Both the Washington Mystics and Wizards are rebuilding. So what are the things that make the D.C. area great?
As you know, this calendar year has been rough for Washington Mystics and Wizards fans alike. Both teams are rebuilding. The Wizards are in the early stages of one, while the Mystics don’t have a front office right now — and they’re likely moving in the same direction as the Wizards.
Also, from time to time, I regularly hear that “DC is not a desirable market,” etc. So … let me flip things on its head before we do part one a SWOT analysis together: What are the STRENGTHS of Washington as a market?
Forget about basketball trades of the teams for now, we’re just focused on the qualities that make the area great. Here are some off the top of my head:
- 7th largest metro area in the United States: 6.3 million people live in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV MSA. IF this area is combined with Baltimore, the combined statistical area is the third largest in the USA after New York City-Newark and Los Angeles-Long Beach.
- This is the most wealthy area in the country, based on median income: This is the most educated area in the United States given government jobs. Loudoun County, Va., home to Dulles Airport, has the highest median household income in the country out of large counties. Fairfax County, Va., Arlington County, Va., and Montgomery County, Md. aren’t far behind. Ultimately, that means that the area can support and pay for season tickets.
- Youth basketball talent, especially in Maryland suburbs: Many of the top youth basketball players in the US are from the USA, especially in suburbs like Prince George’s County, which produced numerous NBA and WNBA players over the last 10 years. Given the talent at the youth level, that increases interest in basketball of all levels in the Washington area.
What are some other strengths that you see in the area? Let us know in the comments below.