May be an image of 2 people, people playing basketball and text

The WNBA debuts of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso became a focal point of anticipation as fans eagerly awaited their first appearance on the court for the Chicago Sky. However, excitement turned to frustration when the league’s app failed to broadcast the game, leaving supporters in the dark about their debut. Amidst the confusion, a dedicated fan, @heyheyitsalli, took matters into their own hands and offered to livestream the game on social media platform X, ensuring that fans didn’t miss out on witnessing the highly anticipated debut.

Despite the setback with the broadcast, the game itself proved to be an exciting affair, with Reese and Cardoso showcasing their talents on the court. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Chicago Sky ultimately fell short, losing 92-81 to the Minnesota Lynx. However, amidst the disappointment of the loss, fans were captivated by the performance of the two rookies, who displayed glimpses of their potential to make a significant impact in the league.

South Carolina and LSU basketball have 'truce' after heated season with WNBA link-up key - The Mirror US

In the aftermath of the game, attention turned to the impressive viewership numbers generated by @heyheyitsalli’s livestream. With approximately 434,000 total views and a peak of 173,381 live viewers, the stream demonstrated the immense interest in Reese and Cardoso’s debut, underscoring the growing popularity of the WNBA and the importance of alternative platforms in reaching fans.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the significance of the livestream, praising @heyheyitsalli’s initiative and suggesting that viewers should show their appreciation by contributing financially to the individual responsible for the stream. Reeve emphasized the need for the WNBA to adapt to changing trends and capitalize on the excitement surrounding the league to ensure its continued growth and success.

Sky get Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese with No. 3 and No. 7 picks - Chicago Sun-Times

While Reese finished the game with an impressive stat line of 13 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes, Cardoso also made a notable contribution with six points and four rebounds in 13 minutes of play. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon expressed satisfaction with the rookies’ debuts, highlighting the positive impact of their performance and the leadership within the team guiding their development.

Overall, despite the initial disappointment with the broadcast, Reese and Cardoso’s debut served as a reminder of the talent and excitement present in the WNBA, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future performances on the court.