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# Beyond The W

For The Culture of Women's Hoops

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## Posts

- [WNBA All-Star 2023: Ideal locations for next few games](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2023-ideal-locations-for-next-few-games/) - Before we know it, it will be the middle of July. That will mean Las Vegas will become the epicenter of the basketball universe. That will occur when the home of the Aces hosts its third All-Star weekend since 2019. All of Las Vegas’ basketball All-Star occasions have occurred in odd-numbered years. Nevada hosted in
- [Crystal Basketball: Fight over (charter) flights will be why WNBPA opts out of CBA in 2025](https://beyondthew.com/crystal-basketball-fight-over-charter-flights-will-be-why-wnbpa-opts-out-of-cba-in-2025/) - Over the last few years, the debate over chartered flights has become a hotly contested subject within WNBA circles. While the New York Liberty got in hot water with the WNBA over this issue in 2021, we have actually seen the W become more progressive on this topic over the years. Charters were addressed by
- [FIBA World Cup 2026 Preview! Team USA or The Field? Could France, Australia or Another Team Dethrone Stars and Stripes?](https://beyondthew.com/fiba-world-cup-2026-preview-team-usa-or-the-field-could-france-australia-or-another-team-dethrone-stars-and-stripes/) - We are only days away from the tip-off of this year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup. The last time a FIBA 5x5 competition concluded, it was in Australia with Team USA securing a victory in the gold medal game against China. The host Australian Opals defeated Canada in the bronze medal matchup to earn a spot
- [Cathy's Curtain Call: Looking at Engelbert’s Legacy as First-Ever Commissioner of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/cathys-curtain-call-looking-at-engelberts-legacy-as-first-ever-commissioner-of-wnba/) - On a day where the whole of the women’s basketball universe is fixated on Berlin and the start of the FIBA World Cup, a bombshell was dropped back stateside. There are a plethora of WNBA players currently in Germany playing for their respective national teams at the FIBA World Cup. Those W players will be
- [Owning The Crown: Charlotte Crown Rally to Defeat Jacksonville Waves for Inaugural Upshot League Championship](https://beyondthew.com/owning-the-crown-charlotte-crown-rally-to-defeat-jacksonville-waves-for-inaugural-upshot-league-championship/) - The inaugural season of the Upshot League commenced in May with four southern teams vying for the same goal – the first-ever Upshot League championship. Those four teams were the Savannah Steel, Charlotte Crown, Jacksonville Waves and Greensboro Groove. This season would come down to the Crown and the Waves. The site was the VyStar
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA All-Star 2027 in San Francisco Bay Area](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-all-star-2027-in-san-francisco-bay-area/) - El Área de La Bahía will be El Área de Las Estrellas next July. Only a few weeks after staging, perhaps, the largest All-Star weekend in WNBA history in Chicago, the W wasted no time announcing the next locale that would be home to its midseason festivities. That locale would be the San Francisco Bay
- [Nneka Ogwumike: WNBA’s Epitome of Getting the Job Done On and Off the Court](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-ogwumike-wnbas-epitome-of-getting-the-job-done-on-and-off-the-court/) - In a week that saw Diana Taurasi honored for her achievements with the Phoenix Mercury via her No. 3 get raised to the rafters of the Mortgage Matchup Center, another WNBA great is preparing to call it a career. That WNBA great is Nneka Ogwumike. Only a few weeks after she participated in her 11th All-Star
- [Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026: Candace Parker Tells ‘Love Story’ With Game of Basketball](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-2026-candace-parker-tells-love-story-with-game-of-basketball/) - Just as Saturday’s speech at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was the second acceptance speech made this year by Elena Delle Donne, the same also applied to Candace Parker. Parker walked up to the podium with a WNBA basketball – and had said ball on display as she gave her remarks. She began by
- [Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026: Elena Delle Donne Pens ‘Love Letter’ to Basketball in Enshrinement Speech](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-2026-elena-delle-donne-pens-love-letter-to-basketball-in-enshrinement-speech/) - Elena Delle Donne’s speech at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this past Saturday marked the second time this year that she had given a speech at such an occasion. Delle Donne was also part of the 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class earlier this year in Knoxville. Following a nice nod to comedian
- [Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026: Trailblazing USA Basketball Olympic Team of 1996 Enshrined in Springfield](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-2026-trailblazing-usa-basketball-olympic-team-of-1996-enshrined-in-springfield/) - Among the women’s inductees at this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony was an entire team – the trailblazing USA Basketball women’s Olympic team from the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Of course, that team laid the groundwork for today’s WNBA. It also began a streak of consecutive gold medals won by national teams
- [Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2026: Chamique Holdsclaw Centers Importance of Mental Health in Acceptance Speech](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-2026-chamique-holdsclaw-centers-importance-of-mental-health-in-acceptance-speech/) - Chamique Holdsclaw already was part of one Hall of Fame moment this year when she gave the introduction speech for Candace Parker who headlined this year’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class in Knoxville. This time, Holdsclaw had the spotlight on her in Springfield, Massachusetts as part of this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
- [Fans Should Not Allow Bad Faith Actors to Ruin Love of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/fans-should-not-allow-bad-faith-actors-to-ruin-love-of-wnba/) - Over the last several weeks, it appears that the bulk of discourse surrounding the WNBA has been about anything but the actual play on the court. In fact, one can make a strong argument this has been the reality for the last few years. Sophie Cunningham lit this most recent match with her incendiary comments
- [Hear The Call: Cleveland Sirens Set to Join WNBA as 16th Franchise in 2028](https://beyondthew.com/hear-the-call-cleveland-sirens-set-to-join-wnba-as-16th-franchise-in-2028/) - For many years, it appeared that the WNBA was perpetually stuck on 12 franchises before a wave of expansion engulfed the league. First, it was the Golden State Valkyries. Then arrived the 2026 season which also happened to be the W’s 30thanniversary. This season has seen the relaunch of the Portland Fire as well as
- [WNBA, Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham and the Danger of her Anti-Trans Crusade](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-indiana-fever-sophie-cunningham-and-the-danger-of-her-anti-trans-crusade/) - Throughout the last several years, it appears that Sophie Cunningham has been a magnet for controversy. Whether it was lascivious allegations involving her and an executive at the Phoenix Mercury and Suns or a gesture that she did that went viral, it appears that wherever she goes, the cameras follow. Cunningham has also been anything
- [WNBA All-Star: Team Spoon Earns 129-122 Victory Over Team Coop as Liberty’s Jonquel Jones Named MVP](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-team-spoon-earns-129-122-victory-over-team-coop-as-libertys-jonquel-jones-named-mvp/) - Common knowledge nowadays appears to accept the idea of basketball being a young person’s game. Even though that may be true in a number of aspects, Saturday night at the hallowed grounds of Chicago’s United Center proved that veterans can still ball out with the up-and-comers. Many a WNBA fan vividly remembers last year’s All-Star
- [WNBA All-Star Friday: Azzi Fudd Becomes First Rookie to Win 3-Point Contest, Team Washington Wins Shooting Stars](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-friday-azzi-fudd-becomes-first-rookie-to-win-3-point-contest-team-washington-wins-shooting-stars/) - There is a first time for everything – and Friday night at Wintrust Arena would be an evening of a historic first for the WNBA. The first would occur in the 3-Point Contest. This year’s finals would feature the Dallas Wings’ Azzi Fudd and the Portland Fire’s Bridget Carleton. Carleton had the best score of
- [Wilson Sporting Goods Launches ‘Beyond The Arc’ Caitlin Clark Signature Collection 3.0 at Flagship Chicago Location](https://beyondthew.com/wilson-sporting-goods-launches-beyond-the-arc-caitlin-clark-signature-collection-3-0-at-flagship-chicago-location/) - With WNBA All-Star weekend being bigger and better than ever before, the occasion is now a full multi-day event. In addition to the activities organized by the WNBA itself, there are also plenty of events that brands will organize with many of the league’s top stars to plug new products to the public. Chicago is
- [Chicago Vibe Check: Obama Makes Surprise Appearance at WNBA All-Star Practice](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-vibe-check-obama-makes-surprise-appearance-at-wnba-all-star-practice/) - When the WNBA initially announced that 2026 All-Star weekend would emanate from Chicago, one had to believe the W would make excellent use of one of the Windy City’s newest landmarks. That new landmark is – of course – the Obama Presidential Center. It is a massive campus on Chicago’s South Side dedicated to Barack
- [WNBA All-Star: Midseason Report Cards for Our 15 Teams in 2026](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-midseason-report-cards-for-our-15-teams-in-2026/) - The entirety of the WNBA universe has converged on Chicago for this year’s All-Star festivities, meaning we are at the “official” midway point of the 2026 season. There are some teams that have met exceptions. There are others that are currently where we expected them to be at this stage of the season. And there
- [WNBA All-Star: There are More Than Enough Players for a Rookies vs. Sophomores Game](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-there-are-more-than-enough-players-for-a-rookies-vs-sophomores-game/) - At this point, we probably do not need to throw around any ideas on making the WNBA’s All-Star weekend an event. When one looks at what All-Star was as recently as its 2018 version in Seattle and what it was last year in Indianapolis, it is clearly an event now. That will certainly once again
- [WNBA Should Stay Far Away from ‘USA 250’ Patches for All-Star Game](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-should-stay-far-away-from-usa-250-patches-for-all-star-game/) - In previous years, it is safe to say that the WNBA has indeed succeeded in turning its All-Star Game from merely a standalone event into an entire weekend. It used to arrive in a city without much fanfare. Now, it has become one of the biggest events of the summer for whichever locale is hosting.
- [Starting Five: Issues That Cathy Engelbert Could Address in Her WNBA All-Star Press Conference](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-issues-that-cathy-engelbert-could-address-in-her-wnba-all-star-press-conference/) - During marquee WNBA events such as the upcoming All-Star weekend in Chicago, the commissioner typically stages a press conference where she addresses the media regarding hot-button topics regarding the W. Cathy Engelbert also does this circa the Finals. One can affectionately refer to these as her State of the W addresses. In addition to looking
- [Indiana Fever Coach Stephanie White’s Remarks on Behalf of Alyssa Thomas Were a Massive Step in Healing WNBA Discourse](https://beyondthew.com/indiana-fever-coach-stephanie-whites-remarks-on-behalf-of-alyssa-thomas-were-a-massive-step-in-healing-wnba-discourse/) - This week, Stephanie White – coach of the Indiana Fever – made comments prior to a question-and-answer session in regards to the social media vitriol that Phoenix Mercury veteran star Alyssa Thomas has dealt with for roughly the past week. The background of this stems from a moment during a recent game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- [Let’s Get Positive! Seven Positive Stories from Women’s Basketball Recently](https://beyondthew.com/lets-get-positive-five-positive-stories-from-womens-basketball-recently/) - Is it just us, or has the bulk of the WNBA discourse lately decided to shine a light on the negative rather than the positive? We know what the negative is as well – Alyssa Thomas’ fist making contact with the neck of Caitlin Clark that prompted Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White to once again
- [Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Cheryl Reeve Headline Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-elena-delle-donne-cheryl-reeve-headline-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026/) - Once during every summer, the entirety of the women’s basketball universe descends upon Knoxville, Tennessee to honor legends of the game. Once during every summer, a new list of legends is immortalized in the hallowed halls of Knoxville – a city that has contributed so much to women’s basketball history. Saturday, June 27 was that
- [Summertime Chi: Five WNBA Rookies More Than Worthy of All-Star Recognition](https://beyondthew.com/summertime-chi-five-wnba-rookies-more-than-worthy-of-all-star-recognition/) - At this point, we know plenty of the names that are almost certain to be selected for this year’s All-Star Game in Chicago. That list likely will include Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart and, of course, A’ja Wilson. Those five aforementioned names are firmly established as among the WNBA’s marquee players. There
- [1-On-1: Connecticut Sun TV Voice Brendan Glasheen on His Career in New England and What’s Next With Team Moving to Houston](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-connecticut-sun-tv-voice-brendan-glasheen-on-his-career-in-new-england-and-whats-next-with-team-moving-to-houston/) - If one were to watch Connecticut Sun games over the past few seasons, one has been treated to the scintillating play of names such as Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, Brittney Griner and Aneesah Morrow. And a great deal of those moments throughout much of the 2020s for the Sun
