WNBA’s Sonia Citron: A Marketing Missed Opportunity for the Fighting Irish Star
The WNBA is at a crossroads. While Caitlin Clark has undeniably captured the spotlight, a critical question looms: is the league maximizing the potential of its other rising stars? Consider this: Sonia Citron, a standout rookie from Notre Dame with a massive following, is averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds a game, yet she seems to be missing out on the marketing push she deserves. The league needs to take note.
The Power of the Notre Dame Fanbase
Citron’s connection to Notre Dame, a university with a deeply loyal and passionate fanbase, is a significant asset. It’s a built-in audience, eager to support a player they’ve followed for years. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about a community built around shared history and traditions. The fact that Citron’s final game at Notre Dame drew 2.5 million viewers speaks volumes about the existing interest in the Fighting Irish star.
The rise in women’s college basketball viewership, particularly during Citron’s tenure, demonstrates the growing popularity of the sport. This surge is fueled by a blend of competitive play, compelling storylines, and dedicated fan bases. The WNBA has the opportunity to tap into this existing energy.
Leveraging NIL and Building Brands
Since NIL rules were introduced, Citron has proactively embraced opportunities, partnering with brands like Therabody and Coach. These endorsements highlight her marketability beyond the court. Her presence in commercials during the WNBA season further demonstrates the potential for off-court success and increased visibility.
The WNBA’s Marketing Crossroads
The WNBA, as it stands, needs to recognize that promoting diverse players with different fanbases is key to its long-term success. While it’s smart to have rivalries, an emphasis on a few players, such as Clark, neglects the broader spectrum of talent. Players like Citron, with strong college roots and established brands, offer a powerful way to generate interest. The NWSL, with its focus on individual players, sets a strong example of how to build a successful league.
The fact that the Washington Mystics drew over 10,000 fans against the Fever shows there is a strong interest in players like Citron. The league needs to recognize and capitalize on such a fanbase.
What the WNBA Can Learn from the NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) provides a helpful model. By highlighting individual players like Alex Morgan and Alyssa Thompson and promoting their personal stories, the NWSL has successfully cultivated a dedicated fan base and expanded its audience.
The WNBA should take note of the NWSL’s successful promotion of USWNT players to expand its own audience.
The Future is Bright if the WNBA Evolves
The WNBA has a golden opportunity to increase it’s reach. By highlighting players such as **Sonia Citron** and tapping into the existing fan bases of college stars, the league can generate substantial interest and revenue, establishing itself as a truly global sport. It needs to do this by building off the existing hype and not just trying to create new stars to rival Caitlin Clark. By recognizing that, the league will be able to see a strong future.
What do you think the WNBA could do to improve its marketing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
