Tragedy struck on January 26th, the death of Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant was an important role model and leader in many ways. I have always looked up to Kobe for his constant support towards women’s basketball. Now that he is gone, I fear that no one will stand up and take his place. Not only has Kobe Bryant been an advocate for WNBA games he even crafted his own AAU youth basketball team. Who will step up? 

“The WNBA mourns the sudden and tragic loss of NBA Great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Kobe’s support for the WNBA and women’s basketball along with his passion for helping young girls and boys follow their dreams made him a true legend for our sport. We admired him not just as a legendary basketball player, but as a father, a youth coach, and a role model for future generations of athletes. On behalf of the WNBA, it is an incredibly sad day for all of us and we send our deepest condolences to his family and all those who mourn his passing.” (WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert)

Most can conclude the NBA outshines the WNBA. A normal NBA game hosts about 18,000 fans, selling tickets for about $89. At a women’s basketball game there is on average 6,768 people, and tickets are sold for about $17. When’s the last time you overheard two people discussing last night’s women’s basketball game? Why is there such a big gap in fandom? Why do people say that men’s basketball is more interesting than women’s? Kobe Bryant became a leader in highschool and only grew from there, his career is full of success of many different types. Without his influential presence, who is going to be a role model for women’s sports.