WNBA owner under fire for decision involving | NBA News
Larry Gottesdiener, the bulk owner of the Atlanta Dream, is dealing with criticism after the WNBA workforce’s sport towards Indiana Fever was moved attributable to a “scheduling conflict.” The home opener for the Dream on May 22, which was initially deliberate to be at Gateway Center Arena, accommodating 3,500 followers, has been modified to happen on the State Farm Arena as a substitute, with a capability for 16,888 spectators.
Caitlin Clark, the breakout rookie, is deemed the first attraction by consultants. This venue change echoes final season’s tendency to shift video games that includes the Fever star to bigger venues in hopes of making the most of ticket purchasers desirous to see the up-and-coming expertise.
Last 12 months, the 23-year-old did not simply compete; she shattered data and drew crowds, turning into a profitable lure for franchise income. Despite this, Gottesdiener clings to his clarification of scheduling difficulties.
“We have invested significant resources and energy into making Gateway Center Arena the most unique home-court experience in the WNBA,” he claimed in a assertion launched Wednesday. “However, due to a scheduling conflict at Gateway, we saw an opportunity to bring this exciting early-season matchup to State Farm Arena, allowing even more fans to experience it. We appreciate the hospitality.
Not all fans are convinced by Gottesdiener’s explanation and have taken to social media platform X to voice their skepticism. With strong words, some directly called out the majority owner for ‘lies’. One individual commented sharply: “It’s known as The Caitlin Clark Effect.”
Echoing this sentiment, another declared: “Never trust somebody who lies for no motive.” A third person bluntly added: “It’s was about making MORE MONEY… who y’all attempting to idiot.”
Sports commentator Robin Lundberg also weighed in on the matter, highlighting: “Very inconvenient for the Dream to must promote 15,000 more tickets attributable to a scheduling battle simply as Caitlin Clark and the Fever come to city.”
Interestingly, last season, the Dream averaged an attendance of 3,315 in the18 games held at the Gateway Center Arena. It’s worth noting that their two regular-season home games against the Fever on June 21 and August 26, were shifted to the larger State Farm Arena, attracting crowds of 17,575 and 17,608, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Mirror US
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