By: Blaire Theuerkauf
On July 30, 2023, the WBAI cheered the Chicago Sky’s WNBA team to victory against the Phoenix Mercury (104-85). Prior to the start of the game, the WBAI sat courtside to watch both teams warm up before heading into the Sky’s press conference room for an amazing CLE on name, image, and likeness (NIL) in the NCAA. Sivonnia DeBarros, founding member of SL DeBarros Law Firm, LLC and Stephanie Verdoia, an associate attorney at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP put on an engaging and informative presentation regarding the issues many college athletes face today. They covered a broad range of topics regarding the use of players’ NIL and the debate around players’ compensation as college sports have become a huge revenue source for colleges and universities. After the CLE, WBAI members got to meet Michael Alter, the principal owner of the Chicago Sky.
The group was then escorted to our seats, where WNBA had an amazing buffet with popcorn, nachos, salad, chicken tenders, and more, and space for everyone to mingle and watch the game. The half-time performance was the 40+ Double Dutch Club. This amazing group of women impressed the crowd with their double dutch skills. Ultimately, this event was a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family. I love that the WBAI partners with so many great women’s organizations, like the WNBA.
This article was originally published in the WBAI 2023-2024 Year in Review Newsletter on page 38.