When the WNBA announced that it would be streaming live games via Twitter, it was up in the air how much of a success it would be.
If the early returns are any indication, having The W on Twitter is a slam dunk and a triple-double all in one.
The Associated Press reported that the WNBA drew over 1.1 million unique viewers for the first game that was featured on Twitter—this past Sunday when the Dallas Wings squared off against the Phoenix Mercury. Dallas won 68-58.
What will the WNBA-Twitter team up do for an encore? We will find out soon enough when on Friday, the Mercury are once again featured as they take on the San Antonio Stars.
In addition to the next game, it was also announced that the Los Angeles Sparks’ ring ceremony will also be live streamed via the WNBA’s Twitter account and also on Periscope. The ceremony will be streamed prior to the Mercury-Stars tilt.
The partnership with Twitter, along with the league starting a daily fantasy pact with FanDuel appear to be ways that the WNBA is attempting to expand the reach of women’s basketball beyond the confines of the court.
The deal with FanDuel was announced a few days prior to opening weekend.
This partnership with FanDuel and our new one-day fantasy game will be a fresh, unique for fans to further connect with their favorite WNBA players and teams throughout our season.
–WNBA president Lisa Borders
The FanDuel announcement gives fans the opportunity to compete for daily WNBA prizes—including merchandise and courtside tickets.
The week of May 13-20 also gave fans chances to play special games and win prizes as part of the “WNBA Tip-Off Challenge.”
The Associated Press also learned that a daily fantasy WNBA may be on its way to DraftKings as well.
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
