The WNBA opened its preseason Friday ahead of what could be a record-breaking season, but the only thing broken the first night was the league’s app.
The WNBA League Pass had serious issues, prompting complaints from both fans and media, who wondered why the league wasn’t better prepared for its moment in the spotlight.
The league tweeted an apology — literally, the tweet begins with the word “Apologies!” explaining the situation.
“Apologies! Our App is incorrectly showing that every preseason game (including CHI vs MIN) is available on League Pass. But you *can* watch IND vs DAL tonight at 8pm ET in a FREE preview of WNBA League Pass on the WNBA App. Also streaming free on the app will be the Canada Game.”
Apologies!
Our App is incorrectly showing that every preseason game (including CHI vs MIN) is available on League Pass. But you *can* watch IND vs DAL tonight at 8pm ET in a FREE preview of WNBA League Pass on the WNBA App. Also streaming free on the app will be the Canada Game… pic.twitter.com/4JGk82N3gM
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 3, 2024
Media who cover the league were quick to pounce, pointing out other issues, besides games being advertised but not available on the app. USA Today reporter, Lindsay Schnell tweeted, “Most anticipated @WNBA season in years and 1) there’s no score or time on the live stream & 2) the stats on the official WNBA page aren’t working. THIS LEAGUE DOES IT TO ITSELF.”
Most anticipated @WNBA season in years and 1) there’s no score or time on the live stream & 2) the stats on the official WNBA page aren’t working.
THIS LEAGUE DOES IT TO ITSELF.
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) May 4, 2024
Fellow USA Today reporter Nancy Armour replied to Schnell’s tweet, saying, “What a complete joke. The W is not ready for prime time. Not even close.”
What a complete joke. The W is not ready for prime time. Not even close. https://t.co/fJbPDlFtLd
— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) May 4, 2024
At least the Indiana Fever-Dallas Wings game featuring Caitlin Clark’s debut was available, although even that prompted questions from fans asking why the WNBA is already focusing only on Clark, and not other players.
What should have been a night where everyone enjoyed watching Clark and other rookies making their debuts instead turned into a series of complaints and snide observations on social media about the competence of league officials.
@WNBA league pass app is not working….#WNBA broke the internet and it’s only pre-season
— Wendi Neff (@Weneffer) May 4, 2024
An absolute embarrassment to see all the ways yet again the WNBA is falling down on the job already this season. I will never forgive the NBA for pumping money into the WNBA to drive out all other leagues and then just abandoning the league afterwards. https://t.co/Um18hzhM3w
— Queen Camilla (@Camilla_33) May 4, 2024
this is what happens when you weren’t prepared for the growth you wanted. https://t.co/ZFZFqdTjYR
— shakeia (@curlyfro) May 3, 2024
It’s only the preseason, a time when players are working their way into game shape, and one would assume the league will work out its issues as well. Despite the issues, interest in WNBA action was high Friday night.
there are more than 67,000 people watching a wnba game on twitter tonight because it’s not available anywhere. https://t.co/QkjETxNgyo
— shakeia (@curlyfro) May 4, 2024
In fairness, the issues appear out of the WNBA’s control. As one user pointed out, a conflict with Bally Sports North was a key reason why the game didn’t air Friday night. Bally Sports North instead aired the Minnesota Twins game.
[WNBA]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.