Start Spreading the News: "Stew York, Stew York!"

On the first day of WNBA free agency signings this year, Breanna Stewart brings her... iconic messaging on social media in recent weeks to a halt... she's going to play for the New York Liberty, alongside Sabrina Ionescu and so many talented others.

Longtime veteran player Courtney Vander-sloot of the Chicago Sky recently penned a heartfelt thank you and goodbye letter to her team too, sparking speculation the point guard might join the Liberty to play alongside her winter teammate Stewart as both are signed with Fenerbahce S.K. in Turkey.  We'll see who she signs with in the coming days.

Vandersloot's wife Allie Quigley either remains committed to the Sky, or might be retiring in the coming days too. (?) *  The Sky lost Candace Parker to the Las Vegas Aces, whom she announced she will be signing with as a free agent because her family -- wife and two children -- make their home on the West Coast now, not Chicagoland where she was raised and which was her original family home.

I like to see the women's game getting attention.  You hate to see the Sky depleted of top talent but... if Quigley announces her retirement* because she and Vandersloot plan to start a family, you can't help but be happy and hopeful for that couple too.

The WNBA has a Future, as more money is invested and the markets grow.  Don't listen to the naysayers who would say:  it's all subsidized; who wants to see women play??  A lot of people do.  It's a fast-paced game, at its best.  And remember, in the 1970s, the NBA wasn't all that, financially, either...

Amazing what a little investment in a product, and better marketing will do.  If you get a chance, if the New York Liberty, say, are playing against a team in your area too next summer, try to get a ticket to watch them play...

I was lucky to see the Minnesota Lynx in their championship prime;  watching strong players work hard and compete, you just might get hooked, and definitely will have an enjoyable summer evening or weekend game too!  #WomenWhoWin

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* 'ope:  After I wrote the above, I read Holly Rowe is reporting that Quigley will sit out this season, but has not announced her retirement...  The Sky will be rebuilding, no doubt.

(I guess it's kind of like following gossip, but sports-oriented gossip, so it interests me.  Stewart, of course, is married and has a child already...)