As the WNBA continues to build momentum, it is only natural that Cathy Engelbert and other executives will spitball ideas to accelerate the league's development. From a personal standpoint, 'Rivals Week' doesn't hit the mark. While some games are steeped in history, new viewers have no clue how and why these teams are perceived as mortal enemies. And in most cases, these rivalries are fabricated from hope rather than substance.
Some games whet the appetite with the sheer mention of the franchise's names. During Angel Reese's stint with the Chicago Sky, a matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever felt gargantuan. Additionally, Clark's new rivalry with her college foe Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings undoubtedly captures spectators' attention.
But can I ask a question: are the Chicago Sky and the Golden State Valkyries really rivals? If they are, and I'm making an uneducated statement, please take it to social media and let me know, but it seems there are too many hit-and-hopes with this scheduling. Without viewership figures to hand, this can only be viewed as a personal opinion and not a matter of fact; however, 'Rivals Week' just isn't hitting the spot.
The WNBA should rethink how they schedule 'Rivals Week'
Much like the NBA, 'Rivals Week' does garner attention from viewers, but many of the fixtures lack authenticity. We all know why this concept has been created by both leagues; it is another attempt at driving viewership and maximising revenue. While both factors are much-needed as the WNBA continues its upward trajectory, commissioner Cathy Engelbert should consider tweaking the current format.
Why do we need an entire week to watch rivalries that really don't exist? Are there better formats available? If constructed correctly, Engelbert could designate a weekend to feuding or historic opponents but schedule these games back-to-back, giving fans no choice but to consume endless screen time.
Let's face it, which WNBA fan wouldn't want to witness a prime-time tipoff of the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty? Two teams that recently faced off in the 2024 WNBA Finals, and both have generational talent on their rosters. Oh, and by the way, this is a fixture the league has not designated to the 'Rivals Week' schedule.
In defense of the league, they have attempted to provide context for why they have classed certain games as emerging or existing rivalries. For new watchers of the league, this can be extremely beneficial. On the other hand, if you have to explain an existing conflict to die-hard fans, then surely the game isn't going to be the kind of matchup that puts bums on seats.
The concept of a 'Rivals Week' is undoubtedly exciting. Two feuding opponents facing off in the heat of battle will always rile up spectators. However, under its current guise, it doesn't feel authentic. Manufacturing rivalries will never work, as hatred can't be forced; it is something built up over time. The WNBA must rethink this chunk of the schedule and create something more enticing.
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