Five easy steps to becoming a WNBA fan

After watching the WNBA Finals come down to the wire last season, and the thrilling NCAA title game earlier this year, you know you're ready to jump in and become a WNBA fan. Good! It's tons of fun. To make it easier for you, here are handy-dandy steps to becoming a WNBA fan.

1. Pick a team 

You may have been born into a fandom for many sports. Perhaps your grandfather sneaked into the Cubs' World Series game in 1945 and being a Cubs fans has been the edict since then. Maybe you grew up in New York in the 1990s, so no matter where you live, or how bad they've gotten, the Knicks are your team. If you don't have a geographic connection — or don't want to cheer on the team in your town — check out the players in the league from your alma mater. Pick colors or uniforms you like best. Base it on your favorite mascot. Go with the Dallas Wings because center Imani McGee-Stafford is on the team, and she's the sister of JaVale McGee. There's really no wrong way to do this. Just find your team. 

2. Watch WNBA games. 

It sounds so simple, right? The WNBA doesn't have a network TV deal, but this season many more games are available nationally. You can find the full schedule here. Some games will be aired on Twitter. If you're a cord cutter and want to ensure you won't miss another game, buy the League Pass. It's $16 for the whole season. 

3. Go to WNBA games.

WNBA games are, quite frankly, a blast and quite often a deal. For the Washington Mystics WNBA title rematch with the Seattle Storm, mid-court tickets cost less than $40 each, but you can get in the door for as low as $12. You can see Elena Delle Donne face off with Natasha Howard and spend less than $100 for a family of four. We understand that geographically this can be a challenge, as there are just 12 teams in the WNBA, but there might not be one nearby. That's OK. You can skip to... 

4. Buy WNBA merchandise

Now that you've chosen your team, watched plenty of games and are ready to debate why the Phoenix Mercury are far superior to the Las Vegas Aces, you need to show your love. It's time to get outfitted. You can go through the WNBA store or for player-specific gear or check out Breaking T's store, which is licensed through the WNBPA.  

5. Read stories about the WNBA

You're such a fan! But there's one more way you can make that fandom complete. Learn about the players you're following. Check out the WNBA coverage here at Yardbarker, The Athletic or High Post Hoops for tons of stories about the league.

There you have it! You can be a WNBA fan. It's not as complicated as you thought it would be.