- [Four The Gold! Mikaylah Williams’ Game-Winner Lifts Team USA to 3x3 FIBA World Cup Win vs. Australia](https://beyondthew.com/four-the-gold-mikaylah-williams-game-winner-lifts-team-usa-to-3x3-fiba-world-cup-win-vs-australia/) - International football is not the only sport hosting a high-profile World Cup nowadays. Another one took place in Warsaw that was more of the basketball variety. Going into the contest, USA Basketball had an opportunity to claim a fourth gold medal at a 3x3 FIBA World Cup. Team USA had previously won gold medals in
- [Wings Have a Golden Opportunity to Claim Downtown Dallas All for Themselves](https://beyondthew.com/wings-have-a-golden-opportunity-to-claim-downtown-dallas-all-for-themselves/) - Dallas is an extremely interesting sports city. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has also built a reputation for being one of the most passionate sports locales there is. It also is an interesting city in terms of where its professional sports teams play. For example, three of its professional sports teams in the Texas Rangers, Dallas
- [Indiana Fever Organization is Feeling Intense Pressure to Win in Caitlin Clark Era](https://beyondthew.com/indiana-fever-organization-is-feeling-intense-pressure-to-win-in-caitlin-clark-era/) - That old saying is true – pressure bursts pipes. And while the pipes at Gainbridge Fieldhouse have not burst, cracks are appearing in the foundation causing said pipes to leak. This entire mess began prior to a May 20 game between the Indiana Fever and Portland Fire at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. When the team released its
- [Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo: WNBA’s Expansion Teams are Doing It Again](https://beyondthew.com/portland-fire-and-toronto-tempo-wnbas-expansion-teams-are-doing-it-again/) - The concept of the “expansion franchise” appears to be going the way of the basketball court without a 3-point arc. Expansion franchises are supposed to struggle considering that they are given a pool of players to select from that are not exactly superstars. No way an A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Allisha
- [Media Strategy of WNBA Appears to Mirror That of NFL](https://beyondthew.com/media-strategy-of-wnba-appears-to-mirror-that-of-nfl/) - We are roughly a fifth of the way into the 2026 WNBA season. The team that, as of this writing, that has played the most games is the Connecticut Sun. Connecticut has competed in nine games followed by the Toronto Tempo, New York Liberty and Seattle Storm at eight contests apiece. The 2026 season is
- [Light It Up: Recognizing Liberty’s Role in New York’s Basketball Renaissance](https://beyondthew.com/light-it-up-recognizing-libertys-role-in-new-yorks-basketball-renaissance/) - If one were to take a stroll through New York City these days, one would see that the entirety of Gotham is overcome with basketball fever. From Harlem to Bed-Stuy and from Laurelton to Chinatown, it is very common to see someone decked out in blue and orange nowadays. After all, it is not every
- [Starting Five: Early Thoughts as First Week of WNBA Season Concludes](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-early-thoughts-as-first-week-of-wnba-season-concludes/) - As of this writing, we are roughly a week into the 30th WNBA season. The season is more of a marathon than it has ever been – and will be even moreso in the future considering commissioner Cathy Engelbert is mentioning 50-plus game seasons. There is still more than enough season to go. There are already
- [Starting Five: Observations on Debut of new Upshot Basketball League](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-observations-on-debut-of-new-upshot-basketball-league/) - While the bulk of women’s basketball fans are fixed on our 15 WNBA teams, there is another newly created organization that is giving the W a run for its money. That new league is the Upshot League which is headquartered in Jacksonville. Its first season will include four teams – the Jacksonville Waves, the Charlotte
- [A’ja Wilson’s ‘Boring’ Greatness Has Won Her Three Championships – and Counting](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilsons-boring-greatness-has-won-her-three-championships-and-counting/) - We are reaching the latter half of the 2020s decade and it is more than safe to say that in the realm of the WNBA, it has been A’ja Wilson’s world and we are all simply living in it. South Carolina’s very own has not even reached 30 years old – and she already has
- [Drip Check: Reviewing New Rebel Uniforms of Our 15 WNBA Teams](https://beyondthew.com/drip-check-reviewing-new-rebel-uniforms-of-our-15-wnba-teams/) - Just as the WNBA debuted an updated set of uniforms for its 25th anniversary, the W and its partner Nike has done the same for year number 30. The concept of the Rebel Edition jersey was first introduced for the W’s 25th anniversary. This was in 2021 when the WNBA not only celebrated year 25 but was
- [Summertime Chi: WNBA Unveils Logo for 2026 All-Star Weekend in Chicago](https://beyondthew.com/summertime-chi-wnba-unveils-logo-for-2026-all-star-weekend-in-chicago/) - Considering how generic last year’s WNBA All-Star logo was for Indianapolis, we at Beyond The W were certainly watching closely to see what 2026’s All-Star logo for Chicago would resemble. Considering the direction that All-Star logos within the WNBA-NBA sphere appear to have taken, 2025’s appeared to be a sign that WNBA All-Star logos were
- [The Lovers’ Guide to the 2026 WNBA Season! Aces 4 in 5? Is This the Year for Indy or Atlanta? Expansion Franchise Expectations?](https://beyondthew.com/the-lovers-guide-to-the-2026-wnba-season-aces-4-in-5-is-this-the-year-for-indy-or-atlanta-expansion-franchise-expectations/) - As recently as a couple of months ago, it was a fair question as to if there would even be a season given how far apart the WNBA and its players were on ironing out a new collective bargaining agreement. It would have been a shame if there were no CBA, especially considering this is
- [Too Much Madness: NCAA Decision to Expand Tournament to 76 Reeks of Greed, Shortsightedness](https://beyondthew.com/too-much-madness-ncaa-decision-to-expand-tournament-to-76-reeks-of-greed-shortsightedness/) - The middle of March is a banner time to be a sports fan. The field of 68 teams is unveiled. Fans begin booking travel plans. Student sections make pilgrimages to boisterously showcase their school pride. Brackets get filled out – and subsequently busted within the first few games. A Sweet Sixteen is established. Then an
- [Six Intriguing Storylines as 2026 WNBA Season Prepares to Tip Off](https://beyondthew.com/six-intriguing-storylines-as-2026-wnba-season-prepares-to-tip-off/) - May 8 is the day many a WNBA aficionado had circled on their calendars the moment the new collective bargaining agreement was agreed to. Even though May 8 was the tentative day where the season was set to tip off, it was practically a moot point sans a CBA. With one now, we see that
- [Transition Layups: Seven Biggest Moves of WNBA Free Agency](https://beyondthew.com/transition-layups-seven-biggest-moves-of-wnba-free-agency/) - A compressed free agency period meant more news would be made right before the season in a shorter amount of time. This would especially be the case considering the laundry list of over 100 free agents that would be on the board to test the waters. While a number of noteworthy names had decided to
- [WNBA Draft 2026: Azzi Reunites with Paige in Dallas; Flau’jae Traded from Valks to Storm; All Six UCLA Seniors Drafted](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2026-azzi-reunites-with-paige-in-dallas-flaujae-traded-from-valks-to-storm-all-six-ucla-seniors-drafted/) - Many a WNBA Draft has a clear-cut number one overall selection, but going into this year’s version, that number one overall pick became more of a topic of debate. All of our questions regarding the 2026 WNBA Draft would be answered on Monday, April 13 as the Draft was held at The Shed at Hudson
- [To the Connecticut Sun Fans…and to the Houston Comets Fans…](https://beyondthew.com/to-the-connecticut-sun-fansand-to-the-houston-comets-fans/) - We – and virtually everyone else – within the WNBA sphere has seen the news about the Connecticut Sun’s impending relocation to Houston and reviving the Comets. We have seen the reports about how not only is Houston Rockets boss Tilman Fertitta purchasing the Sun at a discount ($300 million as opposed to the $325
- [We See LA! UCLA Dominates South Carolina to Win First-Ever National Championship](https://beyondthew.com/we-see-la-ucla-dominates-south-carolina-to-win-first-ever-national-championship/) - Ask many a casual fan about UCLA and basketball and they will likely retell stories about the laundry list of championships the men’s hoops Bruins won during the era of coach John Wooden. Prior to this season, UCLA had yet to claim national championship euphoria on the women’s end of the basketball ledger. But the
- [UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, Texas: 2026 Final Four Preview](https://beyondthew.com/uconn-south-carolina-ucla-texas-2026-final-four-preview/) - And then…there were four. Even though March Madness is supposed to be the time of year where we look ahead to which teams will make Cinderella runs, Cinderella did not do too much dancing on the women’s side. When all was said and done, this year’s Women’s Final Four is identical to last year’s version.
- [The W Podcast: We Have A CBA…and a 2026 WNBA Season!](https://beyondthew.com/the-w-podcast-we-have-a-cbaand-a-2026-wnba-season/) - It took several arduous months, but the WNBA and is Players Association recently came to terms on a new and improved collective bargaining agreement. And when we at Beyond The W say we had thoughts…we had plenty of thoughts. From the revenue share to the increase in the salary cap to chartered flights to the
- [Five Intriguing WNBA Questions Now That the CBA Drama is Over](https://beyondthew.com/five-intriguing-wnba-questions-now-that-the-cba-drama-is-over/) - With the WNBA and its Players Association having agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement, those of us within the W sphere can return to pondering questions that we typically do around this time of year. Considering how the CBA talks were unfolding for much of the offseason, the question of if we
- [WNBPA Did What Had to Be Done to Ensure a Fair CBA With WNBA – Even at Risk of Season](https://beyondthew.com/wnbpa-did-what-had-to-be-done-to-ensure-a-fair-cba-with-wnba-even-at-risk-of-season/) - When the final buzzer sounded in the 2025 season and the Las Vegas Aces had prevailed over the Phoenix Mercury to win last season’s WNBA championship, we knew that the letters C, B and A would dominate the discourse around the W for the ensuing several months. We knew that these collective bargaining talks with
- [Misties With a Chance of Championship: Mist BC Outlasts Phantom BC to Claim 2026 Unrivaled Crown](https://beyondthew.com/misties-with-a-chance-of-championship-mist-bc-outlasts-phantom-bc-to-claim-2026-unrivaled-crown/) - If one needed a reminder of the parity that exists within Unrivaled, this fact denotes it – the two teams that participated in the 2026 Unrivaled championship game did not even qualify for last season’s playoffs. The two-month South Florida journey that is Unrivaled commenced back in early January and included two new teams as
- [The W Podcast: The Sydney Carter Episode](https://beyondthew.com/the-w-podcast-the-sydney-carter-episode/) - Sydney Carter is a well-known name within women’s basketball circles. Not only is she a former WNBA player and current assistant coach at Texas – one of the premier college teams in the nation – but she has expressed her passion for top-tier fashion, and it has become a hit across social media. On the
- [Is WNBA Forcing Players to Use ‘Nuclear Option’ in CBA Negotiations? ](https://beyondthew.com/is-wnba-forcing-players-to-use-nuclear-option-in-cba-negotiations/) - With roughly a few months to go before the scheduled start of the 2026 season – the 30th in the WNBA’s history – it appears negotiations regarding a new collective bargaining agreement are at the same place they were when the 2025 season concluded. They appear to have gone nowhere. Both sides have made small concessions
- [Eight Standout Performers Through First Two Weeks of Athletes Unlimited](https://beyondthew.com/eight-standout-performers-through-first-two-weeks-of-athletes-unlimited/) - Even with the WNBA schedule being at a halt because of its self-inflicted CBA quagmire, we are still spoiled with a bountiful amount of women’s basketball to witness. The lion’s share of attention has been bestowed upon conference play in the collegiate ranks as well as the second season of Unrivaled. Then there is also
- [Seattle Sports: Acknowledging How Important Storm Have Been to Pacific Northwest](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-sports-acknowledging-how-important-storm-have-been-to-pacific-northwest/) - The 2026 calendar year has commenced with another sporting high for Seattle as its Seahawks have prevailed in dominant fashion over the New England Patriots in the 60th playing of the NFL’s Super Bowl. Fittingly enough since Seahawks fans are known far and wide as 12s, it was 12 years since Seattle’s NFL team won its
- [Chicago Sky Suffers Another Organizational Blow With Lawsuit Against Michael Alter](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-sky-suffers-another-organizational-blow-with-lawsuit-against-michael-alter/) - Throughout the last several years, the Chicago Sky has been in the news for more bad than good. With organizational misstep after organizational misstep plaguing the franchise, it appears the Sky has been a dark one since winning that 2021 championship with Candace Parker. Many a critic of the Sky’s basketball operations has lamented that
- [Minnesota: In the Face of Unrest and Injustice, Women’s Sports Answer the Call](https://beyondthew.com/minnesota-in-the-face-of-unrest-and-injustice-womens-sports-answer-the-call/) - Ask anyone living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and they will mention how life has not appeared normal lately. In fact, ask many of us living in the United States and they will mention how life has not seemed normal for the past year and change. We had a feeling it would get this bad.
