In an Era of Expansion, 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart Powering Her Way to Liberty Served ?Exactly What WNBA Deserves?

Lights, spectators, glory – that is what WNBA Finals are composed of. The New York Liberty made all heads turn when they qualified for the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces for the first time since 2002. Liberty star Breanna Stewart has since then been in the headlines for her fiery and determined attitude. And it was apt when she was questioned on a variety of topics by the media that left her fans wanting more.

Let us take a look at what Stewart had to say that upped the ante for the Finals.

What did Breanna Stewart have to say

The New York Liberty?s Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vanders made an appearance on Good Morning America on Thursday and were questioned on different aspects of the game including all-time high viewership and record sponsorship and attendance.

Taking cognizance of the same, Breanna stated, ?We?ve been trying to get people to see what we do on the court and come out to games and now it?s finally being put in that spotlight. It?s exactly what the WNBA deserves, what the women?s sports deserves. Just continuing to fight for equality and know that this is bigger than just us here in New York and Brooklyn, but we are trying to change the game in the broader sense.?

For the unversed, as per the WNBA official site, this season had 36 million total unique views – the highest since 2008.

The attendance was up by 16% compared to last year with an average of 6,615 fans per contest which was the highest since 2018, whereas the social media handle attendance generated a record 373 million video views this season, thus making a whopping record of being 96% more than that of last season.

Apart from this, according to Sports Business Journal the WNBA had a record 38 sponsors – the highest since its inception in 1997. With Nike and Gatorade supporting the league since day one, the US Bank recently made waves this season by joining the list of sponsors. Strengthening the cause of women?s sports, the Bank was quick to add itself to the changemaker platform comprising AT&T, Deloitte, Nike and Google.

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Hence, every athlete including Stewart have gained more prominence this season.

How has Stewart performed so far

Stewart signed with the New York Liberty in free agency during February 2023 and it is only in her first season that she propelled the team to the highly anticipated Finals. Stewart averaged 20.5 points as the Liberty upended the Sun 3-1. Her semi-final game four performance stood out as she scored 27 points, the max for any player in the game, along with 9 rebounds and 1 assist.

It remains to be seen how she will perform in the Finals. Recently, Hall of Famer Ticha Penicheiro picked her as favorite.

Thus, Stewart spoke about the women?s league and how everyone is trying to do their best for the sport. It only remains to be seen how Stewart will perform in the Final and if the Liberty can clinch the coveted championship.

WATCH THIS STORY: After the First Game Slipup Can Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart Lead the New York Liberty for an Inspiring Comeback