WNBA franchises are a slam dunk in this iffy economy

The WNBA’s first expansion team in 18 years, the Golden State Valkyries, played its first game last week to a crowd of 18,000 fans. Though this uncertain economy may not be ideal for most new businesses, professional women’s basketball is soaring to new heights: three brand-new teams joined the league this season. In this episode, why WNBA franchises are emphasizing community over star power to attract new fans. Plus: falling international student enrollment is bad news for the job market and locals push back against lithium mining in the Andes.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org and consider making an investment in our future.