[StanFanFam13]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1217088417806323713?s=20[/tweet]

This isn't the kind of money thrown around by the NBA and NFL, but, these kinds of numbers sure do get a lot closer to "one and done" players in WBB.  The reality has until now been you can't make much money as a pro in WBB, so focusing on school is a better choice than putting your attention on getting paid to hoop.  We know Stanford doesn't get the elite of the elite in sports that pay big bucks professionally, so seems like only a matter of time before the improved financial realities of WNBA players takes a big bite out of Stanford WBB's ability to attract the top talents and compete for titles.

It really is just how big the WNBA numbers get that will determine when it happens. It's not a matter of if because we've already seen the proof in sports that pay big money to athletes.

Thoughts?

I expect this to have the opposite effect: it will make Stanford more competitive, because with a better post-grad salary differentiation (over the long term), we'll be more likely than others to retain our talent.  Statista reports Stanford average starting salary of $84K and mid-career salary of $161K... that adds up over a 40-year career, vs the 4-year average WNBA career.  It might be a different story for other schools.  Duke is #15 on that salary list, the first major basketball school other than Stanford (which is #2).

The only exception might be if students want to stop out for 4 years of WNBA and then return to school... that might be the case if peak WNBA performance is in the 20-24 age range... but I recall seeing elsewhere that female athletes tend to hit their prime later than men, so it probably doesn't apply.  Others here may know better.

This may not be at the top of student-athletes' initial consideration in picking colleges, but since you mention stopping out and returning to school, Stanford's generous re-enrollment policy is even more reason for competitive players to choose the cardinal. My understanding is that the University is relatively understanding of students who need or elect to take time away and is generally willing to let them come back and finish their degrees. I grew up as a fan of Curtis Borchardt and was pleasantly surprised to find him in one of my undergrad seminars, back from his pro basketball career and working to complete his Stanford education. I'm sure it's tough to be back in a classroom surrounded by 20 year olds, but still, a pretty great option to come back to!

[StanFanFam13]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1217088417806323713?s=20[/tweet]

This isn't the kind of money thrown around by the NBA and NFL, but, these kinds of numbers sure do get a lot closer to "one and done" players in WBB.  The reality has until now been you can't make much money as a pro in WBB, so focusing on school is a better choice than putting your attention on getting paid to hoop.  We know Stanford doesn't get the elite of the elite in sports that pay big bucks professionally, so seems like only a matter of time before the improved financial realities of WNBA players takes a big bite out of Stanford WBB's ability to attract the top talents and compete for titles.

It really is just how big the WNBA numbers get that will determine when it happens. It's not a matter of if because we've already seen the proof in sports that pay big money to athletes.

Thoughts?

I expect this to have the opposite effect: it will make Stanford more competitive, because with a better post-grad salary differentiation (over the long term), we'll be more likely than others to retain our talent.  Statista reports Stanford average starting salary of $84K and mid-career salary of $161K... that adds up over a 40-year career, vs the 4-year average WNBA career.  It might be a different story for other schools.  Duke is #15 on that salary list, the first major basketball school other than Stanford (which is #2).

The only exception might be if students want to stop out for 4 years of WNBA and then return to school... that might be the case if peak WNBA performance is in the 20-24 age range... but I recall seeing elsewhere that female athletes tend to hit their prime later than men, so it probably doesn't apply.  Others here may know better.

This may not be at the top of student-athletes' initial consideration in picking colleges, but since you mention stopping out and returning to school, Stanford's generous re-enrollment policy is even more reason for competitive players to choose the cardinal. My understanding is that the University is relatively understanding of students who need or elect to take time away and is generally willing to let them come back and finish their degrees. I grew up as a fan of Curtis Borchardt and was pleasantly surprised to find him in one of my undergrad seminars, back from his pro basketball career and working to complete his Stanford education. I'm sure it's tough to be back in a classroom surrounded by 20 year olds, but still, a pretty great option to come back to!