8 Tips on How to Host the Perfect WNBA Watch Party

The WNBA is on fire! Attendance records are shattering, social media is buzzing, and the league’s brightest stars are captivating audiences with their incredible athleticism and fierce competitive spirit. This season, the WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity unlike anything it’s seen before. Whether you’ve been a die-hard fan for years or are just discovering the excitement of women’s professional basketball, there’s no better time to join the trend and experience the thrill of the WNBA.

Hosting a WNBA watch party is a fantastic way to gather your friends, celebrate the incredible athletes on the court, and immerse yourself in the energy of the game. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about celebrating equality, empowerment, and the power of community. So, grab your jerseys, dust off your knowledge of the league, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team with these 8 slam-dunk tips for throwing the ultimate WNBA watch party!

1. Choose the Right Venue

The foundation of any good party is a comfortable space for your guests. This could be your living room, a spacious backyard complete with comfy outdoor furniture, or even a rented venue if you’re expecting a larger crowd. Remember to consider the number of guests and ensure there’s ample seating and enough space for everyone to move around, mingle, and cheer without feeling cramped.

Pro Tip: If the weather cooperates, consider using an outdoor projector for a unique open-air viewing experience that brings a touch of summer fun to your watch party.

2. Get Up to Speed on Your WNBA Knowledge

A little pre-game knowledge goes a long way! Take some time to refresh your memory on current WNBA stars, exciting rookies, and any major rivalries or storylines that are heating up the court. Here are some key facts to know about the WNBA to impress your guests and keep the conversation flowing:

• WNBA’s Rising Stars: Don’t miss the electrifying performances of young stars like Caitlin Clark, the record-breaking freshman guard from the Iowa Hawkeyes who just made their WNBA debut for the Indiana Fever.
• League Rosters: There are currently 12 teams in the WNBA, each representing different cities across the United States.
• Equality in Action: The WNBA is a leader in advocating for gender equality in sports. The league has consistently pushed for improvements in salaries, media coverage, and overall recognition for women’s basketball.
• Record-Breaking Attendance: The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, with many teams shattering attendance records in recent seasons. This is a great time to be a WNBA fan!
• A Pipeline to the Olympics: The WNBA is a feeder system for the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team, which has dominated the Olympics for decades. Watching the WNBA allows you to see future Olympians in action and cheer them on before they take the world stage.

Want to learn more about Women’s basketball? Check out our blog on the 10 key facts about the WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s Olympic team.

3. Plan Around the WNBA Schedule

Nobody wants to miss a crucial moment in the game! Be sure to check the WNBA schedule well in advance and pick a date and time that works for your guests. Send out invitations early so everyone can mark their calendars and avoid any scheduling conflicts that might sideline them from the watch party fun.

Here is a full list of the schedule of upcoming games for the WNBA.

4. Create a Winning Game-Day Menu

Food is a must-have at any party, and a WNBA watch party is no exception! Think finger foods and crowd-pleasing snacks that are easy to eat while cheering on your favorite team. Consider incorporating the colors of your favorite WNBA teams into your menu for a fun and festive touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some winning recipe ideas to get you started, but feel free to adapt them to your preferences and dietary needs.

Citrus-Marinated Carne Asada Tacos paired with La Crema Monterey Rosé 

Baby Lettuce Salad with Goat Cheese & Strawberries paired with La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

Chicken Lettuce Cups paired with La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

5. Set Up a Comfortable Viewing Area

Comfort is key! Arrange your living room furniture, chairs, and even  floor pillows to create a cozy area for everyone to relax and enjoy the game. Make sure everyone has a clear view of a large screen TV or projector. If you’re using a projector, ensure the projection surface is smooth and free of wrinkles. Dim the lights for an optimal viewing experience and decorate the space with team colors and WNBA memorabilia to create a truly immersive atmosphere. Here are some additional ideas:

• Hang team posters or banners on the walls.
• Display basketballs, jerseys, or other WNBA merchandise.
• String-up lights in the team colors for a festive touch.
• Set out colorful throw blankets for guests to snuggle under during the game.

6. Organize Engaging Games or Trivia

Keep the energy high during commercial breaks with fun games or trivia related to the WNBA. You can prepare quizzes about players, teams, and iconic WNBA moments. Offer small prizes like WNBA merchandise, gift cards, or even bags of candy to add extra excitement and encourage friendly competition among your guests. Here are some game ideas to get you started:

• WNBA Trivia: Create a multiple-choice or true/false quiz testing your guests’ knowledge of the WNBA. You can find trivia questions online or create your own based on your favorite WNBA facts and storylines.
• Half-Court Shot Challenge (indoor adaptation): This one requires a little creativity! Tape a small piece of paper or poster board to the floor as your “basket.” Guests can take turns crumpling up pieces of paper or using nerf balls to try and make a “shot” from a designated distance.
• WNBA Bingo: Create bingo cards with squares containing WNBA players’ names, teams, or fun facts about the league. As the game progresses, mark off the squares that apply. The first person to get a bingo wins!

