You may have heard that women’s basketball has absolutely exploded this year. Honestly, that is an understatement. The WNBA has gained unprecedented attention and viewership, capturing the hearts of sports fans across the nation. Many, like myself, have gone through a bit of a transformative journey, challenging our preconceived notions and discovering a newfound appreciation for the women’s game.

Here’s a look at the emotional stages a new WNBA fan might experience, mirroring the classic stages of grief.

Stage One: Denial

1. I will never watch women’s basketball.
2. I can’t believe everyone is talking about it so much.
3. The high school team I played for could beat these teams.

Stage Two: Anger

• It’s one of those nights where you just can’t find anything to watch. You see that Caitlin is playing on ESPN. You angrily tune in to confirm everything you believe is true.
• Feeling feisty with a point to be proven, you nitpick the game at every turn.
• Caitlin makes an impressive shot for any human; you change the channel with the seed of doubt planted in your mind.

Stage Three: Bargaining

• You decide Caitlin might be worth the hype, but it’s just her, not the game, that people are loving.
• I watched a few minutes, but I got it out of my system. I won’t be back.
• Okay, when I watched, there were a few other great players I noticed. The only way I will watch again is if they are playing.

Stage Four: Depression

• You have felt it since the beginning, but that old sports fan you were is dying and making its final stand.

Stage Five: Acceptance

• Your eyes did not deceive you. You tried to sell yourself otherwise, but women’s basketball is now a part of your sports world. There is no more resistance to the fact that you will be back again and again.

Stage Six: Fandom

• You are on espn.com checking headlines and box scores. You cross the final threshold as you find WNBA on the bottom of the “other sports” list.
• Pulling up the scores, reviewing the best players’ performances, read an article or two, and are officially following the WNBA.
• You find yourself at the water cooler telling everyone, “I never thought I’d be here saying this, but you guys have to watch the WNBA,” and then listen to all the old arguments you used to make come back your way. A full circle experience.

The evolution from a skeptic to a dedicated WNBA fan is a journey that many sports enthusiasts are experiencing today. The league’s growing popularity and the undeniable talent of its players are converting even the toughest of critics. So, if you find yourself going through these stages, know that you are not alone!

The support group meets on Tuesday’s, I will see you there!