Last week, the Seattle Storm beat the Las Vegas Aces 92–59 to sweep the WNBA Finals and win the 2020 WNBA championship. The victory ended a historic WNBA season.
In early July WNBA teams arrived at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The teams played 22 games in “the Wubble,” with no fans in attendance.
Right from the start, the league as a whole and the players individually made it clear this season was about a lot more than basketball. Using their platform to promote social justice, encourage voting and raise money and awareness for charities, everyone was united and consistent with their messages.
The WNBA was the first major pro sports league to restart during the pandemic. With a couple minor exceptions, which did not affect team rosters, everyone remained healthy. The WNBA set the example for the NHL and NBA to follow.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert is already planning for the 2021 season. Although the shortened season started in August this season, the regular season usually starts in May.
For me, this was an incredible season. With no outside media on site, media sessions were open to the press via Zoom. I had the opportunity to talk to star players like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, along with young stars on the rise like Natisha Hiedeman and Kia Nurse. Although ordinarily I would have been part of the press at Chicago Sky home games, I never would have been able to talk at length to so many players and coaches around the league.
One special experience was developing a bit of a friendship with Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer. The former NBA star had a noted rivalry with my Chicago Bulls during his playing days. While in high school, Laimbeer also had a part as a monster on television’s Land of the Lost. In our first session, when I asked about that role, he really opened up and we had a lot of fun all season.
Congratulations to the Storm for winning their second WNBA title in three years. More importantly, congratulations to the entire league on successfully managing to have a season, crown a champ and promote social change.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
ShareThis