7. Unleash Your Inner Fanatic:  Ignite the Team Spirit

The energy in the room is electric, the game is heating up, and it’s time to truly unleash your inner WNBA fanatic! Here’s how to turn your watch party into a sea of team spirit and celebratory vibes:

• Dress to Impress (in Team Colors!): Encourage your guests to wear their favorite WNBA team jerseys or clothing in the team’s colors. A room overflowing with passionate fans decked out in their team’s gear instantly creates an energetic and immersive atmosphere. Don’t have any official team gear? No problem! Break out some creative DIY spirit – grab a plain white t-shirt and fabric markers, or use colorful duct tape to create your own temporary team jerseys.
• Face Paint and Temporary Tattoos: Take team spirit to the next level by offering face paint or temporary tattoos in the WNBA team colors. Guests can paint their cheeks with team logos or slogans, or add a temporary tattoo with their favorite player’s number. This playful touch is a fun way to show support and get everyone excited about the game.
• Pump Up the Jams: Create a custom playlist featuring energetic anthems and fight songs for each WNBA team. As the game progresses, play the appropriate team song whenever they score a basket or make a big play. This will have everyone in the room jumping to their feet and cheering along!

8. Uncork the Celebration with La Crema Wines

Every slam dunk, every buzzer-beater, and every victory deserves a toast! Elevate your WNBA watch party experience with a selection of sophisticated wines from La Crema, the official Wine Partner of the WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.

La Crema shares the WNBA’s values of dedication, excellence, and a passion for pushing boundaries. Their elegant wines, crafted from grapes grown in some of California’s most prestigious vineyards, are the perfect way to add a touch of class to your watch party.

Here are some game-day La Crema wine suggestions to complement your watch party:

• Sparkling Celebration: Pop the cork on a bottle of La Crema Brut Rosé for a celebratory start to the watch party. This crisp and refreshing sparkling wine pairs beautifully with appetizers and light snacks.
• Pinot Noir Perfection: As the game heats up, pair your main course with a glass of La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This versatile red wine offers a wide range of flavors with notes of cherry, plum, and spice. It complements a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options.
• Chardonnay Cheers: For those who prefer white wine, La Crema offers a variety of Chardonnay selections. Choose a crisp unoaked Chardonnay for a lighter pairing with chicken wings or fish tacos, or opt for a richer oaked Chardonnay to complement a creamy pasta dish.

No matter your taste preference, La Crema has a wine to elevate your WNBA watch party.

Make Every WNBA Watch Party a Slam Dunk

With these comprehensive tips, you’re sure to throw an unforgettable party. So grab your jerseys, invite your friends, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team! Don’t forget to uncork a bottle of La Crema, the official Wine Partner of the WNBA, to elevate your watch party experience. La Crema offers a variety of delicious wines that pair perfectly with your game-day menu, so you can toast to the WNBA and all the excitement it brings!

With a little planning and effort, you can throw a WNBA watch party that your friends will be raving about for years to come! Raise a glass of La Crema, celebrate the WNBA, and enjoy the game! Tag us with your party photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured in our stories. Be sure to tag @lacremawine and use #lacremawines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t know much about the WNBA?  Can I still host a watch party?

Absolutely! WNBA watch parties are a great way to learn more about the league and its incredible athletes. Here’s how you can get up to speed:

• Brush Up on the Basics: Check out the WNBA website or social media for information about the teams, players, and current standings.  Also you can read 10 Facts About the WNBA and USA Women’s Basketball.
• Ask Questions! Your fellow watch party attendees are likely happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the WNBA.
• Just Relax and Enjoy the Game: The fast-paced action and high level of competition are sure to get you hooked!

I’m on a budget.  Are there afforable ways to throw a WNBA watch party?

• Potluck Party: Invite your guests to bring a dish to share. This helps distribute the cost and ensures a variety of delicious food options.
• DIY Decorations: Get creative with streamers, balloons, and construction paper to create festive decorations in your team’s colors.
• Free Entertainment: Utilize free streaming options or check local listings to see if the game is being broadcast on a channel you already receive.

What is La Crema and how is it connected to the WNBA?

La Crema is a Sonoma County winery and is the official Wine Partner of the WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.

How can La Crema wines enhance my WNBA watch party experience?

La Crema offers a variety of elegant wines, perfect for pairing with your game-day menu. Whether you prefer a lush Pinot Noir, a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, or a rich Chardonnay, there’s a La Crema wine to complement your watch party spread.