In her continuing series on the WNBA's newest team, Melissa Isaacson looks at what is considered the greatest asset of the league, the players. WNBA players deal with not only practices and games but also the marketing of the league.

"We understand that what we do this year and what we've done the last 10 years for the WNBA is groundbreaking," Stavey Lovelace says. "And everybody in this league knows that how well we [sell it] determines whether there's going to be a WNBA or not. We take that very seriously."

Isaacson also talked to the Sky players on the stereotypes they face as female athletes. Stacey Dales: "To play in this league, to be one of the best, you have to have a certain swagger, a little testosterone. And with that comes the stereotype that we're dudes. But you get me off court, all dressed up, and I turn into a female. There are a lot of gay women in this league. There are a lot of straight women. A lot of straight women may look gay to some people, and vice versa."

In their final tune-up before they open the regular season, the Sky defeated Washington 86-81 in overtime in a controlled scrimmage.