- [Coretta Scott King Classic: Ohio State, Vanderbilt Prevail in Thrilling Top 25 Matchups](https://beyondthew.com/coretta-scott-king-classic-ohio-state-vanderbilt-prevail-in-thrilling-top-25-matchups/) - Last year, the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic emanated from the Prudential Center in Newark. The event was nationally broadcasted on Fox and featured four of the premier teams in the women’s college game – UCLA, Texas, Maryland and Baylor. This year’s four-team field for the Coretta Scott King Classic included Ohio State, TCU, Vanderbilt
- [WNBA Deserves Praise for Foresight in Regional Sports Network Saga](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-deserves-praise-for-foresight-in-regional-sports-network-saga/) - In recent months and years, one of the biggest business stories in sports has been the state of regional sports networks. Many of the RSNs have changed hands from Fox Sports Net to the Bally Sports Network and now as FanDuel Sports Network. In addition to the regional sports networks, there is also a FanDuel
- [Bienvenidos a Miami: Previewing 2026 Unrivaled Season!](https://beyondthew.com/bienvenidos-a-miami-previewing-2026-unrivaled-season/) - There was a great deal of pomp and circumstance around last year’s debut of Unrivaled. The much-ballyhooed maiden voyage of the Miami-based full-court 3-on-3 league received mainly positive fanfare. Six teams were part of last year’s Unrivaled season – but the one that stood head and shoulders above the competition was Rose BC following its
- [Year In Revie(W): The 10 Most Memorable Women’s Basketball Stories that Shaped 2025](https://beyondthew.com/year-in-review-the-10-most-memorable-womens-basketball-stories-that-shaped-2025/) - Another year has come and gone. It is hard to believe that the year 2025 is on the verge of being entirely placed in the history books after said year began seemingly not that long ago. The last 12 months resulted in three new cities announced as sites for WNBA franchises, a blue blood collegiate
- [A WNBA Holidays: Five Women’s Basketball-Related Items on our Christmas List](https://beyondthew.com/a-wnba-holidays-five-womens-basketball-related-items-on-our-christmas-list/) - A Christmas tree with WNBA-style ornaments? Count us in. To everyone inside and outside of our hoops family, we wish you a Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa and a joyous New Year! The end of the year is always a time to look ahead to the upcoming 12 months –
- [Ballin’ By the Beach: Players Descend on Miami for Unrivaled’s Sophomore Season](https://beyondthew.com/ballin-by-the-beach-players-descend-on-miami-for-unrivaleds-sophomore-season/) - When the inaugural season of Unrivaled concluded last year, it did so with Rose BC prevailing in the championship contest over Vinyl BC with the final score being 62-54. Fast-forward to today where the second season of the full-court 3x3 league is set to tip-off its season in a matter of weeks. Following a holiday
- [USA Basketball: Depth of Talent on Hand in Durham Proves Team USA is in Good Hands](https://beyondthew.com/usa-basketball-depth-of-talent-on-hand-in-durham-proves-team-usa-is-in-good-hands/) - Whether it was the “young and turnt” contingency of young players on hand at USA Basketball’s training camp in Durham or who we at Beyond The W are affectionately referring to as “old and crunk,” the vibe at Duke University is that the team is in good hands. This past weekend, a number of women’s
- [Giving Flowers to WNBA Press Corps For Another Season of Great Coverage in 2025!](https://beyondthew.com/giving-flowers-to-wnba-press-corps-for-another-season-of-great-coverage-in-2025/) - The 29th WNBA season has arrived and gone with the Las Vegas Aces re-establishing its dynasty status with its third championship in four years. The 29th WNBA season was also another season where its press corps delivered championship-level coverage of the W. It has been a yearly tradition here at Beyond The W for us to give
- [A’ja Wilson’s Dunking Comments, Sarah Ashlee Barker’s One-On-One Game Place Spotlight on Sexism in Women’s Sports](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilsons-dunking-comments-sarah-ashlee-barkers-one-on-one-game-place-spotlight-on-sexism-in-womens-sports/) - Even though the lion’s share of attention within women’s basketball has been split between the early portions of the college season and the WNBA’s collective bargaining negotiations with the WNBPA, the women’s basketball realm is typically a busy one all-around. We vividly remember the days when the debate over dunking and rim-lowering was so much
- [Blown Layup: WNBA’s Short-Sightedness on CBA Risks Stalling Massive Momentum](https://beyondthew.com/blown-layup-wnbas-short-sightedness-on-cba-risks-stalling-massive-momentum/) - Amidst all of the momentum that the WNBA has seen the last several years, we knew that there would be a contentious collective bargaining fight looming that would determine which direction the W would go into. This was always the white – or should we say, orange – elephant that was in the room. Even
- [A WNBA Thanksgiving: Seven Women’s Basketball Topics to Spice Things Up at the Dinner Table](https://beyondthew.com/a-wnba-thanksgiving-seven-womens-basketball-topics-to-spice-things-up-at-the-dinner-table/) - That fourth Thursday of November. We all look forward to it. The food, the friends, the family – and, yes – even the football. But who says football is the only sport that has to be on our brains when we are stuffing so much food in our bellies we need to be on a
- [A Look at the Five Teams Participating in This Year’s WNBA Draft Lottery](https://beyondthew.com/a-look-at-the-five-teams-participating-in-this-years-wnba-draft-lottery/) - Ever since the Las Vegas Aces reclaimed dynasty by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury (which themselves appear on the verge of debuting a new insignia), there has been plenty of activity around the W. Nneka Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas are participating with Project B. A’ja Wilson is basking in the glow of her Aces' third WNBA
- [Texas Two-Step: Dallas Wings Win WNBA Draft Lottery for Second Consecutive Year](https://beyondthew.com/texas-two-step-dallas-wings-win-wnba-draft-lottery-for-second-consecutive-year/) - For those who recall the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery, it was effectively the Paige Bueckers lottery. Whichever of the four teams won said lottery (Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics) would almost certainly draft the UConn great with the first overall selection. The Wings won the lottery – and with it, we
- [Unrivaled is Displaying How to Capitalize on Momentum in Women’s Basketball](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-is-displaying-how-to-capitalize-on-momentum-in-womens-basketball/) - In the earliest parts of the 2025 calendar year, a new women’s basketball league made its debut. That, of course, was Unrivaled. Co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the full-court 3-on-3 format it brought to the women’s basketball landscape was certainly a unique concept. All of its games took place in Miami and it
- [Summertime Chi: Six Thoughts on WNBA Returning to Chicago for All-Star 2026](https://beyondthew.com/summertime-chi-six-thoughts-on-wnba-returning-to-chicago-for-all-star-2026/) - In 2022, the WNBA staged its All-Star festivities in Chicago for the first time in history. Recently, the W announced its intent to return to the Midwest for the 2026 version of All-Star weekend. It is well-documented that Chicago is one of the premier basketball cities that there is. It is also well-documented that the
- [Return of Viva Las Vengeance! Aces Sweep Mercury, Establish Dynasty Status With Third Championship in Four Years](https://beyondthew.com/return-of-viva-las-vengeance-aces-sweep-mercury-establish-dynasty-status-with-third-championship-in-four-years/) - It was not that long ago that we at Beyond The W wrote a piece regarding the 2025 Las Vegas Aces season entitled “Will The Real Las Vegas Aces Please Stand Up.” The remainder of the season, the Aces stood up – and stood on business. From a 17-game winning streak to close out the
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: A’ja Wilson Is Firmly in WNBA’s GOAT Conversation](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-aja-wilson-is-firmly-in-wnbas-goat-conversation/) - Often times, the conversation of who a sport’s Greatest Of All Time will enter its way into a sport’s fan and media discourse. On the NBA’s side, it often revolves around three relatively contemporary names – Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. The status of the 2026 WNBA season is in limbo given how
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: Aces Were a Masterclass in Resilience – and They Should Thank Minnesota Lynx for Championship](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-aces-were-a-masterclass-in-resilience-and-they-should-thank-minnesota-lynx-for-championship/) - It was what the Las Vegas Aces got accomplished in 2022 and 2023 that began so much of the conversation about if this team was the next WNBA dynasty alongside those of the Houston Comets in the late 1990s and the Minnesota Lynx of the 2010s. Winning back-to-back championships – both on the road –
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: Even After a Crushing Finals Loss, Phoenix Mercury Still Deserve Flowers](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-even-after-a-crushing-finals-loss-phoenix-mercury-still-deserve-flowers/) - Of course, just as a team has to win a Finals, a team has to lose in the Finals as well. And even though the Las Vegas Aces are learning the meaning of “to the victors belong the spoils” for the third occasion in four tries, that thrill of victory for Sin City (Win City)
- [Starting Five: Storylines in Advance of Mercury vs. Aces WNBA Finals](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-in-advance-of-mercury-vs-aces-wnba-finals/) - A 44-game WNBA season. All-Star. A Best-of-three first round of the playoffs. A best-of-five second round of the playoffs. Has once again led us to this point where we are on the precipice of crowning a WNBA champion. Two teams remain to vie for that prestigious honor – and in 2025, it is an all
- [Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces: Previewing 2025 WNBA Finals!](https://beyondthew.com/phoenix-mercury-vs-las-vegas-aces-previewing-2025-wnba-finals/) - This may not have been the Finals may predicted either at the beginning of the season or at the beginning of the playoffs. But that is why professional basketball games are played on that 94-by-50 feet of hardwood. The path for both Becky Hammon’s Las Vegas Aces and Nate Tibbetts’ Phoenix Mercury was anything but
- [Napheesa Collier Said What Needed to be Said – And All But Guaranteed WNBA is Heading to a Lockout](https://beyondthew.com/napheesa-collier-said-what-needed-to-be-said-and-all-but-guaranteed-wnba-is-heading-to-a-lockout/) - Speaking truth to power has always been in the DNA of the WNBA. Ask the Atlanta Dream of 2020 when they rallied from the bubble in an election year in support of Raphael Warnock in his U.S. Senate race in Georgia against former owner Kelly Loeffler. Ask players of three teams who wore shirts to
- [Sandy Brondello and Noelle Quinn – A Tale of Two Surprising WNBA Coach Firings](https://beyondthew.com/sandy-brondello-and-noelle-quinn-a-tale-of-two-surprising-wnba-coach-firings/) - At the close of many a regular season in many a sport, a few coaches and/or managers typically find out that they have either coached or managed a team for the final time. Typically, coach and manager firings occur from teams who failed to make the postseason that year. When the WNBA’s 2025 season concluded,
- [Dream, Liberty, Storm, Valkyries: What is Next For Four Teams Eliminated From 2025 WNBA Playoffs](https://beyondthew.com/dream-liberty-storm-valkyries-what-is-next-for-four-teams-eliminated-from-2025-wnba-playoffs/) - The story of any postseason series, of course, continues with who advances to the ensuing rounds. In the case of this year’s WNBA playoffs, the semifinals will see the Minnesota Lynx face off against the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever match up in best-of-five series. But, of course, there are
- [Lynx, Aces, Mercury, Fever: Previewing 2025 WNBA Semifinals](https://beyondthew.com/lynx-aces-mercury-fever-previewing-2025-wnba-semifinals/) - With the opening round of the playoffs in the backburner, the page is now turned to the WNBA semifinals. If this year’s semifinals are anything like how the first round unfolded, “epic” could be the primary word used to describe this season’s second round of the WNBA playoffs. With the New York Liberty being ousted
- [Lynx, Aces, Dream, Mercury, Liberty, Fever, Storm, Valkyries – Previewing 2025 WNBA Playoffs](https://beyondthew.com/lynx-aces-dream-mercury-liberty-fever-storm-valkyries-previewing-2025-wnba-playoffs/) - When Cathy Engelbert first announced this regular season would comprise 44 games, we knew we were in for a 2025 that was more of a marathon rather than a sprint. That is what we got – and now we know what the postseason field for 2025 will resemble. The 2025 season is also the first
- [Chicago Sky on Cusp of Generational Blown Layup with Angel Reese](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-sky-on-cusp-of-generational-blown-layup-with-angel-reese/) - With the litany of generational talents that were selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, many a team found what theoretically would be franchise cornerstones for the next 15 or so years. Or – that is ideally how such a draft would play out. Look at the Indiana Fever. It has its core of Aliyah Boston
- [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2025: ‘Auntie’ Maya Moore's Sage Advice on How Sports Can Build Love and Community](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-2025-auntie-maya-moores-sage-advice-on-how-sports-can-build-love-and-community/) - As many Hall of Fame speeches as we have heard over the years, we practically know what the typical one will sound like. One gets to the podium and immediately begins telling never-before-told tales about their career, they thank their family, friends, teammates, coaches and other influential figures that played big roles in their rise
- [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2025: Sylvia Fowles Instills Importance of Staying True to Oneself](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-2025-sylvia-fowles-instills-importance-of-staying-true-to-oneself/) - The three WNBA representatives that were part of this year’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 struck different tones in their speeches. First up among the W contingency was Sylvia Fowles who, of course, built a storied career as one of the best bigs in WNBA history. Said career included a stint
- [Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2025: Sue Bird Delivers Message on Belonging, Finding One’s Tribe](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-2025-sue-bird-delivers-message-on-belonging-finding-ones-tribe/) - Sue Bird – Long Island’s very own – was one of two WNBA all-time greats who this year delivered speeches at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts as well as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year in Knoxville. Sylvia Fowles was the other. Given the litany of accolades that
- [Playoffs or No Playoffs, 2025 LA Sparks Season Can Already Be Considered a Success](https://beyondthew.com/playoffs-or-no-playoffs-2025-la-sparks-season-can-already-be-considered-a-success/) - Ever since Candace Parker’s departure from the team following the 2020 season in the bubble, the Los Angeles Sparks have been in a state of flux. The season before, the Sparks were one of the participants in the semifinals following a 22-12 regular season. In 2020, Los Angeles was ousted from postseason play at the
- [1-On-1 With Quita Loves Sports: Rising WNBA Media Star on Covering The W on YouTube, All City Partnership, All-Star Experience in Indy](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-with-quita-loves-sports-rising-womens-basketball-media-star-on-covering-wnba-on-youtube-all-city-partnership-all-star-experience-in-indy/) - There is no quit in this Quita. It was approximately 18 years ago – in the early days of YouTube when a sports account ran by one of the few women’s basketball aficionados on the platform at the time gave the presence on what was a fledgling website at the time. Nearly two decades later,
- [How 2025 WNBA MVP Battle Has Become a Five-Player Race](https://beyondthew.com/how-2025-wnba-mvp-battle-has-become-a-five-player-race/) - Even with the somewhat down season the Las Vegas Aces encountered in 2024, that year’s MVP was still very cut and dry with A’ja Wilson running away with those honors last season. This year, as the 2025 WNBA season hits the home stretch, the MVP race appears to be the most competitive since that 2023
- [The Case for Natalie Nakase for WNBA Coach of the Year Over Karl Smesko](https://beyondthew.com/the-case-for-natalie-nakase-for-wnba-coach-of-the-year-over-karl-smesko/) - As the 2025 WNBA regular season reaches its crescendo, the debate over awards is sure to pick up. Many a WNBA pundit will likely mention names such as Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, Allisha Gray and Alyssa Thomas for MVP. Those same pundits may also mention Veronica Burton and Naz Hillmon for Most Improved Player. There
- [Blowing a Layup: WNBA Appears to be Getting In Its Own Way on Connecticut Sun and Boston](https://beyondthew.com/blowing-a-layup-wnba-appears-to-be-getting-in-its-own-way-on-connecticut-sun-and-boston/) - When the initial report came out about a possible deal to relocate the Connecticut Sun to Boston, it appeared to make all the sense in the world. After all, the Sun have attempted to, in recent years, market itself as New England’s team as opposed to simply the Nutmeg State’s. If one wants to be
- [Did WNBA Go Too Bold With 44-Game Schedule?](https://beyondthew.com/did-wnba-go-too-bold-with-44-game-schedule/) - One knows a sport is in a boom period when media outlets like ours are asking if the WNBA went too big and bold with its schedule. One interesting aspect of things is when we first launched at the midpoint of the previous decade, the WNBA season was 34 games long. Meaning it was only
- [Will the Real Las Vegas Aces Please Stand Up? ](https://beyondthew.com/will-the-real-las-vegas-aces-please-stand-up/) - Not all 15-14 seasons are created equal. There are certain teams that wish they were in a position to be around the .500 mark with more than three-quarters of the season complete. Teams that are at the bottom of the WNBA standings such as the Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky come to mind.
