Most talented season in the WNBA

After cutting the number of available players on each team's roster from 13 active players to 11 active players and with the loss of the storied Houston Comets franchise, the talent in the WNBA has gotten extremely better.

Although the Los Angeles Sparks are the favored team on paper, to win the championship this season, with the recent cuts made by each team the depth across the league is astonishing. Fans can expect the level of competition to skyrocket, leading to the possibility for the WNBA to gain more followers and sign bigger sponsors.

Although, the loss of roster spots and the Houston franchise are due to the financial challenges that the WNBA is undoubtedly facing, the WNBA has actually been more financially secure than the NBA, who was forced to take out a loan for teams across the league who were losing money simply from their daily operations.

Unfortunately for the league, some NBA owners who also own the rights to WNBA franchises feel that the only way to counteract the losses and keep their NBA teams, would be to sell their WNBA teams. A prime example of this case comes in the form of Indiana Pacers and Fever owner, Herb Simon, who has lost money with each Pacers season and although the Fever have been productive, they have not made Simon any more money.

Who is at fault? Obviously not the Fever but with the bigger market being the NBA, the Fever will undoubtedly be the first financial burden to be dropped by Simon in an attempt to save his "beloved" Pacers.

How does the WNBA plan on increasing attendance and increasing their revenue this season to ensure the longevity of the league? The increase in competition definitely helps their cause, along with a new plan to allow corporations to advertise on the jerseys of teams across the league.

"These kind of (economic) times present opportunities to change paradigms. Everyone feels encouraged and has permission to push the envelope in different ways. That contributes to a lot of businesses making bold new steps. The jersey is part of inventory. Why not utilize it?" said WNBA President Donna Orender.

The Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles were the first to gain sponsors for this new revenue increasing technique brought forth by the WNBA with the advertisements across the front of their jerseys from LifeLock and Farmers Insurance Group. Expect to see more teams looking to lock up sponsors as the season continues.

That's it for this installment! The WNBA season tips off tomorrow with the battle between the Los Angeles Sparks and the 2008 defending champion Detroit Shock in L.A. Expect a physical game as usual and everyone enjoy the first day of the 2009 season.