The word “growth” is often used to describe the WNBA. And one of the ways the league connects with fans is by allowing them to get to know their star players better on and off the court.
That's the intent of “Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story.” The show is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of WNBA MVPs Jonquel Jones and Brianna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks, exclusive to Tubi. and WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes.
Produced by MALKA in partnership with the WNBPA and PUMA, this documentary is the first to feature some of the WNBA's best players.
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Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty during Game 4 of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
It will be broadcast exclusively on Tubi on January 31st.
“I had a lot of fun filming the documentary,” Jones, a four-time All-Star and WNBA MVP in the 2021 season, told FOX News Digital. “We filmed it during the season, so there was a lot of work involved, including making sure everyone was involved.There were a lot of emotional parts.
“It was probably the first time I've had so many people following me. I've done short pieces in the WNBA and participated in opportunities where people come and spend it like a day in their life. I've done it before. Multiple shooting sessions, different family members and dogs give you different perspectives.”
Perspective is key to this documentary.
Kelsey Plumb believes improving marketing for WNBA superstars will help 'significantly grow the game'
Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plumb gave an interview to FOX News Digital in November 2023, explaining how she believes there is no “great inside scoop to superstardom for WNBA stars.” Leagues like the NBA market their stars to make them more relatable to fans.
Jones took it a step further and believed all WNBA players needed to get their stories out there.
“I think the WNBA does its best to connect with superstars from time to time,” she explained. “But I think there's a little bit more room for improvement in terms of listening to other stories from players around the league. This shows that in the past we had a certain budget and that's all we could do. I think it was.'' So they would probably see one commercial every year and be like, “OK, I've seen this commercial like 100 times already.''
“I think having a company like MALKA invest in us and take our story and bring it to fruition in a way like we did this year, like I said before, we did a lot of photo sessions and we looked at different perspectives and We can continue to grow as long as we have perspective and have enough material to deliver great products.”
“Shattered Glass” allows Jones to tell his story of how the 6-foot-6 forward from the Bahamas made a name for himself with the Connecticut Sun. But while fans can tell by looking at his stat sheet and draft record, this documentary shows a more personal side of Jones that he usually keeps private.
Jonquel Jones (right) is interviewed after the New York Liberty's victory in Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 15, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I think I'm a pretty funny person,” she said with a laugh. “I think this documentary captures my humor really well. I mean, it opened the door for people who haven't really seen that side of me. We filmed some of it in my house. So we decided to meet.''
Athletes at the college level are also building stardom for themselves thanks to their NIL contracts and their ability to promote themselves before turning pro.
But the documentary also shows the sacrifices WNBA players are making. Many WNBA players play overseas in the offseason to supplement their relatively modest salaries.
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“This is appealing to the audience and trying to get them to understand how much sacrifice you have to make to play at such a high level as a WNBA player,” Jones said. “It's mentioned a little bit in the documentary, but most of the time, a lot of us have to go overseas, and I'm one of those players. Right now, I'm just in America because I'm on vacation.” , and will be returning to China in a few weeks.
Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty smiles during practice and while addressing the media during the 2023 WNBA Finals on October 14, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
“That’s why young players are coming in.” [with] Those NIL deals, and they're going to be stars in our league. I hope this documentary shines a light on the sacrifices we are making now so that when they enter the league they won't have to make those sacrifices. They can play in the summer, rehab their bodies and work on their games during the offseason, and not have to commit to playing overseas.
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“By shining a light on this issue, we can bring more conversations to the table and help Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese not have to go through what we did. I think.”
