The WNBA has experienced tremendous growth, but it has a problem — an investment problem. One thing this year’s WNBA free agency has taught anyone paying attention is that the league’s top players are going where owners invest in facilities and overall better support for athletes. The lack of resources for players is a huge reason why LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson feels uneasy about her potential transition to the WNBA.
Per Scott Thompson of Fox News, Flau’jae recently expressed concerns about what resources she will have at the pro level:
“You go to college, and you’re treated like a pro. Then, you go to the pros and you’re treated not like a professional. In that way, I say the league can be better. I know everybody will say revenue, but it’s going to take time for the game to get to where it’s supposed to get. I think just the conditions for the players – living arrangements, travel arrangements – that’s very important to the athlete.”
What Flau’jae is referencing isn’t a new challenge. Today’s WNBA stars are also considering it as they progress through their careers.
Free agency has shown that access to top-tier facilities and resources is a major deciding factor in why players are willing to move teams. New Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike mentioned that part of the reason she signed with the team was because seeing Seattle’s facilities was almost like seeing her worth in physical form. Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury listed similar reasoning in her decision to change scenery and mentioned Phoenix’s commitment to invest in women as a significant draw.
The standard has been raised, and if the WNBA wants to get the best out of its players, a better infrastructure must be built.
