Geno Auriemma Praises Breanna Stewart’s On and Off-Court Legacy
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has identified New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart as a “groundbreaking” figure in professional women’s basketball, citing her influence both on and off the court. Stewart, a four-time NCAA champion and three-time WNBA champion, has recently helped shape the league’s first comprehensive revenue-sharing model and co-founded the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled to provide stateside playing opportunities during the WNBA offseason.
Did You Know? Geno Auriemma and broadcaster Robin Roberts were the commentary team for ESPN’s inaugural WNBA broadcast in 1997, marking the beginning of the league’s television history.
Expanding the WNBA Platform
According to Auriemma, Stewart’s legacy is defined by her willingness to leverage her professional platform beyond her on-court performance. Auriemma noted that while historical male athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal built expansive brands outside of their primary sports, women have historically lacked similar opportunities. By participating in collective bargaining negotiations that led to the WNBA’s first million-dollar contract, Stewart is actively changing that landscape, a sentiment Auriemma suggests is shared by other stars like A’ja Wilson.
A Reunion in the Broadcast Booth
The significance of the league’s 30th season will be highlighted on July 7, when Auriemma joins Robin Roberts and Beth Mowins to broadcast the Liberty’s game against the Dallas Wings. Roberts, who became an equity investor in the Liberty last year, expressed that returning to the broadcast booth feels like “going home.” Auriemma, who admitted to being nervous about the upcoming broadcast, recalled the pair’s 1997 debut, noting that their long-standing professional relationship allows them more creative freedom than they possessed three decades ago.
Expert Insight: The transition of players like Stewart into roles as league negotiators and business founders signals a shift in the power dynamic of professional sports. By securing revenue-sharing models and creating alternative leagues, athletes are moving from being strictly employees to active stakeholders in the growth of the sport’s ecosystem.
Future Broadcasting Scenarios
As the WNBA moves further into its 30th season, the chemistry between veteran commentators like Auriemma and Roberts could set a tone for how the league archives and celebrates its history. With the upcoming broadcast in New York, viewers may see a shift toward more candid, personality-driven commentary rather than strictly technical analysis. If the July 7 broadcast is well-received, it is possible that the league will continue to utilize veteran voices to bridge the gap between its founding era and its current growth phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific contributions has Breanna Stewart made to the WNBA’s business model?
Stewart played a role in collective bargaining negotiations that resulted in the league’s first million-dollar contract and its first comprehensive revenue-sharing model.
What is the purpose of the Unrivaled league?
Co-founded by Stewart, Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 basketball league designed to offer players the opportunity to compete stateside during the WNBA offseason.
Who will be calling the Liberty game on July 7?
The broadcast team will feature Geno Auriemma, Robin Roberts, and play-by-play commentator Beth Mowins.
How do you think the increased involvement of players in league business operations will shape the future of professional sports?