The WNBA All-Star game occurred a few weeks ago, and with it came some controversy. At the end of All-Star games, a trophy is presented to the Most Valuable Player, who stands out from the rest of the high level athletes during this specific game. The WNBA All-Star game MVP was given to Kelsey Plum, but the highlight of the presentation was the size and quality of the trophy.
When comparing men and women’s sports as we have in class, we observed the blatant inequality and lack of focus on female athletes. The MVP trophy is a perfect example, highlighting major differences between male and female sports. Steph Curry received a large, glamorous trophy after he won the 2022 NBA All-Star game MVP, but Plum was awarded with one that people found available online for $18. Although the encryptions and fine details on the trophy raises the price to a few thousand dollars, the NBA gave an original MVP trophy, and they aren’t hesitant to spend lots of money for their players . This sparked a slight movement for better treatment of female athletes, because Plum competes at the highest level of basketball and received a disappointing piece of hardware to show off.
Although the WNBA has significantly less revenue than the NBA, if they want to earn respect and become equal with the NBA this is unacceptable. As a professional association, it’s disrespectful to not only Plum, but all the players that she received a small trophy for a huge accomplishment. WNBA players are a sisterhood, which was shown as they supported Britney Griner during her detainment in Russia before the All-Star game kicked off. Every player truly cares for each other and wants to build this league so they earn the respect that they aren’t getting right now. However, this can’t be done unless the WNBA works with them and provides a trophy that won’t get laughed at or mocked, rather one that displays significant achievement.
@itsburners get that walmart trophy outa here #fyp #nba #basketball #funny #meme #joke #comedy #sports