The WNBA is getting the attention it deserves this season. According to ESPN, viewership is up an astonishing 46% compared to last year. Some sportsbooks have also reported a 40% increase in betting on women's sports.
Why is all this suddenly happening? Because media has finally pushed the league to be on our radar and certain voices are amplifying the sport. Last night at the ESPY Awards is a prime example of the helpful advocacy.
A'ja Wilson wins 2023 Best wNBA Player at ESPY Awards
The ESPY Awards bring together the top athletes and teams to get proper acknowledgement. This year, Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson was the recipient for Best WNBA Player.
big blessings 🤍 God really be doing his thing! https://t.co/or0itSpt6f
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 13, 2023
Currently top three on the oddsboard to win WNBA MVP, the 26-year-old leads her defending champion team with 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The 2018 first-overall pick has sunk 20 points or more in 13 performances this year. She is gearing up as the team captain for the third time in the upcoming WNBA All-Star competition. Her skill and leadership made her a clear favorite for the award.
LeBron Shouts out wilson in speech
The best way to grow the game is for the big names to give it recognition -- which is exactly what King James did. The LA Lakers star used the end of his speech to give massive kudos to the five-time All-Star and encourage people to support the girls and women's professional basketball.
Appreciate you bro @KingJames 🙌🏽🙌🏽 https://t.co/xXtK43HDMr
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) July 13, 2023
When in doubt, listen to LeBron, kids!