SSI Director Quoted in The Hill on WNBA’s Growing Cultural Impact
Nicole Kraft, director of Ohio State’s Sports and Society Institute, was quoted in an Aug. 11 The Hill story examining how the WNBA’s growing popularity has placed the league at the center of national debates involving gender, race, politics and equity.
Kraft, a professor of sports journalism at Ohio State, discussed the challenge leagues face when increased visibility brings audiences well beyond their traditional fan base.
“It seems they’re at the intersection of every identity conversation in sports and their visibility has never been more significant,” Kraft told The Hill. “The more people you attract who are outside of the traditional WNBA audience, every controversy has the potential to become a national cultural debate, and they need to be prepared for that.”
The story, “WNBA becomes magnet for culture wars,” explores the public-relations challenges accompanying the league’s rapid growth and expanding cultural relevance.