beijing. All WNBA games resume Thursday(8-28-2008). Here's my question. Who do you think will be the top four Eastern and Western Conference teams once the postseason begins?
Donna Orender: Christopher -
Your guess is as good as mine, and I'm not big on guessing. I can tell you that
I will be watching closely and looking forward to a tremendous close to this season.
Thanks for your support.
Donna
Orender: Thanks everyone for all of your questions and input. Glenn and
Laurie in particular... I appreciate your feedback.
I'm off to see big Syl at the Garden along with Janel and Shameka - and the timeless torches.
For those who hear from "everyone".... for the record. In our 12th season, the
WNBA is up in attendance, up in revenue, up in ratings and up in digital traffic.
We start a new 8 year TV deal next year that pays our teams rights fees. And our
latest team, Atlanta, has launched successfully. Talent is getting better all
the time, the game has come of age and there are many markets in discussions for
teams beginning in 2010.
Get the word out... WE ARE GROWING... and it's because of you... thanks to all.
Donna
