The Bay Area bids farewell to an iconic podcast as 'BOUNCE' wraps up its run, mirroring the thrilling first season of the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA. But the story behind this podcast is more than just a sports recap.
A Historic Season, A New Podcast:
The Golden State Valkyries, owned by the same group as the iconic Golden State Warriors, made their WNBA debut this year, captivating fans in San Francisco. KALW reporter Erin Lim, a Bay Area native, seized the opportunity to create a bridge between seasoned basketball enthusiasts and new Valkyries fans with her podcast, 'BOUNCE: The Valkyries' 1st Season in the Bay.'
And this is where it gets intriguing. Lim's idea for 'BOUNCE' came amidst a surge in women's sports popularity nationwide. Ben Trefny, KALW's executive producer, saw the potential to revive a 2019 Warriors podcast with the fresh energy of the Valkyries.
A Baseball Fan's Journey to the Hardcourt:
Lim, a self-proclaimed baseball enthusiast, found herself drawn to the vibrant world of women's basketball. Despite her deep roots in San Francisco, she had never been part of the Warriors' basketball craze until now. Her transition from baseball to basketball was fueled by her fascination with the Valkyries and their groundbreaking head coach, Natalie Nakase, the WNBA's first Asian American head coach.
'I'm a baseball fan at heart, but I fell in love with the WNBA and the Valkyries,' Lim admitted, embracing her learning curve. She strategically focused on Nakase and the first women's sports bar in San Francisco, Rikki's, to introduce listeners to the Valkyries' world.
Community, Championships, and Challenges:
Trefny emphasized the sense of community that 'BOUNCE' fostered, bringing together fans of sports, women's sports, and the Bay Area. The Valkyries' inaugural season was record-breaking, making the playoffs despite not winning the championship. But the podcast's future is uncertain.
Live Events and Uncertain Funding:
Lim and Trefny organized live studio podcasting events, attracting over 40 engaged attendees. KALW's studio in downtown San Francisco became a hub for these gatherings. However, the podcast's fate is tied to public media funding, which has been subject to cuts by the Trump Administration.
The Role of Freelancers and the Future of 'BOUNCE':
Maya Goldberg-Safir, a contributor to 'BOUNCE' and creator of a women's basketball blog, emphasized the importance of freelancers in crafting audio stories. The future of 'BOUNCE' and public media as a whole is intertwined with community support and funding. Lim hopes to continue the conversation around the Valkyries, especially with an exciting season ahead.
A Community-Driven Podcast:
Trefny highlights KALW's commitment to community-centric initiatives, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to support such projects. The future of 'BOUNCE' hangs in the balance, leaving listeners curious about its potential second season.
But here's where it gets controversial—is the success of women's sports podcasts solely reliant on public funding? Should private investments play a more significant role in supporting these initiatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a conversation about the future of sports media and its relationship with public and private funding.
