The Definitive Online Sports Stylebook

The Ben Watanabe Sports Stylebook

WNBA

  • year/season

    Be mindful that “year” and “season” are not synonymous. Year refers to the calendar period between Jan. 1-Dec. 31. Season refers to the period of time designated by a league or governing body, at the end of which a champion usually is crowned, followed by an offseason. When referring to the NFL, NBA, or NHL,

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  • signed/traded/agreed

    signed/traded/agreed

    When reporting on contracts and player movement, be mindful of wording. Do not report that a player has “signed” or been “traded” unless the source uses that language. For instance, none of the following examples indicate a signing or trade being consummated. The Lakers and Pelicans are finalizing details on a trade that would send

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  • field goal (n.)

    Two words. Hyphenate when used as an adjective directly before a noun: a field-goal attempt

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  • collective bargaining agreement

    A contract resulting from negotiations between employers and representatives for a group of employees. In all headlines and on second reference in copy, CBA is acceptable.

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  • WNBPA

    Avoid overuse of this acronym for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Instead, use the WNBA players’ union on first reference, and simply the union on second reference, unless it is necessary to differentiate it from the union of another league.

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  • playoff series

    Capitalize and use digits for playoff series games: Game 5 (however, the fifth game) Always place the higher number first: The Red Sox trail the best-of-seven series 3-2.

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  • singular-plural agreement

    Always ensure your verb form agrees with the noun being used. Team names Team names always take plural verbs. This includes team names that appear to be singular or collective nouns. The Crimson Tide haven’t fulfilled the lofty expectations set for them in the SEC.The Heat don’t have the pieces to make any major moves

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  • versus

    Spell out in copy: Isaac Bruce versus Ty Law is a matchup to watch. Abbreviate in headlines: Rangers vs. Tigers Preview: Probable Pitchers, Players to Watch In ALCS

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  • 3-pointer

    A basketball field goal that results in three points being scored. Not to be confused with a three-point play in which a 2-point basket is scored, followed by a free throw.

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