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on Latest Report Regarding Possible Connecticut Sun Sale, Move to Boston](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-latest-report-regarding-possible-connecticut-sun-sale-move-to-boston/) - Following the 2024 season which saw another unceremonious postseason exit for the Connecticut Sun, a number of high-profile departures ensued including Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, former coach Stephanie White and former general manager Darius Taylor. All of those departures led to plenty of talk that the Sun were about to undergo
- [WNBA All-Star 2025: ‘MVPhee’ for Napheesa Collier as Her Team Prevails 151-131 over Team Clark](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-mvphee-for-napheesa-collier-as-her-team-prevails-151-131-over-team-clark/) - One of the themes of the 2025 WNBA season has been the redemption tour that the Minnesota Lynx have embarked on. Following a heartbreaking loss in last season’s WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty, coach Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx posted the best record in the W at the All-Star break, standing atop the WNBA standings
- [WNBA All-Star Epilogue: From StudBudz to WNBPA, Players Reminded The W of Its True Identity](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-epilogue-from-studbudz-to-wnbpa-players-reminded-the-w-of-its-true-identity/) - It was nearly a year ago when the WNBA first announced that the 2025 All-Star weekend would be hosted by Indianapolis for the first time in its history. When this occurred, many a pundit and many a fan already had visions as to what All-Star would resemble. After all, Indiana landing All-Star can be directly
- [Liberty Sweep WNBA All-Star Friday as Ionescu Wins Second 3-Point Contest, Cloud Claims Skills Challenge](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-sweep-wnba-all-star-friday-as-ionescu-wins-second-3-point-contest-cloud-claims-skills-challenge/) - At last year’s All-Star Friday at PHX Arena, both the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest were swept by one player – Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream. This year, All-Star Friday at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse was once again swept – but by a team instead of one player. That team was the defending WNBA champion
- [WNBA All-Star: Midseason Report Cards for 2025 Season](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-midseason-report-cards-for-2025-season/) - With the entirety of the WNBA universe converging on Indianapolis for this year’s All-Star festivities, we have reached the “official” midway point of the 2025 season. This means, it is time to assess the performances of our 13 teams with said season at its midway point. Some teams have performed above expectations and others have
- [WNBA All-Star 2025: Where the W Should Stage its Next Three Midseason Weekends](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-where-the-w-should-stage-its-next-three-midseason-weekends/) - One of the storylines of every WNBA All-Star weekend is where the ensuing weekend’s festivities shall take place. Of course, the W has taken over Indianapolis for the next several days, but which city will play host to the W’s midseason party in 2026? Could it be Las Vegas again? A report from Callie Fin
- [WNBA All-Star 2025: Rename 3-Point Contest Trophy After Allie Quigley](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-rename-3-point-contest-trophy-after-allie-quigley/) - Part of the growth of WNBA All-Star from merely a standalone game that may not have drawn plenty of buzz into an entire weekend’s worth of events, has been the introduction of the 3-Point Contest to the All-Star weekend lineup. This year’s version will include the last two 3-Point champions in Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on Revival of Portland Fire as WNBA’s 15th Franchise](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-revival-of-portland-fire-as-wnbas-15th-franchise/) - What is old is apparently new again in today’s WNBA. It is only fitting that the Portland WNBA franchise would choose the 15th of July to stage its big reveal for the name and logo of the W’s 15th franchise. Portland dug an old friend out of the crates and revived the Portland Fire with a brand
- [WNBPA Has Plenty of Leverage – And Then Some – In CBA Talks with WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/wnbpa-has-plenty-of-leverage-and-then-some-in-cba-talks-with-wnba/) - The first half of the 2025 WNBA season has once again produced its fair share of storylines. The Minnesota Lynx being on a revenge tour. The Phoenix Mercury emerging as real championship contenders. The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever underperforming at the halfway point. What the Golden State Valkyries have done in its inaugural
- [Phoenix Mercury Put Rest of WNBA on Notice Right Before All-Star](https://beyondthew.com/phoenix-mercury-put-rest-of-wnba-on-notice-right-before-all-star/) - The Phoenix Mercury’s message to the rest of the WNBA is short, sweet and to the point – you’re in danger, girl. Last season’s Mercury version did make the postseason, but it became clear as the 2024 campaign wore on that it would more than likely be the final season that Diana Taurasi and Brittney
- [Starting Five: Notable Snubs from This Year’s WNBA All-Star Game](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-notable-snubs-from-this-years-wnba-all-star-game/) - The full field for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis has been revealed now that we know the reserves that will be en route to Indy in a couple of weeks. The 12 reserves include a pair of Washington Mystics rookies in Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. They also include a pair of Seattle
- [Candace Parker's LA Sparks Jersey Retirement a Watershed Moment for WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-la-sparks-jersey-retirement-a-watershed-moment-for-wnba/) - The end of one’s career is something that arrives for every athlete – even the greatest of the greatest. It is anything but an easy mental process to go through for even the proudest and most accomplished of competitors – that time when one’s days as a player come to an end. For all of
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA Expansion to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-expansion-to-cleveland-detroit-and-philadelphia/) - When Portland was announced some time ago as the home city for the WNBA’s 15th franchise, there was immediately plenty of chatter about where the W’s 16th team would be placed given it was a goal of commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s. There was a report hinting that Cleveland would be the home for that 16th franchise – then further
- [WNBA All-Star 2025: Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark Announced as Team Captains, Starters Unveiled](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-napheesa-collier-caitlin-clark-announced-as-team-captains-starters-unveiled/) - Slowly, but surely we are beginning to see a much clearer picture as to what All-Star weekend in Indianapolis will resemble this year. If all goes according to plan, three of the likely 3-Point Contest participants will be Allisha Gray, Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark. Ionescu and Gray are the last two winners of the
- [These Five WNBA Coaches Appear to be Coach of the Year Frontrunners](https://beyondthew.com/these-five-wnba-coaches-appear-to-be-coach-of-the-year-frontrunners/) - As of late June this 2025 WNBA season, roughly more than a fourth of the season has been played regarding our 13 teams. And while there are a few such as the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty that were expected to be at the top of the standings prior to the start of the
- [Angel Reese Deserves to be at All-Star – She Does Not Deserve Everything That Seems to Come With Indy Nowadays](https://beyondthew.com/angel-reese-deserves-to-be-at-all-star-she-does-not-deserve-everything-that-seems-to-come-with-indy-nowadays/) - When the 2025 WNBA season tipped off, plenty of WNBA prognosticators (including us) were very bullish on the Chicago Sky’s chances of making the playoffs. After all, injuries down the stretch were what derailed the Sky late and, perhaps, a Sky team that stayed healthy for the entirety of the season could earn one of
- [Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Lucille Kyvallos Among 2025 Inductees of Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-sylvia-fowles-lucille-kyvallos-among-2025-inductees-of-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame/) - Every year, the intersection of Clinch Avenue and South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville becomes a focal point for the women’s basketball fan as it is where the Tennessee Theatre is located – and a new class becomes inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This year’s noteworthy names that were forever immortalized in
- [WNBA Unveils Line ‘Em Up Campaign at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-unveils-line-em-up-campaign-at-brooklyn-bridge-parks-pier-2/) - One of the WNBA’s latest initiatives involves it planting its orange flag on park courts across the nation – or should we say its orange line. The W recently debuted the Line ‘Em Up campaign which is an effort place its orange 3-point line at courts at outdoor parks around the country. Per a press
- [Pride Month: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ in WNBA, Women’s Sports Has Never Been More Important](https://beyondthew.com/pride-month-celebrating-lgbtqia-in-wnba-womens-sports-has-never-been-more-important/) - June. Pride Month. And while there are well-monied forces afoot effectively trying to drive those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community back into the shadows, 2025 has shown that those who part of said community should be louder than ever about their Pride. And that those who are allies should be more boisterous than
- [New York Liberty Understand the Assignment – On and Off-Court](https://beyondthew.com/new-york-liberty-understand-the-assignment-on-and-off-court/) - The upward trajectory the New York Liberty – the WNBA’s flagship franchise – has been on since being purchased by Clara Wu Tsai and her husband Joe has been well-documented. On the court, that upward trajectory was rewarded last year as the Liberty became WNBA champions for the first time in the franchise’s 29-year history.
- [Hoosier Mystics: Washington Ought to be Well-Represented at All-Star in Indy](https://beyondthew.com/hoosier-mystics-washington-ought-to-be-well-represented-at-all-star-in-indy/) - At the outset of the 2025 regular season, many a WNBA viewer had a rather bearish view of the Washington Mystics. After all, the team underwent more than its fair share of changes over the offseason. The Thibault era in D.C. effectively concluded over said offseason with Mike Thibault stepping down from his post as
- [Dallas Wings’ On-Court Struggles a Reflection of Front Office Woes](https://beyondthew.com/dallas-wings-on-court-struggles-a-reflection-of-front-office-woes/) - Prior to the start of the 2025 WNBA season, one of the more intriguing teams to follow was the Dallas Wings. Dallas underwent plenty of change both on the court and in its front office during the offseason. The Wings lost Satou Sabally to the Phoenix Mercury and Natasha Howard to the Indiana Fever. Along
- [For Several WNBA Teams, 2025 Could Be the Year of the ‘Re’](https://beyondthew.com/for-several-wnba-teams-2025-could-be-the-year-of-the-re/) - If one were to ask many a pundit prior to the tip-off of the 2025 WNBA season, many of those prognosticators would claim that there are four teams that are primary contenders. They would likely say that the other nine W teams are seeking to get to where those core four are. One could perhaps
- [Starting Five: Early Observations from First Few Days of 2025 WNBA Season](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-early-observations-from-first-few-days-of-2025-wnba-season/) - The 2025 WNBA season is now 44 games long. Despite the additional length of this year – and one more team being added into the W family – that has not prevented many from making snap judgments based on only a few games. As of this writing, the most games a team has played has
- [Eight WNBA Podcasts That Will Have The Season Covered From Start to Finish](https://beyondthew.com/eight-wnba-podcasts-that-will-have-the-season-covered-from-start-to-finish/) - We are on the precipice of another WNBA season – the 29th season in the history of the W. This definitely means plenty of us will be hitting the roads this season to be en route to WNBA arenas this season – including in July when the entirety of the women’s basketball family will descend upon
- [Pros and Cons of Reported Sale of Connecticut Sun](https://beyondthew.com/pros-and-cons-of-reported-sale-of-connecticut-sun/) - It is an adage that has stood the test of time – where there is smoke, there is fire. No pun intended. Apparently, all of those departures over the offseason for the Connecticut Sun were linked to one primary issue regarding the organization – an upcoming sale of the franchise. According to a report from
- [WNBA 2025 Season Preview! Liberty Repeat? Aces Back on Top, Top, Top? Playoffs For Both Clark and Reese? Valkyries Goals?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2025-season-preview-liberty-repeat-aces-back-on-top-top-top-playoffs-for-both-clark-and-reese-valkyries-goals/) - The last time we saw WNBA basketball played, one of the greatest Finals in history took place between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. It was a series that could have gone either way but the Liberty eventually prevailed to finally bring W championship hardware to the league’s flagship city and largest market. With
- [Memo to Media: Let’s Leave Fake ‘Caitlin Clark vs. WNBA’ Storyline in 2024](https://beyondthew.com/memo-to-media-lets-leave-fake-caitlin-clark-vs-wnba-storyline-in-2024/) - No one at this point is denying that the arrival of Caitlin Clark into the WNBA has been a game-changer for the league. The fact that she has made other teams relocate games against the Indiana Fever to larger NBA venues tells the entire story. Unfortunately, as has become well-documented, not all of the attention
- [There Are Enough Players on WNBA Training Camp Rosters for Six Additional Teams](https://beyondthew.com/there-are-enough-players-on-wnba-training-camp-rosters-for-six-additional-teams/) - When the pomp and circumstance of the WNBA Draft has concluded, reality sets in that the draft is merely a set piece for the next major portion of the W calendar – training camps. If there is one thing those within the WNBA universe understand about training camps is that the cuts that come with
- [Paige Bueckers’ Arrival Could Not Have Been at a More Perfect Time for Dallas Sports](https://beyondthew.com/paige-bueckers-arrival-could-not-have-been-at-a-more-perfect-time-for-dallas-sports/) - To say that the last several months have been a very interesting one for Dallas-Fort Worth sports is….an understatement. If one is a North Texas sports fan, one remembers exactly where they were that fateful day…when they saw across their timelines that the Dallas Mavericks had indeed traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers
- [WNBA Draft 2025: Wings turn Paige with Bueckers; Valks Go Global with First-Ever Pick; Mystics Select Citron, Iriafen, Amoore](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2025-wings-turn-paige-with-bueckers-valks-go-global-with-first-ever-pick-mystics-select-citron-iriafen-amoore/) - One of the marquee events on the women’s basketball and WNBA calendars, April 14 would see the culmination of a long journey for several young basketball players. The highs and lows, the wins and losses have all prepared them for when they would have their big moment in the spotlight at the 2025 WNBA Draft.
