512. The State of the WNBA at the All-Star Break

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the WNBA will hold its All-Star Game. The sport has seen exponential growth in audience and popularity since the emergence of second-year star Caitlin Clark. Still, when Clark missed time due to injury, ratings fell.

Dr. Tywanna Smith is a former pro basketball player and President of The Athletes’ Nexus. She, along with retired NBA star Sonny Weems, co-founded the Athletes Abroad Summit, a platform that empowers American athletes playing overseas to build sustainable success beyond the game.

They held a summit in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League and will be in Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star Weekend. The activation brings together pro athletes, coaches, and executives to lead global conversations around business, branding, and legacy in sports.

Dr. Smith was a guest previously on Sports with Friends Episode 102.

In this episode, Smith details the Athletes Abroad Summit and what athletes need to know if they want to pursue playing outside the USA. She also discusses the impact of Clark on the WNBA ratings and discusses whether the league is too reliant on her for its success and whether the increased ratings are sustainable. She also discusses the overall appeal of Clark and the role race plays in it.

For more info: https://www.athletesabroadsummit.com/