Brittney Griner’s WNBA Coach Frustrated Over Sparse Crowd at Crypto.com Arena During 2023 Season Opener

On a night filled with anticipation and emotion, the Phoenix Mercury kicked off their new WNBA season with an away game against the Los Angeles Sparks. This game was particularly special, marking the highly awaited return of superstar Brittney Griner—an extraordinary athlete who had just come back to the U.S. after nearly a year of imprisonment in Russia under complex and controversial circumstances involving drug possession charges.

Despite the excitement surrounding Griner’s comeback, the atmosphere inside Crypto.com Arena fell short of expectations. While the crowd of roughly 10,396 fans was notable, it filled only about half of the arena’s capacity of over 19,000 seats. For such a momentous occasion, the attendance numbers were disappointingly low.

Phoenix Mercury’s head coach Vanessa Nygaard did not hide her frustration as she looked around the arena, witnessing a wide-open space that lacked the full house she had hoped for during this crucial event. In a post-game interview, Nygaard candidly expressed her disbelief: “I mean, it’s great. But honestly, come on LA. We didn’t sell out for BG? Honestly, I expected more than this. Yeah, it’s great, very loud. But how is it not sold out? How is it possible not to be sold out?”

Her comments highlighted the shock and disappointment of a coach who expected the arena to be packed when one of the WNBA’s most celebrated players made her return to the court.

According to ESPN, Crypto.com Arena can accommodate 19,068 spectators, but only just over 10,000 were in attendance for the game. In contrast, the Sparks, who had a rough previous season with a 13-23 record, average about 5,600 fans per game — so while the turnout was decent by their standards, it was surprisingly low given the circumstances of Griner’s return.

On the court, the game was an intense and spirited contest. Brittney Griner, in her first official appearance since 2021, showcased her undeniable skill, scoring 18 points along with six rebounds, four blocks, and two assists. Her performance demonstrated her resilience and dedication, especially after enduring one of the most challenging periods of her career and personal life.

Griner was detained in Russia in February of the previous year after Russian authorities accused her of carrying cannabis oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport. She was sentenced to nine years in prison after a controversial trial, forcing her to miss the entire 2022 WNBA season. In December, she was finally released and returned to the U.S. as part of a complex prisoner exchange deal involving a notorious arms dealer.

Her return not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also serves as a powerful symbol of strength and justice for the WNBA and the broader sports community. However, the underwhelming attendance also sheds light on a harsh reality — the level of public and fan engagement with women’s basketball, particularly WNBA games, remains inconsistent.

Coach Nygaard’s disappointment extended beyond ticket sales to a broader concern about the level of support the team receives. She questioned why such important moments fail to draw the enthusiastic crowds they deserve, especially as the WNBA has been steadily growing in popularity and media coverage.

“It makes me wonder if fans really understand how important this comeback is,” Nygaard added. “BG has endured so much, not just as an athlete on the court but as a person who’s faced incredible adversity. This is a chance for us to stand behind her, support her, and watch her shine again. Honestly, I was expecting a sold-out arena, a fiery atmosphere like when she’s at her best.”

Brittney Griner is considered one of the most dominant and influential players in women’s basketball today, renowned for her defensive prowess and leadership on the Phoenix Mercury team. Her detainment in Russia was a huge loss to the team and a shock to fans worldwide. Her return after many months away is seen as a turning point — a moment of hope and renewal.

Yet, the attendance figures pose significant questions about the level of public interest in women’s basketball and the WNBA. Can Griner’s comeback serve as a catalyst to increase awareness, attract larger crowds, and boost the league’s growth?

Despite the Mercury’s 71-94 loss to the Sparks that night, Griner’s efforts shone brightly as a beacon of perseverance and skill. She received cheers from the fans present, but the lack of a packed stadium diminished the electric energy one would expect from a season opener featuring such a high-profile athlete.

Overall, this event sparked conversations among WNBA insiders and fans about how the league and teams might better promote the sport, engage with audiences, and highlight the inspirational stories of players like Brittney Griner.

Hopefully, in the coming games, arenas will be filled with passionate fans eager to celebrate Griner’s return and the growing prominence of women’s basketball. Her comeback should be a community-wide celebration, not just an individual milestone