I wonder who the commentators will be. Will they be our regulars, e.g., Karl Boyes, Jeremy Jones, Scott Frost, and Phil Yates, or will ESPN bring in its own broadcast team?
The players also have to remember they're on mainstream television. We've all heard the occasional outburst on live streams over the years, but cursing on camera won't be a good look for a national audience.
Just as important, the broadcasts need to showcase the players' personalities. Great sports coverage isn't just about the competition; it's about giving viewers someone to connect with and root for.
I had never paid attention to Norway's national soccer team, much less soccer, until the recent FIFA World Cup 2026. Now I'm watching every match because of Erling Haaland, those flowing blond locks, his larger-than-life presence, and the Norwegian fans chanting, "Ro, Ro, Ro, Ro." That's how you create new fans. Norway has a tough one coming up, facing Brazil on July 5th. I'm now a virtual soccer railbird, thanks to the coverage on TV. I'd never heard of Erling before, until now.
View attachment 914492
Pool has plenty of talented, charismatic players. WNT through ESPN has a real opportunity to introduce them to a much larger audience and leave viewers wanting more. My picks for bios and/or personality are Joshua for his dedication since childhood, Shane overcoming a handicap and going to the top, Soufi's journey to Europe from Syria, Kaci just because his presence is striking with his Albanian game face like he taking no prisoners, Alex Pagulayan because of his charisma on and off the table, Oscar Dominguez and his rich history in the pool world via his dad and Hard Times. I could go on and on.
