It’s a big time for basketball fans in Chicago. Derrick Rose is poised to take the court with the Chicago Bulls for the first time since Nov. 23 of last year. Although there are certainly doubts surrounding his durability and his sub-par play in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup, he does appear to be returning to his explosive, athletically dominant self.

This gives Chicagoans plenty to be excited about as he gets healthier and readies himself to lead the Bulls alongside former LA Laker Pau Gasol, who the Bulls acquired this offseason. Gasol gives the Bulls a much stronger power forward than they’ve had in the past with Carlos Boozer, who was often accused of a lack of effort during games and who’s defense left much to be desired. Gasol was widely recognized just a few short years ago as one of the best power forwards in the league, and should be a strong addition to the team.

Look for rookie Doug McDermott out of Creighton to start at small forward alongside Gasol in the frontcourt, and with the Best Male College Athlete of the Year ESPY Award in his back pocket, the Bulls shouldn’t be afraid to let him carry the heavier offensive load that they so desperately need.

Shooting guard Jimmy Butler has been developing exceptionally and will easily nab a starting role, and all-star center Joakim Noah should continue to dominate the boards and be a league-wide leader in rebounding once again. Expect big things from this squad in the coming months.

But it’s not just the Bulls that basketball fans in Chicago have to be excited about. The local WNBA team Chicago Sky just finished off its season as Eastern Conference Champions for the first time in team history, and despite a routing in the Finals against Phoenix the players have plenty of promise with second year star Elena Delle-Donne leading the way for next year.

The next few years should prove to be hugely important for the WNBA as a whole. The league is coming off of a new contract with ESPN that extends until 2022, and includes live broadcasts of up to 30 games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and WatchESPN. The deal also includes a live broadcasting of the WNBA Draft on primetime television, which is huge for attracting viewers that the league most certainly needs.

Lots of criticism definitely surrounds the WNBA as it begins to rise in popularity. A lack of athleticism, inconsistency in shooting and a slower-pace altogether discourage viewers from watching WNBA games in favor of the league’s male counterpart, the NBA. While I don’t think the WNBA will ever be as popular or as high-paying as the NBA, I do think it is showing plenty of promise. The rookie classes are stronger than ever, and as a result the overall level of competition has been increasing.

Just look at Brittney Griner, who in her second year has already become a face for the league and a model of women’s athleticism. She threw down the first dunk in WNBA playoff history last year, and her defensive strength and style of play have even prompted rule changes within the league. On top of the new ESPN contract this boasts an exciting future for Women’s basketball.

However, one key thing to remember is this: the WNBA isn’t trying to be the NBA. It never will be. The WNBA will never have the endorsements, the salaries, or the big names like its male counterpart does. All it can do is create its own niche and establish its own place in sports for itself. Once it does that, then big things will start to happen.