LSU’s Angel Reese, left, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

“Social Media Livestream Saves the Day for WNBA Debuts of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso”

The highly anticipated WNBA debuts of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso garnered widespread attention as eager fans tuned in to a social media livestream after the league’s official app failed to broadcast the game. The two rookies made their preseason debut for the Chicago Sky in a match against the Minnesota Lynx, which ended in a 92-81 loss.

Initially, confusion arose when the WNBA’s app incorrectly listed the game as available for viewing, leading fans to anticipate the broadcast. However, it was later clarified that only Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever was being televised, leaving supporters disappointed.

Enter @heyheyitsalli on X, who stepped in to fill the void. The user offered to stream the game, albeit with no promises on quality. Despite this, viewership numbers soared, with the livestream accumulating about 434,000 total views by Saturday, peaking at 173,381 live viewers during the game.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve humorously remarked that @heyheyitsalli deserved “three bucks” per viewer for their initiative. She emphasized the rapid growth of interest in the WNBA, urging stakeholders to adapt to the changing landscape to ensure the league’s continued success.

ESPN | Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are all smiles on Angel's IG story  🤩 (via @angelreese10) | Instagram

Reeve acknowledged the importance of broadcasting games featuring star players like Caitlin Clark but emphasized the broader excitement surrounding the WNBA as a whole. She stressed the need to capitalize on this momentum to further solidify the league’s position in the sports world.

Despite the unconventional broadcasting situation, both Reese and Cardoso impressed in their debuts. Reese recorded 13 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes, while Cardoso contributed six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes.

Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon expressed satisfaction with the rookies’ performances, emphasizing the team’s focus on development and cohesion. She highlighted the leadership within the team and their commitment to nurturing the young talent, ensuring they thrive in the competitive WNBA environment.

Overall, the livestream debacle served as a testament to the growing interest in women’s basketball and the resourcefulness of fans in ensuring that these pivotal moments are not missed.