The Reddit founder is keen to know more about what goes on away from the courts of the WNBA.
Alexis Ohanian, founder of Reddit,
said he wants the WNBA to replicate a behind-the-scenes documentary of the stars of women’s basketball as the billionaire is keen to learn more about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s mentality.
After watching a show focusing on the National Women’s Soccer League players during which 11 were following throughout their time in Miami during the offseason allowing fans a rare insight to the life of a professional athlete.
Offseason seems to be a success and the format in general is becoming popular with examples such as the NBA’s Starting Five on Netflix which follows the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James or the All Or Nothing documentary following Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in European soccer.
As a result, fans call for the Offseason show to be introduced to the WNBA to follow icons such as the Indiana shooting guard and the Chicago Sky forward, as well as Sabrina Ionescu or A’ja Wilson.
“I couldn’t agree more,” said Ohanian, who is married to Serena Williams, via X.com, formerly Twitter, after a fan asked for the show to follow professional women’s basketball in the United States.
..In recent years, there has been a growing push for increased visibility and storytelling within women’s sports, fueled by fans and advocates who want to see more of the personalities and lives of female athletes. Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, has joined the ranks of those calling for more in-depth, behind-the-scenes coverage in women’s sports leagues, particularly in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, has expressed his interest in a documentary series similar to others that have successfully followed professional athletes through their offseason, exploring their personal journeys, challenges, and motivations.
Ohanian’s vision for such a documentary would take cues from recent successful shows that have provided fans with exclusive insights into the lives of athletes. One notable example is Offseason, a series that follows players from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) during their offseason training in Miami. Offseason has become popular among viewers for its candid approach to documenting players’ lives beyond the field, including their training routines, personal lives, and interactions with fans and teammates. Through this documentary, fans have been able to gain a rare understanding of the mental and physical challenges these athletes face in their journey to excellence.
In his advocacy for a similar WNBA-focused documentary, Ohanian referenced a few standout players that he believes fans would be excited to learn more about. Caitlin Clark, a young basketball sensation, has become known for her skill, competitiveness, and distinctive style of play, earning admiration from fans across the country. Angel Reese, another rising star, has garnered attention not only for her performances on the court but also for her unapologetic and confident approach, which has sparked conversations around identity and self-expression in women’s sports. These players represent the kind of raw talent and compelling stories that could bring in a whole new audience if given a platform.
Ohanian also highlighted the success of other behind-the-scenes sports documentaries, including the All or Nothing series on Amazon, which follows Manchester City, and The Last Dance, the wildly successful Netflix docuseries that chronicled Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ last championship season. These documentaries have set the stage for sports storytelling, giving fans intimate access to players’ thoughts, triumphs, and struggles. Following a similar model, a WNBA-focused documentary could help bridge the gap between players and fans, showcasing the athletes’ day-to-day realities, training intensity, and mental resilience.
There is growing demand for such storytelling in women’s basketball. The WNBA has a fan base that is passionate, engaged, and eager for more media content that delves deeper into the personalities of its players. This interest is not only a testament to the increasing visibility of women’s sports but also to a shift in how sports media is consumed. Fans today crave content that goes beyond highlights and final scores. They want to know the athletes, what drives them, and how they overcome both personal and professional challenges. Documentaries like Starting Five, which follows LeBron James and other NBA stars, illustrate this trend and set a benchmark for storytelling in sports.
A WNBA documentary could also highlight the unique pressures that women athletes face. Unlike many male athletes, who often have extensive support systems within and outside of their sport, female athletes frequently juggle additional roles and responsibilities. Many WNBA players also play overseas during the offseason to supplement their incomes, which adds another layer of complexity to their lives. Capturing these narratives could reveal the level of dedication required to succeed in professional women’s basketball, highlighting both the rewards and sacrifices that come with their career.
In response to fans’ calls for a WNBA-focused Offseason, Ohanian posted on X.com, formerly Twitter, showing his support for a series that would bring viewers closer to athletes like the Indiana Fever’s shooting guard and the Chicago Sky’s forward, as well as rising stars like Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson. Ohanian emphasized that an inside look at players’ offseason routines, mental preparation, and life outside of basketball could offer fans a more nuanced understanding of the sport. It could also inspire younger generations, showing that success in sports is as much about mental toughness, resilience, and character as it is about skill.
This proposed series would not only benefit the fans but could also have a broader impact on the WNBA as an organization. Increased visibility could attract new audiences, draw in potential sponsors, and generate higher revenues for the league. The success of other sports documentaries has proven that when viewers connect with athletes on a personal level, their loyalty and engagement increase, translating into higher viewership and greater support. For the WNBA, this could mean not only more media coverage but also a greater share of attention and respect in the broader sports industry.
Moreover, Ohanian’s interest in this project reflects a broader movement within sports toward gender equity. Historically, male athletes have received far more attention and funding, leading to more comprehensive media coverage and larger audiences. By advocating for a documentary focused on the WNBA, Ohanian is supporting a movement to level the playing field, giving female athletes the platform and visibility they deserve. Such a show could contribute to a cultural shift, encouraging fans and sponsors to invest more in women’s sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls who can see themselves represented in professional athletes.
Ohanian’s push for this WNBA documentary also aligns with his broader support for women in sports, which has been evident through his relationship with Serena Williams. Williams, a trailblazer in tennis and a vocal advocate for women’s rights and racial equality, has undoubtedly influenced Ohanian’s perspective. Together, they have shown a commitment to promoting equality, using their platforms to drive change and empower female athletes. This new initiative could further solidify their influence, demonstrating that sports, regardless of gender, deserve equal celebration and attention.
Fans and advocates are hopeful that the WNBA will take this opportunity to launch a documentary series that shines a light on the unique stories within the league. While the logistics and financial aspects would need to be addressed, the benefits for both the league and its players are clear. As media continues to evolve, sports organizations are finding new ways to engage with fans, and there’s no doubt that a WNBA docuseries would tap into a growing market of viewers eager for authentic, behind-the-scenes content.
Ultimately, the call for an Offseason-style documentary within the WNBA signifies a cultural shift in sports media. With leaders like Ohanian advocating for such initiatives, it seems likely that we’ll see more content dedicated to showcasing the experiences of female athletes, celebrating their achievements, and sharing their stories with a global audience. For fans, this is an exciting time to witness the changing landscape of sports media, where every athlete has a chance to inspire, regardless of gender.