- Seattle Storm’s 20% attendance growth showcases women’s basketball’s potential in the city.
- The team’s on-court success, including their 2020 WNBA championship win, contributed to increased fan interest.
- Storm’s social media following saw a 50% increase, indicating growing popularity.
- The team’s ownership group invested heavily in marketing and community outreach efforts.
- The Storm’s success may pave the way for the potential return of the Seattle SuperSonics.
The Seattle Storm, once considered the lesser-known counterpart to the city’s former NBA team, the Seattle SuperSonics, is now at the forefront of the city’s basketball revival. With a 20% increase in attendance over the past year, the Storm is proving that women’s basketball can thrive in the Emerald City. The team’s success is not only bringing in new fans but also paving the way for the potential return of the Sonics, according to team co-owner Ginny Gilder, who notes that the two teams have a long and intertwined history.
The Evidence of Growth
According to recent data, the Storm’s attendance has increased significantly, with the team averaging over 9,000 fans per game. This growth can be attributed to the team’s on-court success, including their 2020 WNBA championship win. The Storm’s social media following has also seen a significant boost, with a 50% increase in followers over the past year. As WNBA president Cathy Engelbert noted, the league as a whole is experiencing a surge in popularity, with viewership and attendance numbers on the rise.
The Key Players
The Storm’s ownership group, which includes Ginny Gilder, Dawn Trudeau, and Lisa Brummel, has been instrumental in the team’s success. The group has invested heavily in the team’s marketing and community outreach efforts, which has helped to increase the team’s visibility and appeal to new fans. The team’s head coach, Noelle Quinn, has also been a key factor in the team’s on-court success, leading the team to a championship win in her first year as head coach. As Gilder noted, the Storm and the Sonics have a long and intertwined history, and the team’s success is helping to bring attention back to the city’s basketball scene.
The Trade-Offs
While the Storm’s success is bringing in new fans and revenue, it also presents some challenges. The team’s increased popularity has led to higher ticket prices, which may make it more difficult for longtime fans to attend games. Additionally, the team’s success may also lead to increased pressure to perform, which can be stressful for the players and coaching staff. However, as NBA commissioner Adam Silver noted, the growth of the WNBA is a positive development for the sport as a whole, and the Storm’s success is helping to pave the way for future generations of players.
Timing is Everything
The Storm’s resurgence is coming at a time when the city of Seattle is experiencing a basketball renaissance. The potential return of the Sonics, which was announced earlier this year, has brought attention back to the city’s basketball scene. The Storm’s success is helping to build momentum for the Sonics’ potential return, and the team’s ownership group is working closely with city officials to make it happen. As Gilder noted, the Storm and the Sonics belong together, and the team’s success is helping to make that a reality.
Where We Go From Here
Over the next 6-12 months, there are several possible scenarios that could play out for the Storm and the city’s basketball scene. One possibility is that the Sonics will return to the city, which would bring a new level of excitement and competition to the area. Another possibility is that the Storm will continue to grow and thrive, potentially leading to increased investment in the team and the league as a whole. Finally, it’s possible that the Storm’s success will help to pave the way for other women’s sports teams in the city, leading to a more diverse and vibrant sports landscape. As the BBC noted, the growth of women’s sports is a global trend, and the Storm’s success is helping to lead the way.
In conclusion, the Seattle Storm’s success is a significant development for the city’s basketball scene, and it has the potential to bring about a new era of excitement and competition to the area. With the team’s on-court success, increased attendance, and growing social media following, the Storm is proving that women’s basketball can thrive in Seattle. As the team looks to the future, it’s clear that the Storm will play a major role in shaping the city’s basketball landscape, and its success will have a lasting impact on the sport as a whole.
Source: Fortune