- [Starting Five: Initial Thoughts on WNBA Draft 2025](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-initial-thoughts-on-wnba-draft-2025/) - After all the pomp and circumstance leading up to this year’s WNBA Draft, said draft finally took place and several young women with a dream of hearing their names called by professional teams recognized that on Monday April 14. To no shock, Paige Bueckers was the first overall selection by the Dallas Wings. Then –
- [Dozen By Way of Dominance: UConn Routs South Carolina for Huskies’ 12th National Championship](https://beyondthew.com/dozen-by-way-of-dominance-uconn-routs-south-carolina-for-huskies-12th-national-championship/) - The last time UConn was the last team standing in the women’s basketball realm, the year was 2016 when a young Breanna Stewart led the Huskies to their 11th championship. During that period of time between 2016 and 2025, Dawn Staley had built South Carolina in a women’s basketball powerhouse on par with what Geno Auriemma
- [WNBA Draft 2025: Did Cathy Engelbert Airball Promotion of W’s Big Night?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2025-did-cathy-engelbert-airball-promotion-of-ws-big-night/) - Remember last year’s WNBA Draft? Remember last year’s WNBA Draft class that included the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson and Kamilla Cardoso among others. The way there are documentaries made about the 2003 NBA Draft class that included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh among others, there
- [A Message to our WNBA Family in Toronto, Canada…Forgive Us – We Will Always Love You](https://beyondthew.com/a-message-to-our-wnba-family-in-toronto-canadaforgive-us-we-will-always-love-you/) - It was a few days prior to the WNBA Draft – and we at Beyond The W were on a pre-draft media conference call with Hilary Guy, Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo and Andraya Carter at ESPN. Someone then asked a question that we have not thought much about – but is certainly worth pondering. It
- [When talking about WNBA greats, Elena Delle Donne is deserving of her flowers](https://beyondthew.com/when-talking-about-wnba-greats-elena-delle-donne-is-deserving-of-her-flowers/) - There is always plenty of spirited discussion among WNBA aficionados concerning the greats of the game – those that will be remembered long after their playing days have come to an end. While she has become often overlooked, Elena Delle Donne – Delaware’s favorite daughter – certainly is more than deserving of a bouquet of
- [WNBA Draft 2025: Five Things to Know about The Shed in New York City](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2025-five-things-to-know-about-the-shed-in-new-york-city/) - We knew that when last season’s WNBA Draft was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music that it was a sign of the world healing – the sports world at least. The world at large these days is another story. It was the first time the draft was staged in front of fans since the
- [And Then There Were Four…. Previewing 2025 NCAA Final Four](https://beyondthew.com/and-then-there-were-four-previewing-2025-ncaa-final-four/) - The two weeks of March Madness action we have seen has once again brought us to this point – where we are three games shy of crowning another national champion. The question that remains to be answered is if that champion will be the same assembling that was the last team standing at the conclusion
- [Starting Five: Storylines of 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-of-2025-ncaa-womens-final-four/) - A grand total of 68 teams began this season’s rendition of March Madness with aspirations on booking plans to Central Florida for this year’s Final Four. As its namesake suggests, only four would have the privilege of being named national semifinalists. Those teams are UCLA, South Carolina, UConn and Texas. Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks and Geno
- [The Real Aim of ‘Protect Women’s Sports’ Crowd is to Pillage Women’s Sports via Transphobia](https://beyondthew.com/the-real-aim-of-protect-womens-sports-crowd-is-to-pillage-womens-sports-via-transphobia/) - We have written extensively about the “Protect Women’s Sports” movement over the last couple of years. On the surface, it sounds like a noble cause. How can anyone not get behind a movement to protect women’s sports? Then – one looks at many of the purveyors of the movement and sees that it is more
- [On the Air: Thoughts on WNBA’s 2025 National Television and Streaming Schedule](https://beyondthew.com/on-the-air-thoughts-on-wnbas-2025-national-television-and-streaming-schedule/) - When the overall schedule for the WNBA gets unveiled, one of the questions that immediately enters the mind of many a fan is what the slate will resemble in terms of national television broadcasts. Roughly a week ago, that national television schedule was unveiled. Much of the WNBA’s schedule is indeed available through one of
- [Let the Madness Begin! Starting Five Thoughts on 2025 NCAA Tournament](https://beyondthew.com/let-the-madness-begin-starting-five-thoughts-on-2025-ncaa-tournament/) - March – always a marquee month on the women’s basketball schedule. Many states are wrapping up their high school basketball tournaments. In addition, the hype train for the WNBA Draft is preparing to pick up steam and make its eventual final destination in Midtown Manhattan. This March has been further amplified by the conclusion of
- [Season One of Unrivaled Should Have an Expanding WNBA Taking Notes](https://beyondthew.com/season-one-of-unrivaled-should-have-an-expanding-wnba-taking-notes/) - Among the many things that the maiden voyage of the Unrivaled League proved – that ranks are, indeed, subjective. Going into the first season of Unrivaled, Rose BC was picked as the last-ranked team by ESPN behind its Laces, Lunar Owls, Vinyl, Phantom and Mist peers. At first, it appeared as if those rankings would
- [Angel Reese's CBA Comments Further Expose Conditional Fandom of ‘new’ WNBA ‘Fans’](https://beyondthew.com/angel-reeses-cba-comments-further-expose-conditional-fandom-of-new-wnba-fans/) - Being a fan of a women’s league means one wants better for that women’s league – and its players. It means wanting those players to have the best possible accommodations so they can perform at their peak on a consistent basis. It means wanting those players to be paid what they are worth and it
- [Starting Five: Players That Could Improve WNBA Draft Stock in March](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-players-that-could-improve-wnba-draft-stock-in-march/) - March. All one has to do is say that one very word to a basketball aficionado and said fan immediately gets hearts in their eyes. The Madness is once again upon us. The Power Five conferences – Big East, ACC, SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 all have crowned conference champions. Now, those champions –
- [Diana Taurasi Displayed Utmost Respect for the Game – Right to the Very End](https://beyondthew.com/diana-taurasi-displayed-utmost-respect-for-the-game-right-to-the-very-end/) - Before JuJu Watkins, there was Diana Taurasi. Before Angel Reese, there was Diana Taurasi. Before Caitlin Clark, there was Diana Taurasi. Before A’ja Wilson, there was Diana Taurasi. Before Breanna Stewart, there was Diana Taurasi. Even before Candace Parker, there was Diana Taurasi. The way in which we marvel at the game’s current greats dwarfs
- [Volt Up: 2025 looking like a pivotal season for Dallas Wings](https://beyondthew.com/volt-up-2025-looking-like-a-pivotal-season-for-dallas-wings/) - With the dust settling from what was another very active free agency period, it is becoming more clear which teams are in transitionary periods. Those teams include the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics and Los Angeles Sparks. That conversation also ought to include Texas’ lone WNBA team as of today. While there
- [Starting Five: Musings on Report of Cleveland becoming home of WNBA’s 16th Franchise](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-musings-on-report-of-cleveland-becoming-home-of-wnbas-16th-franchise/) - The Golden State Valkyries are set to take the court at Chase Center this year as the WNBA’s 13th team. The Toronto Tempo and Portland team are set to take the court next season as teams 14 and 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert had made it a point to reiterate how the goal was to get the
- [NBA All-Star: Indianapolis got what Bay Area deserved](https://beyondthew.com/nba-all-star-indianapolis-got-what-bay-area-deserved/) - When Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry lit it up last year at NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis in a three-point contest for charity, it was unquestionably one of the highlights of last season’s NBA All-Star festivities. One could probably make a strong case that it was the highlight of last season’s All-Star festivities on the MNBA side
- [Major brands understanding the assignment by featuring women athletes in Super Bowl commercials](https://beyondthew.com/major-brands-understanding-the-assignment-by-featuring-women-athletes-in-super-bowl-commercials/) - We at Beyond The W were relatively neutral to this season’s Super Bowl. The game was a complete snoozefest as the Philadelphia Eagles virtually had the game won at the half. Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs were nowhere to be found and Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance was a bigger highlight than the game
- [If Black WNBA players are ‘unmarketable,’ why are A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese still landing major opportunities?](https://beyondthew.com/if-black-wnba-players-are-unmarketable-why-are-aja-wilson-angel-reese-still-landing-major-opportunities/) - A new wave of bandwagon fans forced their way into the WNBA chat last season – and many of these fans began a discourse of questioning the marketability of Black WNBA players. This completely ignores the reality that the vast majority of WNBA players are Black. Meaning that if anyone is going to be marketed,
- [Unrivaled Week 3: Lunar Owls lone remaining unbeaten team at a perfect 6-0, Mist gets in win column](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-week-3-lunar-owls-lone-remaining-unbeaten-team-at-a-perfect-6-0-mist-gets-in-win-column/) - A few weeks into the Unrivaled League, it was a fair question as to if either Vinyl BC, Laces BC or Lunar Owls was the team to beat. Following the third week of play at Miami’s Wayfair Arena, it is clear that those Lunar Owls are the team the other five groups are looking to
- [Rainy with a Chance of Rebuild: How Playoff Heartbreak, Facility Woes Caught Up to Connecticut Sun](https://beyondthew.com/rainy-with-a-chance-of-rebuild-how-playoff-heartbreak-facility-woes-caught-up-to-connecticut-sun/) - When the Connecticut Sun were ousted from last season’s playoffs in the semifinals by eventual WNBA runners-up Minnesota Lynx, the feeling was different regarding the team. The Sun have built a reputation of being a perennial bridesmaid – but never the bride that has the ring(s) placed on its finger(s). This round of postseason disappointment
- [Free Agency has become to WNBA what the Trade Deadline is in MLB](https://beyondthew.com/free-agency-has-become-to-wnba-what-the-trade-deadline-is-in-mlb/) - When a WNBA season concludes with a champion being crowned, the attention of the women’s basketball universe usually shifts to the high school and collegiate ranks. But the attention on the high school and collegiate ranks, of course, gives us a glimpse at the WNBA stars of tomorrow after five to six months of viewing
- [WNBA Expansion: Tennessee Summitt has Candace Parker, Faith Hill and Peyton Manning – Does it have…Comcast?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-expansion-tennessee-summitt-has-candace-parker-faith-hill-and-peyton-manning-does-it-havecomcast/) - Between conference play in the collegiate ranks, Unrivaled in full swing in Miami and so much WNBA news hitting the wires, it has been an exciting time to follow women’s ball. And after a dormant few weeks, the account titled “WNBAExpansion16” decided to re-enter our chats. Not too long ago, it was revealed that there
- [WNBA Free Agency: Satou Sabally traded to Phoenix Mercury in multi-team trade involving Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-satou-sabally-traded-to-phoenix-mercury-in-multi-team-trade-involving-indiana-fever-dallas-wings/) - When the Jewell Loyd-Kelsey Plum three-team trade involving the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks was first reported, conventional wisdom surrounded around the idea that it would be the deal that would open the free agency floodgates. It appears to have done just that. Since then, the reports of player movement have
- [WNBA Free Agency: Courtney Vandersloot to make triumphant return to Chicago Sky](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-courtney-vandersloot-to-make-triumphant-return-to-chicago-sky/) - Sometimes, we get wind of free agent developments prior to when they take place. This WNBA free agency period, we got wind of said developments prior to the official free agency start date of Feb. 1. And one of those developments involves one of the W’s premier veteran point guards returning to the team and
- [WNBA Free Agency: Brittney Griner reportedly set to leave Phoenix Mercury, join Atlanta Dream](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-brittney-griner-reportedly-set-to-leave-phoenix-mercury-join-atlanta-dream/) - The free agency portion of the WNBA calendar is exactly why it is always wise to hold off on any talk of power rankings until the dust settles around the middle of February. Because free agency is usually when a lot of things change. The news that has been revealed regarding marquee players has been
- [Inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic at NJ’s Prudential Center features UCLA, Baylor, Texas, Maryland](https://beyondthew.com/inaugural-coretta-scott-king-classic-at-njs-prudential-center-features-ucla-baylor-texas-maryland/) - Midway through this year’s college basketball season, four of the country’s premier teams converged on northern New Jersey to take part in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic. Held at Newark’s Prudential Center in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s holiday and broadcasted on Fox, it was a banner day to be a women’s
- [Report: Alyssa Thomas to be traded from Connecticut Sun to Phoenix Mercury](https://beyondthew.com/report-alyssa-thomas-to-be-traded-from-connecticut-sun-to-phoenix-mercury/) - While the free agency period officially begins the first day of February, there are moves being made that will once again ensure the 2025 WNBA season looks outwardly different from previous campaign. The first domino to fall was the reported three-team trade involving the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm. That deal
- [DiJonai Carrington being targeted over Unrivaled fit is more proof of fake love within WNBA, Caitlin Clark ‘fandom’](https://beyondthew.com/dijonai-carrington-being-targeted-over-unrivaled-fit-is-more-proof-of-fake-love-within-wnba-caitlin-clark-fandom/) - As we all know by now, a wave of new onlookers are paying more attention to women’s basketball because of the hype created around the 2024 WNBA rookie class. Of course, Caitlin Clark is a marquee portion of said class. But while she has brought with her a legion of new eyes onto the sport,
- [Unrivaled Week Two: Laces, Lunar Owls still undefeated, Mist still in search of first win](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-week-two-laces-lunar-owls-still-undefeated-mist-still-in-search-of-first-win/) - Unrivaled embarked on a scintillating start in its first weekend. It had a tough act to follow in its second week but given the large amount of star power that is in Miami, it would be up to the task. Play began this past Friday with Phantom BC taking on Mist BC. At the time,
