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Good Thursday Morning. Greetings from sunny Mallorca. Bringing you an abbreviated, “snack size” version of SBP this week.

Five Interesting, Funny, and Touching Things that Happened in Sports This Week

#1: The WNBA’s numbers just over a month into the season are massive

🗯️ My thought bubble: In addition to these excellent numbers, there is a more intangible metric showing the league’s growth: its place in the day-to-day cultural narrative.

Regardless of what side of the debates you fall on, this WNBA season has had several compelling storylines that have been in the public zeitgeist and touched off fierce debate in major public forums — sports talk, social media, etc. As you would expect, many of these revolve around the seminal rookie class, namely Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese:

• Chennedy Carter’s shove of Caitlin Clark and if she’s being targeted

• Angel Reese’s comments on said shove and what she believes she’s contributed so far

• Caitlin Clark not being on the Team USA roster

Regardless of what side is right, I would argue all of this is a net positive for the W. I’m not advocating for the WNBA to turn into a circus, and I completely understand/agree with the arguments that there is a ton of existing talent that has been toiling away for years before these rookies showed up.

But, I think of it like a marketing funnel.

In today’s society, drama and storylines capture the general public’s attention. These people become aware of what’s going on due to the narratives and fierce debates about these stars, and they tune in. A subsection of those viewers turn into casual fans due to the quality of play, and a subsection of that group turns into super fans.

#2: Bark at the Park events never miss. Definitely better than watching the White Sox.

#3: U.S. Cricket pulls off a “Miracle”-level upset of world power Pakistan in the T20 Cricket World Cup. The team is comprised of immigrants and part-time players, and this has the potential to help cricket become viable in the U.S.

🗯️ My thought bubble: Cricket is one of the biggest sports in the world, and it’s a favorite of major emerging markets like India.

Given the number of immigrants in the US and the potential to unlock additional fans in the most lucrative market in the world, it’s understandable why investors are interested in cricket in the States. It’s worth noting that addition to the U.S.’s milestone win, a match this past weekend in New York between India and Pakistan drew 34,000 fans and featured a raucous, college football-like atmosphere. The interest is there.

There is a fledgling professional league here in the States — Major League Cricket — that is starting up, and investors and people interested in growing the sport see hosting a major global tournament like the T20 World Cup in the U.S. as a similar play to North America hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and its second order benefits for the MLS.

The hope is that a major tournament coming to the States will have positive long-term effects for the sport here by increasing awareness, youth participation, and ultimately interest/fandom in the local professional league. This, in turn, will create a sustainable business model for the league.

#4 Doris Burke gets her flowers during the NBA Finals

#5: MLB hosted its London Series this past weekend. There were several great moments.

I’m more convinced than ever that we need British people calling all sports.

The MLB found a wholesome British Phillies fan and gave him a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wait until he meets the rest of the fanbase.

Until next time, sports fans!

-Alex