Dawn Staley’s Candid WNBA Prediction in 2011 Resurfaces—Here’s What She Got Right and What Still Needs Work
Over a decade ago, Dawn Staley—now one of the most respected figures in college basketball—was celebrated for her achievements as a professional athlete. In 2011, the WNBA marked its 15th anniversary, and Staley was named one of the league’s Top 15 players of all time. At the time, she was already transitioning into a successful coaching career, but her legacy as a pioneer of women’s basketball was still fresh.
In a YouTube video from July 2011, Staley sat down with fellow WNBA legend Lisa Leslie to reflect on the honor. While both women expressed deep appreciation for being included among the league’s all-time greats, Staley also took the opportunity to speak candidly about the future of the WNBA—sharing thoughts that would prove surprisingly prescient more than a decade later.
When asked what she envisioned for the WNBA over the next 15 years, Staley didn’t shy away from addressing potential difficulties. “I think with any company nowadays, financially… they’re going to run into some financial troubles,” she remarked. “But I think that’s been the case probably for 15 years now, and it survived.”
Staley’s prediction was grounded in realism. At the time, the WNBA had already endured its share of financial challenges—team relocations, dwindling attendance in some markets, and questions about profitability. Yet it remained afloat, and Staley believed that trend would continue despite ongoing obstacles.
Beyond financial concerns, she was optimistic about the evolution of talent in the league. “From a talent standpoint, the players are a lot better than 15 years ago,” she said. In Staley’s view, the existence of the WNBA had already begun to reshape the game for younger generations. “I think the fact that they had the WNBA, that carrot dangled in front of them, allowed them to be more creative, work harder, and become more talented.”
She continued, emphasizing that the quality of play was not the issue—but marketing and audience support were. “The product will be a great product to put on the floor,” she said. “We just got to get more people to back it.”
Looking at the WNBA in 2025, Staley’s comments feel remarkably accurate. Talent-wise, the league is experiencing a golden age. Players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, and others have transformed the level of play into something that rivals many international competitions. The depth of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ across the league is arguably at an all-time high.
However, financial viability and exposure remain sticking points. While the WNBA has made strides—signing new broadcast deals, expanding its fanbase, and launching marketing campaigns—the league still fights for equitable recognition in the broader sports landscape. Teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty now benefit from improved facilities and travel accommodations, but those improvements are not yet consistent across all franchises.
In short, the financial footing of the WNBA is still under construction, just as Staley had predicted.
A Look Back at Dawn Staley’s WNBA Career
Before she was leading South Carolina to national titles and Olympic success as a coach, Dawn Staley was a force on the court. She joined the WNBA in 1999, at the age of 29, after carving out a successful playing career overseas. The WNBA itself had only been around for three years, and Staley quickly emerged as one of its foundational stars.
She was selected 9th overall in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Charlotte Sting. During her eight seasons with the Sting, Staley averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 assists per game—a true floor general known for her leadership and vision. Her most memorable run came in 2001 when she led Charlotte to the WNBA Finals, falling just short of the title but solidifying her place as a clutch performer.
In 2005, Staley was traded to the Houston Comets, where she wrapped up her professional career. That final season was a farewell tour of sorts, and she capped it off by earning her sixth WNBA All-Star selection—a fitting end to a decorated run.
Staley’s on-court accomplishments laid the groundwork for her seamless transition into coaching. Today, she’s widely credited for elevating the South Carolina Gamecocks into a national powerhouse, capturing multiple SEC titles and NCAA championships. Her leadership has also extended to the global stage, where she’s coached Team USA to gold medals and continues to influence basketball culture worldwide.
What Has—and Hasn’t—Changed Since 2011
Staley’s 2011 forecast about the WNBA aging into its next phase with both promise and problems was right on target. Today, the league enjoys more coverage, higher average salaries, and increased attention thanks to collegiate stars entering the pros with built-in fanbases. Yet the battle for financial sustainability continues.
Her comment that “we got to get more people to back it” still echoes in many conversations around women’s sports today. Visibility and audience support remain critical for the WNBA’s next leap forward. Fortunately, the recent success of young stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, combined with strong veteran leadership, has provided the league with its most potent growth potential yet.
The WNBA has also taken major steps to address the financial concerns Staley mentioned. A new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in 2020 included higher salaries, better maternity benefits, and upgraded travel policies. But as recent debates over charter flights and media coverage prove, there’s still room to grow.
Meanwhile, on the court, Staley’s other prediction—that talent would only increase—has played out to perfection. The league today is filled with skilled shooters, versatile forwards, and dynamic point guards. The global pipeline of talent is more robust, with international players making serious contributions. What once felt like a fledgling experiment has matured into a league with staying power and star power.
Conclusion
Back in 2011, Dawn Staley saw both the hurdles and the potential that lay ahead for the WNBA. Now, 14 years later, much of what she predicted has materialized. Talent has unquestionably risen, but the league still faces financial headwinds and visibility challenges. Staley’s voice—grounded in experience and realism—remains just as relevant today.
Her journey from WNBA star to coaching icon is not just a personal success story—it’s emblematic of what the league itself has endured and accomplished. As the WNBA continues its evolution, Staley’s words serve as both a reminder of how far the league has come and how much farther it can still go.
