Cat Disabato's "Rooting Interest": A New Chapter in WNBA Romance

Cat Disabato, an author previously known for her literary crime fiction, has ventured into romance with her latest novel, *Rooting Interest*. The book reflects the growing enthusiasm for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), which has transformed into one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in recent years. Disabato's connection to the WNBA deepened during the 2020 season, when the league's players actively engaged in social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter and #SAYHERNAME. This cultural moment inspired her to explore the intersection of sports and queer identity in her writing.

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*Rooting Interest* follows Jennifer Felix, a sports journalist reassigned from covering a fictional NFL team to the WNBA All-Star Weekend. This shift, which Felix suspects is influenced by her queer identity, sets the stage for her exploration of the WNBA's history and dynamics. The narrative intertwines romantic tension with the challenges of navigating a male-dominated sports industry, reflecting Felix's journey as she seeks to establish her professional identity while embracing her queerness.

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Disabato describes attending WNBA games as a communal experience akin to being in a queer bar, where she feels a sense of belonging and connection. She expresses a desire for more representation in sports romance literature, noting the scarcity of WNBA-themed stories. This gap motivated her to write *Rooting Interest*, as she wanted to create the book she wished existed.

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In crafting her novel, Disabato drew inspiration from various sports romances, including *You Should Be So Lucky* by Cat Sebastian and *Cleat Cute* by Meryl Wilsner. She emphasizes that writing sex scenes is akin to developing character dynamics, focusing on the intimacy that builds between the characters. Disabato's approach is methodical, treating these scenes like action sequences to ensure they contribute meaningfully to character development.

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Disabato has expressed her critical yet affectionate view of the WNBA, acknowledging both its strengths and areas for improvement. She highlights the importance of community within the league, particularly for queer women, and the affirming experiences that come from being part of the WNBA fandom.

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While Disabato appreciates the WNBA's progress, she remains critical of the league's leadership and certain institutional challenges. This nuanced perspective reflects a broader conversation about the complexities of representation and equity in sports.

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• “With the caveat that I'm not uncritical of the W as a league and I'm not uncritical of league leadership, I do find being a part of the fandom of the WNBA to be an incredibly affirming and incredibly fun experience as a queer woman.” — Cat Disabato, Author

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• “I really wanted to read a WNBA romance, and there just wasn't really very much there.” — Cat Disabato, Author

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• “Sex scenes are character development scenes because romance novels are about the intimacy that builds between two people — but they should also make you a little bit turned on.” — Cat Disabato, Author

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Disabato's *Rooting Interest* not only contributes to the growing genre of sports romance but also highlights the vibrant community surrounding the WNBA, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.

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