Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces reflected not only on the game but also on a significant development off the court after the Aces lost 93-90 to the Dallas Wings on Tuesday evening. The conversation arose due to NBA star Chris Paul’s recent interest in owning the WNBA once he retires. When asked about Paul’s interest, Gray emphasized investing in the league. “I think investment is key, no matter who it is—male or female,” she stated. “The relationship is important. He’s been a fan of our game and has been around for a long time, seeing a lot of players come into our league. Investment, regardless of who it comes from, is crucial. When you see the product, we just need to expand from there.”
Paul, a skilled point guard known for his leadership on the court, has spoken highly of the WNBA on multiple occasions. In an interview with Forbes earlier this year, Paul revealed his aspirations to own both an NBA and WNBA team.
“Every year since I’ve been in the NBA, I’ve been to a WNBA game. I’m excited [about the WNBA’s future], because doing the union work, I’ve been involved in their union and just talking about ‘how can we grow their game, how can we do this or that,’ and they’ve just done it organically,” Paul shared. “People are finally starting to see just how amazing their game is. They have so many talented women, they play the game so smooth. Everything is really exciting and effortless, and I just think it’s going to continue to grow. And I want to be a part of it. I would love to own a WNBA team.”
Gray’s reaction exemplifies the mutual respect and admiration between the NBA and WNBA. Paul’s involvement could lead to a significant increase in visibility and investment, which would further solidify the WNBA’s place in the sports world, especially for players like Gray, who have dedicated their careers to the league. The idea of Paul becoming an owner is both thrilling and a confirmation of their hard work in elevating the game. As the WNBA continues to grow, the support of influential figures such as Paul could play a crucial role in expanding its reach and impact. Gray and her teammates are currently concentrating on their season, but the prospect of future investments is a significant opportunity for the league and its players.
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