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WNBA shoots to score
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June 18, 1997: 8:11 p.m. ET
Women's pro-basketball arrives as the sport hits its stride with the public
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - With women's basketball at its peak popularity, Val Ackerman is convinced the time is right for a new pro league.
And Ackerman is using her business acumen and experience as a former player to help launch the Women's National Basketball Association.
"We've got a business plan that's very specific," Ackerman told CNNfn's "Business Unusual." "Our focus is on building women's basketball, and anything that's going to do that for us [is] a plus."
Ackerman, the president of the new WNBA, was a four-year starter at University of Virginia and played professionally in France before entering UCLA law school. She later joined the National Basketball Association as a staff attorney.
She said the idea for a women's league has come up many times over the years but never caught on. The growth of women's basketball in colleges and in Olympic competition was the right catalyst. (1.9M QuickTime movie)
"It's been a long road," Ackerman said.
But the hard work seems to coming to fruition with NBC Sports, Lifetime and ESPN agreeing to carry one game a week -- live and in prime time.
To support that programming, the WNBA has developed a national marketing campaign. Since last year, the league has attracted about 10 national sponsors who are planning extensive promotions, said Ackerman. (181K WAV) or (181K AIFF)
The league is hoping to mine new fans mainly from two sources: women between the ages of 18 and 34 and children. Existing fans of the NBA are another potential market, she said.
"We know that to do well, we have to attract fans," she said. (198K WAV) or (198K AIFF) The goal in the first year is to draw 4,000 fans.
There are a few differences between the men's game, she said. For example, the ball is a little smaller and the three-point shooting line is slightly closer to the basket. The players will also be on the court for two, 20-minute halves instead of four quarters.
Ackerman thinks the league will complement the American Basketball League, another professional outlet for women that started this season.
"Ultimately, we know we need to have a good product on the floor," she said. "We hope for an exciting, exciting basketball event."
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