- [Reports: Jewell Loyd dealt to Las Vegas Aces in 3-team blockbuster WNBA trade involving Los Angeles Sparks, Seattle Storm](https://beyondthew.com/reports-jewell-loyd-dealt-to-las-vegas-aces-in-3-team-blockbuster-wnba-trade-involving-los-angeles-sparks-seattle-storm/) - With the WNBA’s free agent period upon us, the news cycle is preparing to become extremely active. Said news cycle already was active between the women’s college season in conference play as well as Unrivaled. The W is preparing to re-enter the chat in a huge way. For a few days, Annie Costabile who covers
- [Unrivaled debuts to roaring start with Laces, Lunar Owls, Vinyl at 2-0](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-debuts-to-roaring-start-with-laces-lunar-owls-vinyl-at-2-0/) - Even with the sky-high build-up to the debut of the Unrivaled League, it was yet to be seen as to what sort of debut there would be. Unrivaled’s debut was nothing short of exhilarating. And it began with the first-ever game that took place at Miami’s Wayfair Arena. That first game would feature Mist BC taking
- [Unrivaled League: Is its presentation outdoing WNBA?](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-league-is-its-presentation-outdoing-wnba/) - This past Friday was the much-ballyhooed debut of the Unrivaled League – the 3x3 full court women’s basketball season featuring many professional notables from the WNBA. If the first weekend of Unrivaled was any indication, we women’s hoops aficionados are indeed in for a treat these next couple of months. But while the teams, star
- [WNBA All-Star 2025 Indianapolis logo a step back in creativity](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-indianapolis-logo-a-step-back-in-creativity/) - It was announced not long after the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix that the 2025 version of the W’s midseason festivities would emanate from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clearly, the WNBA is continuing to attempt to capitalize off the increased attention that has been brought to the league thanks to the arrival of Caitlin
- [Bank $hot: Has Josh Harris, Philadelphia checkmated Tilman Fertitta, Houston on WNBA Expansion?](https://beyondthew.com/bank-hot-has-josh-harris-philadelphia-checkmated-tilman-fertitta-houston-on-wnba-expansion/) - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has stated on numerous occasions that her goal is to get to the W to 16 teams by 2028. With the Golden State Valkyries debuting this coming season plus the Toronto Tempo and the still-unnamed Portland franchise joining the fray in 2026, it appears to be a shoo-in that Engelbert will
- [Unrivaled Basketball League: Analysis of six 3x3 teams to take court in Miami](https://beyondthew.com/unrivaled-basketball-league-analysis-of-six-3x3-teams-to-take-court-in-miami/) - While the women’s basketball universe will have one eye on the college basketball scene come January, the other of those two eyes will be on South Florida. That will be where the inaugural Unrivaled League will tip off. The league has a deal to air games on TNT and is slated to begin the first
- [Year In Revie(W) – 10 Biggest Women’s Hoops Stories of 2024](https://beyondthew.com/year-in-review-10-biggest-womens-hoops-stories-of-2024/) - In recent years, we have seen the landscape of women’s basketball shift to a climate where it is on the rise. The year 2024 told the masses that women’s basketball has not only arrived. It is here to stay and it is only going in one direction – and that is up. The WNBA’s flagship
- [Five Things We Want to See in Women’s Sports in 2025](https://beyondthew.com/five-things-we-want-to-see-in-womens-sports-in-2025/) - To say that 2024 was a game-changing year for women’s sports was an understatement. As much as it was a game-changing year, it was also one where the realm of women’s sports – particularly the WNBA – was taken on an emotional rollercoaster. The final days of the old year allowed us an opportunity to
- [Maybe NBA Needs to be More Like WNBA to Help Ratings Woes](https://beyondthew.com/maybe-nba-needs-to-be-more-like-wnba-to-help-ratings-woes/) - Recently, much of the conversation in and around NBA circles has revolved around the drama of Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Butler notably led the Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in the bubble. Recently, Butler has let it be known that he is no longer happy playing for
- [The W Podcast Returns! Happy 10th anniversary to Beyond The W!](https://beyondthew.com/the-w-podcast-returns-happy-10th-anniversary-to-beyond-the-w/) - Ten years….a full decade can go be really fast. We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary here at Beyond The W and what better way to celebrate such a joyous occasion than by bringing back one of its staples – The W Podcast! Here, Lo, Lamar and Akiem reflect on the 10 years that was. From
- [Caitlin Clark obliterates narratives in Time Magazine ‘Athlete of the Year’ interview – where is the coverage?](https://beyondthew.com/caitlin-clark-obliterates-narratives-in-time-magazine-athlete-of-the-year-interview-where-is-the-coverage/) - One of the unavoidable stories of not only the 2024 WNBA season – but the calendar year that was 2024 was how a legion of racist “fans” attached themselves to Caitlin Clark with the idea that she was the solution to an overly Black women’s basketball landscape. Clark recently made clear that she is not
- [The Ascent Begins: Golden State Valkyries hold its expansion draft](https://beyondthew.com/the-ascent-begins-golden-state-valkyries-hold-its-expansion-draft/) - Until December 6th, the biggest question mark surrounding one of the WNBA’s newest franchises – the Golden State Valkyries – was what the make up of its roster resemble. The Valkyries had owners in Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. They had a team president in Jess Smith. They had a general manager in former New
- [Starting 6ix: Thoughts on name, logo and colors of Canada’s WNBA franchise – Toronto Tempo](https://beyondthew.com/starting-6ix-thoughts-on-name-logo-and-colors-of-canadas-wnba-franchise-toronto-tempo/) - This probably was not the way WNBA’s Toronto franchise was expecting to roll out its name and logo – but here we are regardless. It all started with a name leak on one website that was quickly scrubbed. Then the Sports Logos website apparently got a second leak of a logo that seemingly was one
- [Number 29: WNBA Releases 44-Game Schedules for 2025 Season!](https://beyondthew.com/number-29-wnba-releases-44-game-schedules-for-2025-season/) - So….which one of our now 13 WNBA teams had the best schedule reveal? You be the judge. Regardless, it has only been roughly a bit more than a month since the 2024 season concluded with the New York Liberty won its first-ever WNBA championship by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in an unforgettable Finals. With the
- [Paige, Texas? Dallas Wings win 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery and first overall selection](https://beyondthew.com/paige-texas-dallas-wings-win-2025-wnba-draft-lottery-and-first-overall-selection/) - For those that know Texas geography, there is a town called Paige in the Austin metropolitan area. Could another Paige prepare to start her professional career in the Lone Star State? That appears all the more possible following the results of the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery – one which saw the Dallas Wings claim the
- [It is an understatement to say alleged misconduct within Seattle Storm is troubling](https://beyondthew.com/it-is-an-understatement-to-say-alleged-misconduct-within-seattle-storm-is-troubling/) - Of all the potential stories that the 2024-25 WNBA offseason could produce – did anyone expect one involving possible misconduct within an organization? Subria Whitaker hinted at the possibility that things may have been happening closed doors within the Seattle Storm, but those were dismissed as pure social media hearsay by many WNBA social media
- [A Roadmap for Resistance in Women’s Sports the next several years](https://beyondthew.com/a-roadmap-for-resistance-in-womens-sports-the-next-several-years/) - So…it has taken us a bit of time to process the election results. To say that they were disappointing is an understatement especially given that we already lived through such horrors from 2017 to 2021. And while the Sophie Cunninghams of the world may very well be beaming, a lot of us watched said results
- [Starting Five: Bestowing flowers on 2025 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame class](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-bestowing-flowers-on-2025-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-class/) - One of the more highly anticipated dates on the annual women’s basketball calendar is when a new class of greats becomes forever enshrined into immortality at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. This year’s induction ceremony will occur in June – a bit later than last year’s did, but we anticipate will have
- [What Stephanie White being in Indiana means for Fever – and for Connecticut Sun](https://beyondthew.com/what-stephanie-white-being-in-indiana-means-for-fever-and-for-connecticut-sun/) - Ever since the New York Liberty won its first-ever WNBA championship to put a lid on the 2024 season, coaching moves have been all the rage throughout the WNBA. At one point in time, roughly half the league was sans a coach – and a few teams were also without a general manager. As it
- [Tyler Marsh could be exactly who Chicago Sky needs to rebuild trust – if front office allows](https://beyondthew.com/tyler-marsh-could-be-exactly-who-chicago-sky-needs-to-rebuild-trust-if-front-office-allows/) - While the upside of establishing a championship dynasty is the bells and whistles that come with said championships, there can also be a downside. The downside is that players all of a sudden become more expensive and that coaches are looked at with more curiosity from other teams. That is the case for the Las
- [#TheWVotes2024: Seattle Storm endorses Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket as election hits homestretch ](https://beyondthew.com/thewvotes2024-seattle-storm-endorses-kamala-harris-tim-walz-ticket-as-election-hits-homestretch/) - By this time next week, we will firmly have an idea on what the results of what has been an unforgettable election season has been. It feels as if election season began yesterday, but we are indeed in the home stretch of this thing. Recently, when the New York Liberty were crowned WNBA champions and
- [The phrase 'Women’s Sports Supporter' does not hold the same meaning it used to](https://beyondthew.com/the-phrase-womens-sports-supporter-does-not-hold-the-same-meaning-it-used-to/) - Fittingly, in honor of Election Day being in roughly a week, we at Beyond The W decided to bring attention to a hot-button issue that fuses together sports and politics. Because as a Black-led independent outlet, sticking to sports is not in our vocabulary. The last several years have seen tremendous growth in women’s sports.
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBPA’s expected opt-out of CBA with WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnbpas-expected-opt-out-of-cba-with-wnba/) - A day after the 2024 WNBA season concluded with the New York Liberty winning its first-ever championship in an unforgettable Finals against the Minnesota Lynx, news broke that ensured the W would indeed remain in the news. That news involved the WNBPA which announced – as was expected – that it would indeed opt-out of
- [WNBA Press Corps: Another season of great coverage in the books! (even if bad actors tried to ruin it)](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-press-corps-another-season-of-great-coverage-in-the-books-even-if-bad-actors-tried-to-ruin-it/) - It has become a tradition here at Beyond The W where we acknowledge the great coverage there was of a WNBA season. We have done so the last couple of seasons and are doing so again here. This year was a bit different because of a mass influx of “new” WNBA media personalities who attempted
- [Valkyries have yet to play a game & have no roster – yet look more stable than established WNBA franchises](https://beyondthew.com/valkyries-have-yet-to-play-a-game-have-no-roster-yet-look-more-stable-than-established-wnba-franchises/) - If the history of sports has taught us anything it is that expansion franchises typically encounter their fair share of growing pains at the start of things. One can expect the Golden State Valkyries to be no different. The Valkyries are looking ahead to their upcoming expansion draft in December and it was recently announced
- [Let’s Hear It For New York! Liberty claim first WNBA championship after Game 5’s overtime classic vs. Lynx](https://beyondthew.com/lets-hear-it-for-new-york-liberty-claim-first-wnba-championship-after-game-5s-overtime-classic-vs-lynx/) - For the New York Liberty franchise, an opportunity at a championship was 28 years in the making. For New York professional basketball, an opportunity at a championship was more than 50 years in the making. But that was what was on the line on Sunday night at a sold-out Barclays Center as the Liberty did
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: What Liberty’s championship means for franchise, New York, league](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-what-libertys-championship-means-for-franchise-new-york-league/) - The 2024 WNBA season is the final season of a 12-team WNBA. Out of those 12 teams, four of them are Original Eight franchises. The New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces. The Aces are an Original Eight given they were originally the Utah Starzz and then later on the
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: About that other team that plays at Barclays...](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-about-that-other-team-that-plays-at-barclays/) - With all of the conversation about “super teams” as of late, it appears that Brooklyn’s Barclays Center has become super team central. Both of the primary franchises that call Barclays Center home – the New York Liberty and Brooklyn Nets – have had an itch to create these super teams, but as of late October
- [WNBA Finals Epilogue: Minnesota Lynx have nothing to be ashamed of](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-epilogue-minnesota-lynx-have-nothing-to-be-ashamed-of/) - Of course, someone has to win a WNBA Finals and someone has to lose in a WNBA Finals as well. The old saying “to the victor belong the spoils” will forever be true. While the New York Liberty are certainly basking in the glow of its first-ever championship, the Minnesota Lynx are now looking back
- [Game 4 WNBA Finals Recap: Lynx hold off Liberty to force series-deciding Game 5](https://beyondthew.com/game-4-wnba-finals-recap-lynx-hold-off-liberty-to-force-series-deciding-game-5/) - With this season being the final one of the five-game WNBA Finals format, it was only fitting that this year’s Finals go the distance. As captivating as this season’s championship round has been between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty, many a WNBA fan is wishing that this year’s Finals would be seven games.
- [Game 3 WNBA Finals Recap: Sabrina Ionescu drains game-winning triple as Liberty assume 2-1 lead over Lynx](https://beyondthew.com/game-3-wnba-finals-recap-sabrina-ionescu-drains-game-winning-triple-as-liberty-assume-2-1-lead-over-lynx/) - In Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the New York Liberty channeled the energy of two of its fellow Big Apple sports brethren – the New York Rangers (who the Liberty used to share Madison Square Garden with) and the New York Mets. One of the Rangers’ monikers is “No Quit in New York.”
