WNBA set to tip off shortened season
A WNBA season like no other will get underway on Saturday with all 12 teams at a single site.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, league staff and the player’s union worked together on a plan to tip off the league’s 24th season at a single site during the coronavirus pandemic. They coordinated on medical protocols and the logistics of playing in one location.
After a couple of weeks in the bubble, the plan seems to be working.
There have only been two positive tests for the coronavirus by staff and players, and those were in the first few days when people arrived on July 6. There have been none since.
“Knock on wood every day, but things are stable here” in Brandenton, Florida, Engelbert said.
“So far, the plan and the protocols are working. Wearing masks, washing hands, daily temperature checks.”
Engelbert, who just finished her first year as the league’s commissioner, is confident the WNBA will have a successful season and make it through the playoffs in October.
“Again, I’m not superstitious, but the more I talk about how well things are going, I do get a little nervous,”the commissioner said.
“But I’m very confident right now.” she said.
The league welcomes back a few of its stars who missed last season because of injury or pregnancy.
Seattle got the biggest boost with the return of Breanna Stewart (Achilles’ tendon) and Sue Bird (knee).
Phoenix also will have a healthy Diana Taurasi back after she only played six games last season because of hamstring and back injuries as well as Skylar Diggins-Smith (pregnancy).
Missing in action
While the league will have many players back, it will be missing a few who have decided to take the season off for a variety of reasons including medical and social justice reform.
Reigning MVP Elena Delle Donne is out rehabbing her back after having surgery on it January.
Other players missing include Las Vegas Aces’ star Liz Cambage, who was given a medical exemption. Washington’s Natasha Cloud and Atlanta’s Renee Montgomery decided to opt out of the season to focus on social justice reform.
Shortened season
Teams will play 22 games this year facing all the other franchises twice. There will be no fans in attendance and no travel to other cities.