Comparison between the WNBA and WEL: differences and key performance indicators in top women basketball leagues

Introduction: This study focused on comparing performance between the WNBA and the Euroleague Women, identifying key variables to optimize key strategies in women's basketball. Objective: To establish a comparison between the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Euroleague Women (WEL) in different phases of the season (regular season and playoffs). In addition, to obtain the main differentiating variables between these competitions and the "best teams" (those qualified for the playoffs) of each league. Methodology: Data were collected from the 2018/2019 season in the WNBA and 2019 for the WEL, collected from official statistics. Using Discriminant Analysis, the most relevant variables related to victory during the regular season were obtained. Results: Differences in play were observed between the two competitions (in 12 of the 19 variables during the regular season; and in 10 in the playoff sample). The results showed differences between the number of possessions per team, blocks and points between the leagues. Discussion: The comparison between the best teams showed differences in points, total rebounds and defensive rebounds. Only the WNBA teams had a higher percentage of 3-point success. Conclusions: The results of this research could be considered valuable information for coaches in these leagues in order to develop appropriate game strategies considering the importance of each variable in achieving victory. Thus, this work could contribute with new information related to women's basketball to the study of performance, due to the lack of specific research in this area.