- [Diamond Miller gives back to youth at Jr. WNBA camp in Minnesota](https://beyondthew.com/diamond-miller-gives-back-to-youth-at-jr-wnba-camp-in-minnesota/) - With her team mired in a grueling WNBA Finals with the New York Liberty, it can be difficult to find time for much else. Still – that is what Diamond Miller managed to do prior to Game 3 of the Finals. Miller took part in a Jr. WNBA event that took place in Minneapolis at
- [Game 2 Recap: Liberty earn much-needed win to even WNBA Finals with Lynx at 1-1](https://beyondthew.com/game-2-recap-liberty-earn-much-needed-win-to-even-wnba-finals-with-lynx-at-1-1/) - To say that Game 1 of this year’s WNBA Finals was a gut punch for the New York Liberty was an understatement. Sandy Brondello’s Liberty had a 1-0 lead in their sights only to self-destruct at the end of regulation with the Minnesota Lynx and give the game away in the closing moments. The story
- [WNBA Finals Game 1 Recap: Elation for Lynx, Heartbreak for Liberty – Series is not over](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-game-1-recap-elation-for-lynx-heartbreak-for-liberty-series-is-not-over/) - We really need to meet whoever wrote the script for Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Whoever that script writer is probably (for now) may not want to show their face anywhere in the New York City area anytime soon. The New York Liberty had it won. The team built up a 15-point in
- [Cathy Engelbert finally does it: WNBA Finals will be best-of-7 starting 2025](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-finally-does-it-wnba-finals-will-be-best-of-7-starting-2025/) - For a few years as the WNBA regular season and playoffs have become longer and longer and longer, one figured that ultimately this would carry over into the playoffs. It was a few years ago when it was announced that the playoffs would expand to a 3-5-5 format with the semifinals and Finals extended to
- [New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx: Previewing 2024 WNBA Finals!](https://beyondthew.com/new-york-liberty-vs-minnesota-lynx-previewing-2024-wnba-finals/) - Between the aurora green (and midnight blue) of the Minnesota Lynx… …and the seafoam green of the New York Liberty… ...one can probably color this WNBA Finals green given the varying hues of verde. Liberty vs. Lynx was our WNBA Finals prediction at the outset of these playoffs given the fact that these have been
- [Starting Five: Storylines in advance of Liberty vs. Lynx WNBA Finals](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-in-advance-of-liberty-vs-lynx-wnba-finals/) - As is the case with every WNBA Finals, there is a litany of intriguing storylines going into what will surely be an unforgettable championship round between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. The only issue is Liberty vs. Lynx may not have the robust build-up of previous Finals contests given there is only two
- [Chicago Sky fires Teresa Weatherspoon: Michael Alter…we have questions…do you have answers?](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-sky-fires-teresa-weatherspoon-michael-alterwe-have-questionsdo-you-have-answers/) - And there are plenty of questions after the Chicago Sky’s latest move, which has virtually everyone baffled – including Sky players. The regular season recently concluded and the Chicago Sky were one of the four teams – along with the Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks – on the outside looking in of
- [WNBA Semifinals Preview: Aces, Liberty, Lynx, Sun](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-semifinals-preview-aces-liberty-lynx-sun/) - Who had all four first-round series of this year’s WNBA playoffs concluding in sweeps? We definitely did not – but that is why the games are played on basketball courts instead of on paper (or on word documents). Anyway, we have our four teams remaining with the 2024 WNBA championship on the line. Those four
- [Lots of ‘new’ WNBA media need to decide – are you in the journalism business or the sales business?](https://beyondthew.com/lots-of-new-wnba-media-need-to-decide-are-you-in-the-journalism-business-or-the-sales-business/) - Apparently, Christine Brennan at USA Today Sports did not get the memo when we had the privilege of chatting with Michaela Onyenwere at the Chicago Sky’s exit press conference. We asked Onyenwere about how unnecessarily toxic the discourse has been around the WNBA this season. We also asked Brianna Turner if the end of the
- [2024 WNBA Playoff Preview: Aces 3-Peat? Liberty first championship? Lynx, Sun emerging? ](https://beyondthew.com/2024-wnba-playoff-preview-aces-3-peat-liberty-first-championship-lynx-sun-emerging/) - This WNBA regular season honestly felt like a season that would never end – exactly the intent of Cathy Engelbert’s when she initially announced this season would still be 40 games despite the Olympics. We eventually made it to that conclusion. The season may have finished for four teams – the Chicago Sky, Los Angeles
- [Starting Five: Takeaways from WNBA announcement of incoming Portland team](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-takeaways-from-wnba-announcement-of-incoming-portland-team/) - With the Golden State Valkyries slated to debut next year as the WNBA’s 13th team and a Toronto team slated to take the court in 2026, W fans remember Cathy Engelbert’s goal of wanting 16 teams by the year 2028. That means there has to be a 15th team before there can be a 16th – and number
- [WNBA needs to be better in acknowledging milestone achievements](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-needs-to-be-better-in-acknowledging-milestone-achievements/) - The year 2024 has been the year that talk of a “growing” WNBA. And while that growth has seen both positive and negative side effects, there has been one element of that growth that appears to be lacking this week. And that is how the WNBA acknowledges milestone accomplishments from its players and coaches. Milestone
- [#TheWVotes2024: WNBA awareness of election grows with two months to send Kamala Harris, Tim Walz to White House](https://beyondthew.com/thewvotes2024-wnba-awareness-of-election-grows-with-two-months-to-send-kamala-harris-tim-walz-to-white-house/) - This week was one where a highly watched presidential debate proved to be a major emphasis point of this year’s campaign – a debate that was thoroughly won by Vice President Kamala Harris. Even Republicans admitted that Tuesday debate on ABC was all MVP, all the time. Posting the full debate and calling it an
- [WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert airballs CNBC question on Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and racism](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-airballs-cnbc-question-on-angel-reese-caitlin-clark-and-racism/) - Nowadays, we have WNBA Monday moments that happened to occur on a Tuesday. This is the part where WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert entered the chat – in, not exactly, the most auspicious of fashions. Recently, Engelbert was on CNBC and was asked a question about how the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese discourse has made its way
- [Addressing the Sheryl Swoopes-Caitlin Clark ‘beef’ – except it is not a beef](https://beyondthew.com/addressing-the-sheryl-swoopes-caitlin-clark-beef-except-it-is-not-a-beef/) - Sheryl Swoopes is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. This is not simply limited to the WNBA or women’s basketball as a whole. Air Swoopes is an OG of the W and one of the best to ever put on a uniform and kicks – women or men. Swoopes spearheaded the WNBA’s
- [Are WNBA games at risk of being…gentrified?](https://beyondthew.com/are-wnba-games-at-risk-of-beinggentrified/) - While many in the mainstream media will say that the unprecedented growth the WNBA is experiencing is something that is isolated to this season, the reality is the WNBA was on the rise even prior to 2024. But that growth is indeed taking place. And if there is anything we know about growth in any
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA reportedly expanding to Portland](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-reportedly-expanding-to-portland/) - The WNBA’s aim is to expand to 16 teams by 2028. We know which cities will soon be joining the current 12-team W in the coming years. Next year will see the San Francisco Bay Area (Golden State Valkyries) make its debut into the WNBA and the 2026 season will be the first for the
- [The more options to not go overseas, the better – thank you Unrivaled](https://beyondthew.com/the-more-options-to-not-go-overseas-the-better-thank-you-unrivaled/) - A growing climate in women’s basketball means more opportunities for players to make more money while avoiding the physical and mental stress of playing overseas. Instead of playing basketball during the offseason in other countries, WNBA players are finding opportunities to supplement their W salaries with income where they can remain in North America. One
- [Paris 2024: Six notable names to keep in mind as Paralympics commence this week](https://beyondthew.com/paris-2024-six-notable-names-to-keep-in-mind-as-paralympics-commence-this-week/) - Remember the Paris 2024 Olympic Games? Remember when for two weeks Black Twitter was arguably the most patriotic nook on Beyonce’s internet? Well we have reason to once again get our reds, whites and blues on for reasons outside of this being an election season where history is on the verge of being made. This
- [#TheWVotes2024: WNBA luminaries begin to raise awareness of election, Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket](https://beyondthew.com/thewvotes2024-wnba-luminaries-begin-to-raise-awareness-of-election-kamala-harris-tim-walz-ticket/) - Last week, Chicago – home to the WNBA’s Sky – was the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The United Center – home to the NBA’s Bulls – was the site for all of the festivities. This year’s convention is already being lauded as perhaps the greatest convention in the history of politics –
- [WNBA playoff teams may not want to see Indiana Fever in postseason ](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-playoff-teams-may-not-want-to-see-indiana-fever-in-postseason/) - The 2024 WNBA regular season is coming down to the home stretch. As of this writing, there are three teams that have currently clinched playoff berths – the Minnesota Lynx, Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty. If the current standings were to hold through the close of the season, the road to the 2024 WNBA
- [Breanna Stewart x Harry Potter: Not all WNBA deals are good deals](https://beyondthew.com/breanna-stewart-x-harry-potter-not-all-wnba-deals-are-good-deals/) - A growing WNBA means more opportunities for the league, its teams and its players. It means more entities outside of the realm of women’s basketball will be itching to enter into deals with entities within the W sphere because they understand that investing in the WNBA is good business. This has also meant that from
- [Paris 2024 Epilogue: How women shined at this year’s Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/paris-2024-epilogue-how-women-shined-at-this-years-olympics/) - So much of the world is encountering Olympic withdrawals. With this year’s Games in the books, this past week was one where the many triumphs and storylines of Paris 2024 were discussed. One of the key storylines of the Games pertained to gender equality and that Paris’ Olympics were the first to achieve such a
- [Dearica Hamby lawsuit against Las Vegas Aces, WNBA displays it has to be more than simply facilities](https://beyondthew.com/dearica-hamby-lawsuit-against-las-vegas-aces-wnba-displays-it-has-to-be-more-than-simply-facilities/) - Ever since the Las Vegas Aces became a thing in the late 2010s after they relocated from San Antonio, the team and organization has established a reputation as one of the class franchises in the WNBA. The team boasts, arguably, the premier Core Four in the entire WNBA with A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum
- [WNBA All-Star 2025: We should have seen Indy coming a mile (or two and a half) away](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2025-we-should-have-seen-indy-coming-a-mile-or-two-and-a-half-away/) - When an All-Star Game concludes, speculation immediately commences among fans and media as to where the next one will take place. Six years ago, the WNBA held its All-Star festivities in Minnesota at the Target Center. That year, league president Lisa Borders wasted no time letting us know that the next year’s festivities would emanate
- [Paris 2024 Epilogue: What could Team USA resemble at LA28?](https://beyondthew.com/paris-2024-epilogue-what-could-team-usa-resemble-at-la28/) - What does Team USA do best at Olympic Games? They bring gold medals back to the States. That was the case once again at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics. And while France took USA Basketball to the very limit, Team USA was able to, not only to claim an eighth Olympic gold medal, but extend its winning streak at the Games
- [U-S-Eight! Team USA prevails in thrilling matchup with France to claim eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal](https://beyondthew.com/u-s-eight-team-usa-prevails-in-thrilling-matchup-with-france-to-claim-eighth-consecutive-olympic-gold-medal/) - The final event on the schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games featured the Gold Medal Game between Team USA and host nation France. We can definitively say that this year’s Olympics pulled a Vanessa Williams and saved its best for last. The Stars and Stripes were taken to the limit – and then some,
- [Team USA claims bronze medal with win vs. Canada, Germany earns gold following win vs. Spain](https://beyondthew.com/team-usa-claims-bronze-medal-with-win-vs-canada-germany-earns-gold-following-win-vs-spain/) - When Paris 2024’s floating Olympic cauldron was lit, the expectation for USA Basketball’s 3x3 team was to replicate the performance from the Tokyo Olympics that saw the Red, White and Blue depart from Japan with gold medals draped around their necks. Things began auspiciously for Team USA in that first matchup with Germany. Cierra Burdick,
- [Ballers in Paris: Previewing Team USA and 5x5 field for 2024 Olympics!](https://beyondthew.com/ballers-in-paris-previewing-team-usa-and-5x5-field-for-2024-olympics/) - Our WNBA is on vacation for the next couple of weeks. What would a WNBA vacation look like? Mimosas and margaritas in Jamaica is our guess. But while the W gets a much needed relaxer, our women’s basketball attention turns to how things will unfold over the next couple of weeks at the Olympics –
- [Ballers in Paris: Previewing Team USA and 3x3 field for 2024 Olympics!](https://beyondthew.com/ballers-in-paris-previewing-team-usa-and-3x3-field-for-2024-olympics/) - Even though the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 were forever marred by the pandemic, it did see the debut of 3x3 basketball being added to the Games’ itinerary. In Tokyo, USA Basketball won the inaugural rendition of Olympic 3x3 hoops on the women’s side while Latvia prevailed over Russia to claim gold on the men’s end
- [Paris 2024 Olympics have opportunity to become another watershed moment for women’s sports](https://beyondthew.com/paris-2024-olympics-have-opportunity-to-become-another-watershed-moment-for-womens-sports/) - There may not be much else that will matter for the next couple of weeks. For these ensuing two weeks, televisions and mobile devices from San Francisco to Sao Paulo, Chicago to Canberra, Los Angeles to Lagos, Atlanta to Amsterdam and New York to New Dehli will be tuned to the Olympics. Paris, France will
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA’s new media deals with ABC/ESPN, NBC and Amazon](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnbas-new-media-deals-with-abc-espn-nbc-and-amazon/) - Here is how one can tell the WNBA is on an upward trajectory. It is learning the art of getting itself in the news during a time where not too many individuals expected them to be. As we are on the cusp of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the W decided to
- [WNBA All-Star Epilogue Part 2: The Great Defense Debate](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-epilogue-part-2-the-great-de-fense-de-bate/) - There were lots of people who were at the Footprint Center watching this year’s WNBA All-Star Game. The number was over 16,000 to be exact. There were even more who watched all of the proceedings on ABC on primetime Saturday. We are seeing the words “ratings” and “record” as we peer into our crystal basketball.
