Storied Hoops
More than just players. More than just a game.
A digital humanities project that chronicles the diverse history of the WNBA through the lens of data visualizations and interpretation.
![Katie Smith in a mid-air jump on the court during the New York Liberty vs. Detroit Shock WNBA game.](https://wnbapowerscholars.humspace.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2662600471_9a1174d567_3k-v6-scaled.jpg)
What is Storied Hoops?
Storied Hoops highlights the dynamic relationship between societal changes and the WNBA’s evolution with respect to the history of women’s sports. Our group, the WNBA Power Scholars, focuses on how shifts in cultural and social attitudes have influenced the popularity and success of the WNBA, setting it apart from other sports and leagues, such as the NBA. We examine the factors that have shaped the league’s achievements and challenges over time. Additionally, we explore how the changing cultural landscape in America has impacted the viewership and values of the WNBA. Storied Hoops is dedicated to celebrating the WNBA’s journey, highlighting its role in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports, and chronicling its presence in the story of women’s sports.
Research Questions
With these interests in mind, our group decided on two primary questions.
1.
In recent years, how has the popularity and success of the WNBA developed versus other sports or leagues, like the NBA? What societal or cultural reasons can its accomplishments or shortcomings be attributed to?
2.
How did the changing cultural landscape in America affect the viewership of the WNBA? What did the league initially look like, and how has its values changed over time?
“It’s been an amazing transition to be able to come to WNBA games, whether you’re a fan, a player, a coach, a front office worker, and just be yourself. I think that’s the whole purpose of life — to live life authentically and to be yourself.
Diana Taurasi
#3, Phoenix Mercury
For an in-depth look into how we visualized and analyzed our data, visit our data & narrative page.
To read our interpretation of our dataset, view the data critique.