Historic Return of Women’s Professional Basketball
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — For Natasha Cloud, the thrill of playing professional basketball in her hometown carries significant weight. Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Cloud was an ardent supporter of the 76ers and idolized basketball legend Allen Iverson. This past weekend, as she stepped onto the court that Iverson once graced, she couldn’t help but glance up at his retired No. 3 jersey hanging high above. This moment marked a historic return of women’s professional basketball to Philadelphia after nearly three decades, and Cloud played an integral role in this revival.
“It’s incredible to think I’m here, playing professionally in my home city for the first time,” Cloud reflected candidly.
Unrivaled League and Community Engagement
Cloud is a member of Phantom BC, part of the emerging 3-on-3 women’s basketball league known as Unrivaled, which recently departed its Florida bubble to venture into new territories, including Philadelphia. During this inaugural road trip, two games were organized, showcasing the league’s commitment to growth and outreach.
The doubleheader featured Cloud’s team, Phantom BC, squaring off against the Breeze, while Philly native Kahleah Copper led the defending champions, Rose, in a match against the Lunar Owls. The atmosphere was electric as a sold-out crowd of 20,000 filled the venue, all eager to witness this historic night. Copper, who was named the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP, took on the dual roles of local ambassador and team cheerleader, even arranging an outing to the renowned Dalessandro’s Steaks for her teammates.
“I believe the city is ready for women’s professional sports,” Copper stated, expressing her enthusiasm for being part of this revival.
Legacy and Future of Women’s Basketball in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a rich legacy of basketball talent, boasting Hall of Famers and iconic players, including Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant, who both received acclaim during their high school careers in the area. However, women’s professional basketball has long been absent from the city’s sports landscape, with the last team, the Philadelphia Rage, playing in 1998 before the league’s dissolution. Local figure Dawn Staley has promoted women’s basketball through her career, and the city hopes this new professional endeavor will rekindle interest in women’s sports.
Unrivaled’s introduction to Philadelphia marks a critical step toward establishing the city as a future hub for women’s basketball. Fans have shown strong support, with pre-game events generating high excitement and ticket prices reflecting the demand seen during recent Philadelphia 76ers games. As the city anticipates a new arena to be finished by 2030, which will house the upcoming WNBA team, the atmosphere is ripe for growth.
Challenges and Optimism for the League
Despite the excitement, Unrivaled faces challenges, particularly in viewership ratings that have seen a significant decline in its second season. The league’s games are receiving less attention on network broadcasts compared to previous seasons, prompting concern over long-term sustainability. Yet, for Cloud, the essence of the night lay not in numbers but rather in the energy of the audience that filled the stands.
“Look at this crowd tonight; it shows just how in demand women’s sports and basketball are right now,” Cloud noted with pride.
The co-founders of Unrivaled, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, viewed the Philadelphia leg of their tour as a vital test that could influence potential revenue increases and broader fan engagement. Player Cameron Brink expressed hope for more frequent tours, emphasizing the city’s warm reception toward women’s basketball. Brink, who recently conquered a knee injury, brought excitement to practice with her first dunk since her recovery.
The players’ engagement with the local community has helped foster connections, especially with young girls eager to see professional women athletes in action. Paige Bueckers, another prominent player, highlighted the importance of the turnout for the future of women’s basketball in Philadelphia, expressing excitement about the potential for major league opportunities.
“We aim to make the sports world proud with what we create,” declared Unrivaled CEO Alex Bazzell as the event unfolded.
As women’s basketball takes significant strides in Philadelphia, this weekend’s festivities may pave the way for further success and recognition within the sports industry, setting the stage for a bright future in the women’s game.
