WORDS TO THE WISE: How Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise Has Helped Shape Tampa Bay’s WFF Hosting Effort

By Joey Johnston

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise generally deals in budgets, county services and taxpayer dollars.

“Very serious matters,’’ Wise said.

But as Tampa Bay prepares to host its record fourth NCAA Women’s Final Four, Wise still marvels at how the event unifies the community, while providing social and economic benefits.

Along with plenty of smiles.

“I remember (2015) when the mascots from the four schools came into our boardroom,’’ Wise said. “That was quite a visit. When we’re conducting our board business, it’s usually a very serious place. But when those mascots came in, it was so much fun.

“And that’s what I think this event brings to all of us. We all become fans. You see the politicians bouncing the ball, getting in the spirit by dribbling the basketball to work. You see the excitement in the community. Everywhere you go, it’s so alive. It’s all so much fun.’’

With women’s basketball at its apex of popularity, Tampa Bay’s timing couldn’t be better. Wise said she expects the 2025 Women’s Final Four to be “the best one yet,’’ building upon the momentum established in 2008, 2015 and 2019, when the event’s growth seemed to mirror the progress and amenities offered by the exploding Tampa Bay area.

“There are huge economic benefits — and you can see that by visiting our hotels and restaurants — but it means even more than that,’’ Wise said. “It really exposes this wonderful community to all the visitors we have and, frankly, even to the people who live here. They get to experience the concerts and other events, many of which are free. It makes you proud to live here. And for the visitors, we often see them coming back time and time again.

“Our area has certainly taken advantage of sports as an economic and social driver. Whether it’s college sports, professional sports, high school sports or the premier amateur events we host through our SportsPlex, we have seen the benefits in all areas. And the Women’s Final Four is at the top of that list.’’

Wise said the most rewarding aspect of the Women’s Final Four is seeing how the area’s children can benefit.

“It engages our kids in a very special way,’’ Wise said. “Especially for the young girls, who can look at these premier basketball players as role models and get the idea they could also have a future in sports. We know that sports helps to develop leaders. Particularly as a female county administrator, I appreciate seeing the impact these role models have on girls and how that could lead to their ambitions in sports or other careers. It provides some hope in what they could become and I just love that aspect of the Women’s Final Four.’’

Wise said she expects the 2025 Women’s Final Four to add another special chapter to the area’s sports legacy.

“Hosting this event for a record fourth time is pretty amazing,’’ Wise said. “We are so fortunate to have some wonderful venues, such as Amalie Arena, Raymond James Stadium and our SportsPlex. We thrive on these opportunities and we want to make it the best experience, not only for the fans, but also for the student-athletes, the coaches, the media and all the visitors.

“We want 2025 to be the best one yet and I’m sure it will be. When you look at all of our partnerships — whether it’s the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, the University of South Florida, the Sports Authority, our Board of County Commissioners, the City of Tampa or our Hillsborough County School District — this is a community that knows how to work together for the greater good. We don’t worry about who’s getting credit. We just want it to be a great experience and an incredible event.’’

One filled with incredible athletic feats, tremendous economic benefits, maximum international exposure, unmatched social impact … and plenty of smiles.