The WNBA joins NBA Live 2018
For over two decades NBA video games flooded the market, but they’ve never featured WNBA or Collegiate players. Until now.
Last week EA Sports announced the WNBA’s full roster of teams and players will be included in NBA Live 2018.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the misogynistic comments flowed throughout social media. Displaying yet again the struggle female athletes have had to overcome to gain respect. A moment of excitement was also a moment some took to tear down by way of ignorance. Even as I typed “WNBA” in this piece I was constantly reminded that it was misspelled and the correct phrasing is “NBA”. If that doesn’t signal disrespect I honestly don’t know what will.
Look, this is an effort to bridge the gap between players and fans that view the two gender groups differently from an entertainment standpoint. For that reason alone I applaud the collaborative attempting to both unite and combat those that believe it’s a sport best suited or only enjoyable when played by men.
Ignorance is rampant.
In the gaming world, the common misconception is men are the largest consumers. They are not. To wit, in the UK that title is held by women who make up 52 percent of the gaming audience according to a study by the Internet Advertising Audience Bureau. Similarly, the Entertainment Software Association in the United States confirms twice as many adult women play video games compared to boys.
For those fortunate enough to consistently see an example of somebody who looks like them in the virtual world, it’s very easy to take for granted the value that figure symbolizes.
Representation matters. It doesn’t cure all, but in what is deemed a male dominate sport and media, it is the initial catalyst for change. There is a connection between the sport and the video game which builds excitement and support. Knowing you have that interactive experience at the tip of your fingers — playing as or against your favorite player/team is invaluable.
Examine the game of Futbol and you’ll find a direct correlation to FIFA’s influence on Americans. From 2010 to 2012 US FIFA sales increased by 35 percent for the 12–17 year-old demographic, according to an ESPN poll created by Richard Luker. During that same time frame Americans who consider themselves Futbol fans also steadily increased.
That same report states over a third of people that purchased FIFA became soccer fans after playing the game and 50 percent became interested in the sport once they began playing it.
For young women, aspiring to play the game collegiality or professionally one day — this now adds to their motivation, appreciation and pride for the game. For female gamers, this news provides another step towards diversifying an industry in which they already represent a large portion of the consumer base.
This news is not only a win for the gaming industry or women’s basketball, but the sport of basketball and everyone who is for inclusion. Beginning with being shutout of participating in 1891 to lack of attendance and appreciation for all levels of competition (AAU, high school, college and professional). The spotlight clearly pointed in their direction is a beacon of change which was vastly overdue.
Ultimately, the WNBA athletes didn’t need to step up their game to earn our respect — rather, we simply needed to step aside.
