Anonymous WNBA poll reveals more players want roster spots over expansion

The imminent closing of the WNBA regular season this Sunday is a breath of fresh air for basketball fans. As the playoffs loom, exciting prospects await in the postseason, and the following offseason promises an eventual burst of player movements. The Athletic’s WNBA Confidential series has been tirelessly polling players around the league to gather their insights on various aspects of the game and league. Recently, the series unveiled the players’ thoughts on the best current and future players in the league. Now, it’s time to delve into how players view the WNBA’s leading teams and touch on some critical issues within the sport.

Polling roughly a third of WNBA players, including 46 players from all 12 teams, The Athletic offered anonymity to ensure candid responses. However, not every player answered every question, creating an intriguing blend of perspectives. Among the notable points of contention was whether the league should prioritize expanding team rosters or venturing into new markets. Opinions were split, with some advocating for more teams in new cities, while others emphasized the need for expanding roster spots to improve the league’s competitiveness.

In highlighting players’ remarks on the subject, a recurrent theme was the desire to see the WNBA evolve while simultaneously addressing internal challenges. Some cited the need to fortify existing teams before venturing into new markets, while others emphasized the importance of expanding rosters to enhance opportunities for players, improve teams’ depth, and elevate the league’s overall quality of play. The differing viewpoints provided valuable insights into players’ perspectives on the league’s future.

Switching gears, players offered intriguing snippets on their sentiments towards coaches, with last year’s Coach of the Year Becky Hammon emerging as a prominent figure in their responses. Although admirably acknowledging Hammon’s influence, players exhibited a varied stance on other coaches within the league.

Reflecting on the league’s premier teams, it’s unsurprising that the investing-in-infrastructure Las Vegas Aces garnered the most nods from players. Notably, the Aces proudly unveiled a state-of-the-art practice facility this year and, admirably, prioritized player comforts during travel, albeit momentarily. Despite their recent lack of postseason appearances, the Los Angeles Sparks also grabbed players’ attention, primarily due to the franchise’s rich history and appealing location.

The WNBA Confidential series promises to provide a remarkable glimpse into players’ thoughts on the league and its future. With further installments, the series is set to offer intriguing revelations on various aspects of the WNBA. Stay tuned for more insights and viewpoints from players across the league.

Editor’s note: The WNBA Confidential series is part of a partnership with Michelob ULTRA. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. By James Boyd

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.