The WNBA is in demand thanks to the arrival of rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese – and that’s impacting more than just ticket prices.
Collectors are now furious as trading card giant Panini has priced its new WNBA box sets at $3,000 through a Dutch auction.
‘The players couldn’t even afford a box,’ one X user joked about the set, which features the images of both WNBA rookies.
For those unfamiliar with Dutch auctions, the process dates back to ancient Babylon but became popularized in Holland during the 17th century. Instead of starting at a low number and working upwards, a Dutch auction starts at a higher figure before decreasing until bidders find a price they like.
The process is aimed at determining fair market value for a product, and in this case, helped the box set go from a reported $750 to $3,000.
Collectors are furious as Panini has priced its new WNBA box sets at $3,000
‘That’s absolutely absurd,’ another X user wrote. ‘But the problem is people will buy. These companies only feel their bottom line. STOP BUYING.’
Another user joked that ‘you used to be able to buy a WNBA franchise for that.’
Clark’s popularity is having other impacts around the WNBA.
Most notably, the league is expanding its regular season from 40 games to 44 games. It will also expand the playoffs from a best-of-five series up to a best-of-seven tilt – moving away from the current format which has been used since 2005.
Additionally, the league says the First Round of the playoffs – a best-of-three series – will now take on a 1-1-1 format which will see teams alternate hosting contests.
‘We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,’ said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
This will also lead to more games for the league to sell to its four television partners – Disney/ESPN, Amazon, Paramount/CBS, and Scripps/Ion.
