Last week in Chicago, a young girl wearing a red, black, and white basketball jersey labeled “Kia Nurse Elite” settled into a front-row seat at the baseline of Windra Store Arena. The jersey’s namesake was none other than Kia Nurse, a seasoned WNBA player for the Chicago Sky and a member of Canada’s high-performance summer team. As Nurse warmed up nearby, she called out, “OK, High Five!” while heading off to the locker room, enthusiastically slapping hands with her teammates.
This scene captures the essence of Camp Day, a cherished WNBA tradition held on weekdays, usually starting around 11 a.m., where stands fill with young basketball players and kids from local camps. While not every team hosts multiple Camp Days each season, the July 16 game against the Atlanta Dream—right before the All-Star break and the Nike Women’s Basketball Tournament in Chicago—was one of those lively events.
The atmosphere during these games is always electric and fun. Despite the need for the WNBA to consider changes to its schedule as the league grows, Camp Days remain invaluable. The energy from the kids, excited to watch and engage with the sport, adds a unique vibrancy. The scoreboard games encourage fans to dance and pick songs; on this day, the kids chose Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go.”
A hallmark of Camp Day is the unmistakable volume from the young crowd. “At one point, they were screaming, and then the announcer said, ‘Speech!’” said Briona Jones, forward for the Dream. “Playing in front of the kids gives you energy because you know they’re having fun, which motivates you.”
The noise demands creativity in communication on the court. “It’s really loud, so we try to talk as much as possible to understand each other during the game,” said a player. “But we love the energy the kids bring.”
Camp Days aim to build future WNBA fans, though it’s a challenge for players. Michaela Onyen, a Sky player, prefers arriving early to stick to her pre-game routine. With a tip-off at 11 a.m., she wakes at 6:15 a.m. to prepare, while teammate Rachel Banham admits mornings aren’t her favorite but they both appreciate the significance of these games. “It’s fun to have kids come watch us. The noise makes it hard to hear, but it’s awesome to see the kids out here,” Banham shared.
According to Front Office Sports, many WNBA team presidents see Camp Days as vital, noting fans who first became interested in the league during these events. The game itself was a tough loss for the Chicago Sky, with the Atlanta Dream dominating 86-49, a win that propelled Dream into a strong second half of the season. Jones posted 14 points and nine rebounds and was named an All-Star alternate due to injuries.
Amid the cheering kids, perhaps a young fan witnessed Jones’ hustle on the court, finding a role model to inspire their own basketball dreams. Camp Days pose unique challenges for players and the organization but score big in fostering the next generation of WNBA athletes and fans. Maybe in 20 years, one of those campers will be in the league themselves.
Fan Take: Camp Days highlight the heart of the WNBA — its connection to community and the nurturing of young fans. For WNBA enthusiasts, these events symbolize hope for the sport’s future, ensuring that the passion for women’s basketball continues to grow with each new generation.