- [WNBA All-Star Epilogue Part 1: Five takeaways from weekend in Phoenix](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-epilogue-part-1-five-takeaways-from-weekend-in-phoenix/) - One of the memorable All-Star weekends in WNBA history has come to a close with Team WNBA once again prevailing over its adversaries from USA Basketball. The final score was 117-109. While the stars of the WNBA will take a break from ball for the next few weeks, those of Team USA will be en
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: Team WNBA defeats Team USA 117-109; Arike Ogunbowale claims second ASG MVP](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-team-wnba-defeats-team-usa-117-109-arike-ogunbowale-claims-second-asg-mvp/) - In an All-Star Game that garnered headlines for featuring a court that actually resembled an All-Star Game court, the game that ensued on Saturday evening at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona was more than worthy of this year’s unique hardwood. This year’s rendition featured much more defense than the typical All-Star fare even though it
- [WNBA All-Star Friday: Allisha Gray wins Skills Challenge and 3-Point in same night; Rhyne Howard lifts USA 3x3 over U23s](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-friday-allisha-gray-wins-skills-challenge-and-3-point-in-same-night-rhyne-howard-lifts-usa-3x3-over-u23s/) - It is one thing to win either a Skills Challenge or a 3-Point competition as part of the day prior to the All-Star Game. It is another thing entirely to win both on the same night. In fact, prior to Friday July 19, 2024 no one had ever accomplished the feat of winning both WNBA
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: Phoenix Vibe Check – Taking in the pulse of Arizona](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-phoenix-vibe-check-taking-in-the-pulse-of-arizona/) - When a big-time event such as WNBA All-Star rolls into town, the vibe of a city simply feels different. Phoenix is no different. Plus…Phoenix was already passionate about the WNBA prior to the home city of the Mercury and its X-Factor being announced as the host city for the 2024 rendition of All-Star. One knew
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: Four cities that have strong cases to host 2025 midseason festivities](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-three-cities-that-have-strong-cases-to-host-2025s-midseason-festivities/) - Last year when the WNBA’s All-Star festivities returned to Las Vegas for the third time, we found out prior to the conclusion of last year’s All-Star weekend that the 2024 rendition would be on its way to Phoenix. It was a bit of a surprise when the W decided to even stage an All-Star weekend
- [1-On-1: Golden State Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin on making cross-country transition from NYC to Bay Area](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-golden-state-valkyries-gm-ohemaa-nyanin-on-making-cross-country-transition-from-nyc-to-bay-area/) - If one were to find New York City on a map, it is located approximately 40 degrees north latitude and 73 degrees west longitude. If one were to find San Francisco on a map, it is located approximately 38 degrees north latitude and 122 degrees west longitude. If one were to take a car trip
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: Midseason report cards for our 12 teams](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-midseason-report-cards-for-our-12-teams/) - While the epicenter of the women’s basketball ecosystem will be Phoenix, Arizona for a few days, our 12 WNBA teams are probably looking at the All-Star/Olympic break through varying lenses. There are some teams that probably wish there was no break and others who are looking at the extended period of time off breathing a
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: A Clarion Call to Phoenix radio station Arizona Sports 98.7](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-a-clarion-call-to-phoenix-radio-station-arizona-sports-98-7/) - With this being the week of WNBA All-Star 2024 in Phoenix, many of our friends at other W sites are likely beginning their weeks planning how they will cover this year’s midseason festivities. Those sites likely will have previews of the upcoming game, midseason grades for our 12 teams and other cool All-Star related content
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA 2024 All-Star rosters](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-2024-all-star-rosters/) - We are nearly halfway through the 2024 WNBA season. In fact, a number of teams are technically more than halfway finished with their seasons in terms of games played. This means that it is almost time to look ahead to this year’s All-Star festivities. This year’s rendition will emanate from the Footprint Center in Phoenix
- [Why Amazon Prime Video's ‘Power of the Dream’ matters in today’s WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/why-amazon-prime-videos-power-of-the-dream-matters-in-todays-wnba/) - In recent years, more and more WNBA content has made its way to Amazon’s Prime Video service. This is not only manifesting itself in terms of select games that are exclusive for subscribers to Amazon Prime Video. This is also the case with documentaries. One of those documentaries that is on Prime Video currently is
- [Could another (positive) way to grow WNBA be … flagship radio stations?](https://beyondthew.com/could-another-positive-way-to-grow-wnba-be-flagship-radio-stations/) - The last couple of weeks have seen the somewhat toxic side of the WNBA’s growth. As the conversation shifts towards more positive ways to expand the W’s reach, one cannot help but think that one method could be ensuring that our soon-to-be 14 teams each have a flagship radio station. Finding WNBA content is easier
- [TC to AZ: If anyone has earned WNBA All-Star votes this year – it is Atlanta Dream’s Tina Charles](https://beyondthew.com/tc-to-az-if-anyone-has-earned-wnba-all-star-votes-this-year-it-is-atlanta-dreams-tina-charles/) - WNBA All-Star voting recently opened up and All-Star weekend itself in Phoenix is only a month away. For those that are avid Beyond The W readers, we penned a piece three years ago about the breakout season Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was having with the New York Liberty. Our stance was that her season was certainly worthy
- [No need to worry – Las Vegas Aces are still Las Vegas Aces](https://beyondthew.com/no-need-to-worry-las-vegas-aces-are-still-las-vegas-aces/) - If there is one recent clip from a Las Vegas Aces game (or pre- or post-game) that should encompass why one should not worry about the team, it may be this one. That is what a leader does. That is what a champion does. That is what a face of the WNBA does – and
- [There’s something that feels right about seeing full houses for Liberty games once again](https://beyondthew.com/theres-something-that-feels-right-about-seeing-full-houses-for-liberty-games-once-again/) - The feeling one gets when one attends a New York Liberty game at Barclays Center has to be very familiar to the vibe one got when one attended a Liberty contest during the Madison Square Garden days. It was during those days that MSG had a more electric atmosphere for Liberty contests than for New
- [Starting Five (Rings): Thoughts on reported Team USA roster for Paris 2024 Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-rings-thoughts-on-reported-team-usa-roster-for-paris-2024-olympics/) - We are less than 50 days out from the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. With this year’s Games right around the corner, one had to think that the reveal of the women’s hoops Olympic roster was right around the corner. According to Shams Charania and Joe Vardon at The Athletic, that 12-person roster
- [A Tale of Two Washingtons: Storm brewing; Should Mystics turn the Paige?](https://beyondthew.com/a-tale-of-two-washingtons-storm-brewing-should-mystics-turn-the-paige/) - There are two teams in the WNBA that represent respective Washingtons. So far this season, it has gone as expected for both the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics. Let us start with the good in the Storm. After landing Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike in free agency to team them with Jewell Loyd and Ezi
- [Recognizing WNBA players and teams with Game Balls for May 2024](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2024-season-game-balls-for-month-of-may/) - It was billed by many as the most anticipated season in WNBA history. One month into said season, one can see exactly why it was so incredibly hyped up by those even traditionally outside of the W’s sphere. While today’s 40-game WNBA slate is more of a marathon than the sprint it previously was, an
- [The 6 in 2026: Starting Five Thoughts as WNBA announces Toronto is #UpNext for expansion](https://beyondthew.com/the-6-in-2026-starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-toronto-expansion-announcement/) - Shireen Ahmed of the CBC originally reported that the big day for a WNBA expansion announcement to Toronto would be May 23. It was the day prior to when the W began teasing said major announcement on its social media. Many of us already knew what said announcement would be – but on May 23
- [Caitlin Clark will be great in WNBA – many Iowa fans and media personalities need to relax](https://beyondthew.com/caitlin-clark-will-be-great-in-wnba-many-iowa-fans-and-media-personalities-need-to-relax/) - Three. It is a number right in the middle between two and four. Three is the number of times a referee’s hand has to hit the mat during a pin cover in professional wrestling for a match to conclude. Three is the number of national championships won by South Carolina since Dawn Staley assumed the
- [How WNBA and NBA are taking different approaches to expansion and media deals](https://beyondthew.com/how-wnba-and-nba-are-taking-different-approaches-to-expansion-and-media-deals/) - As much as old-school fans may not like it, expansion will always be a topic in major professional sports. This is the case for the simple reason that expansion is free money for a league’s existing owners. Obviously, when a prospective owner decides they want to be part of a league, they pay an expansion
- [WNBA Tip-Off 2024: Wins for Aces, Liberty, Sun, Lynx, Wings, Dream](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-tip-off-2024-wins-for-aces-liberty-sun-lynx-wings-dream/) - As opposed to previous seasons that saw our 12 teams play their first games over a weekend, the first games instead occurred over a couple of weekdays. In spite of the unbridled hype leading into the start of this season, the first couple of days appeared to be nothing more than a continuation of last
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on Golden State Valkyries – new name for Bay Area’s WNBA team](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-golden-state-valkyries-new-name-for-bay-areas-wnba-team/) - When the official social media accounts for the Bay Area’s incoming WNBA dropped this, we had a feeling the team had something to say… On the same day that the WNBA tips off its 28th season with a four-game slate on the digital networks of ESPN, the W’s 13th team decided it was an opportune time to
- [WNBA 2024 Season Preview! Aces vs. Liberty Part II? Storm making moves? Clark, Reese or the field for Rookie of the Year?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2024-season-preview-aces-vs-liberty-part-ii-storm-making-moves-clark-reese-or-the-field-for-rookie-of-the-year/) - When the Las Vegas Aces won last season’s WNBA championship by defeating the New York Liberty three games to one, the W passed the baton to the college game and it continued the exponential growth the women’s game has experienced in recent years. If one loved South Carolina, Iowa, UConn, NC State, LSU, USC, Notre
- [The 6 in 2026: ‘She The North’ becoming reality after CBC report of successful Toronto WNBA expansion effort](https://beyondthew.com/the-6-in-2026-she-the-north-becoming-reality-after-cbc-report-of-successful-toronto-wnba-expansion-effort/) - Cathy Engelbert has set a goal for the WNBA to be a 16-team league by 2028. Joe Lacob at the Golden State Warriors stepped up to allow the Bay Area to become the W’s Team No. 13. All indications are that the WNBA’s 14th team will be north of the border. Shireen Ahmed of CBC Sports
- [A’One: Impact of A’ja Wilson’s Nike signature shoe – especially for Black girls and women - cannot be understated](https://beyondthew.com/aone-impact-of-aja-wilsons-nike-signature-shoe-especially-for-black-girls-and-women-cannot-be-understated/) - This has fittingly been one of the busier news weeks within the WNBA. Fittingly because we are only a few days away from tip off of the 2024 regular season. We have had an up-and-coming star (Angel Reese) grace the Met Gala with her presence and be announced in an upcoming Good American Denim clothing
- [MVP Meets M’VP The Sequel: Aces 2024 White House visit displays value of having individuals who respect women in power](https://beyondthew.com/mvp-meets-mvp-part-ii-aces-2024-white-house-displays-value-of-having-individuals-who-respect-women-in-power/) - With the Las Vegas Aces in the throes of becoming the WNBA’s next great dynasty, the WNBA’s top team has become very accustomed to gracing 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with their presence. Last season, the Aces visited the White House around the time of a matchup in Washington, D.C. to take on the Mystics. President Joe
- [WNBA is finally moving on chartered flights – thank you Caitlin Clark](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-is-finally-moving-on-chartered-flights-thank-you-caitlin-clark/) - We are officially less than a week out from tip-off of the 2024 WNBA season. With all of the news that is coming out on a day-by-day basis, it is getting a bit challenging to keep up with it all. And while we expect news around this time of the year regarding roster cuts, games
- [Angel Reese’s cultural impact is only beginning to be felt](https://beyondthew.com/angel-reeses-cultural-impact-is-only-beginning-to-be-felt/) - Throughout the history of the WNBA, there have been great players that not only made an impact on the court but also on the culture. Lisa Leslie is on that comes to mind. Candace Parker, who recently retired from the game, is another. And, of course, we cannot forget the effect that Skylar Diggins-Smith had
- [#ThankYouCandace: Candace Parker’s immense impact on women’s basketball duplicated by few](https://beyondthew.com/thankyoucandace-candace-parkers-immense-impact-on-womens-basketball-duplicated-by-few/) - It will be hard to envision a WNBA sans Candace Parker – but that reality hit the women’s basketball landscape like a tidal wave this past Sunday when it was initially announced by the Las Vegas Aces themselves (as well as herself on her Instagram) that Parker would indeed call it a career. Greatest of
- [#ThankYouCandace: What could Candace Parker’s second act look like? ](https://beyondthew.com/thankyoucandace-what-could-candace-parkers-second-act-look-like/) - It was the Instagram post heard around the world – Candace Parker after such a storied career in the game of basketball was retiring from the sport. This will take some getting used to for many fans of the WNBA – a WNBA that is indeed growing but will no longer see Parker on the
- [1-On-1: Brooklyn Academy of Music president Gina Duncan on what landing 2024 WNBA Draft means for BAM ](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-brooklyn-academy-of-music-president-gina-duncan-on-what-landing-2024-wnba-draft-means-for-bam/) - Phone calls. Text messages. Email notifications. Being the president of a venerable organization such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Gina Duncan is one who communicates with a number of individuals on a regular basis – especially within the arts and theater community. Those communications with musical performers and theater acts looking to perform
- [Two things can be true – A’ja Wilson is marketable and so is Caitlin Clark](https://beyondthew.com/two-things-can-be-true-aja-wilson-is-marketable-and-so-is-caitlin-clark/) - Something told us that there would be a hotly contested debate on who is currently the face of women’s basketball this WNBA season. We did not expect that debate would take on new meaning with the season tipping off only a few weeks away. A few days ago, that is exactly what happened when Shams
- [WNBA’s partnership with Opill may be one of its most significant yet](https://beyondthew.com/wnbas-partnership-with-opill-may-be-one-of-its-most-significant-yet/) - We are in a shining new era of the WNBA where it is considered “cool” to be a fan of the sport. And this trajectory was going in that direction with or without the Caitlin Clark factor. And as that is the case, more and more companies want their brand attached to that of the
- [New Drip Alert: Reviewing WNBA’s six new Rebel Jerseys](https://beyondthew.com/new-drip-alert-reviewing-wnbas-six-new-rebel-jerseys/) - Around this same time last year, five WNBA teams replaced their original Rebel threads with new Rebel jerseys. Those teams were the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings. This time – six more WNBA teams also did the same in advance of the 2024 season. Those teams are the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky,
- [Starting Five: Takeaways from an exciting 2024 WNBA Draft in Brooklyn](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-takeaways-from-an-exciting-2024-wnba-draft-in-brooklyn/) - While the WNBA Draft is always a marquee event on the league’s calendar, there was something entirely different about the 2024 rendition. It could have been the fact that it was at a different venue in the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It could have been the fact that it was the first draft held in
- [WNBA Draft 2024 recap: Clark No. 1 to Fever; Sparks add Brink, Jackson; Sky select Cardoso, Reese](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2024-recap-clark-no-1-to-fever-sparks-add-brink-jackson-sky-select-cardoso-reese/) - Whether it was the fact that the 2024 WNBA Draft was the first to be held in front of fans since 2016 or the fact that it was one of the more star-studded drafts in history, it all made for a Monday night in mid-April where the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) was the place
- [FAM-ily Reunion: South Carolina celebrates third national championship with downtown Columbia parade](https://beyondthew.com/fam-ily-reunion-south-carolina-celebrates-third-national-championship-with-downtown-columbia-parade/) - Good things come in threes. That has been the case for the history that South Carolina’s program has made throughout the Dawn Staley era. Shortly after this year’s rendition of Gamecocks brought a third national championship to Columbia, the team staged a victory rally at its home venue – Colonial Life Arena – upon returning
- [Keep That Same Energy: Five Thoughts Heading into 2024 WNBA Draft](https://beyondthew.com/keep-that-same-energy-five-thoughts-heading-into-2024-wnba-draft/) - If you were one of the tens of millions that tuned into the national championship game between South Carolina and Iowa, we only have four words to say. Keep that same energy. Just because women’s basketball at the collegiate ranks has come to a close, that does not mean the women’s basketball calendar takes a
- ['Daycare' Takes Care of Business: South Carolina defeats Iowa to win third national championship](https://beyondthew.com/daycare-takes-care-of-business-south-carolina-defeats-iowa-to-win-third-national-championship/) - If the 2023-24 rendition of South Carolina women’s basketball was a “daycare,” then those little babies that Dawn Staley coached up this year matured quickly. Going into this season, there was much intrigue as to if this year’s rendition of the Gamecocks would live up to previous versions. It may have surpassed those teams. Not
- [Final Four 2024: South Carolina, NC State, Iowa, UConn](https://beyondthew.com/final-four-2024-south-carolina-nc-state-iowa-uconn/) - Many a women’s basketball fan remembers the days of the Women’s NCAA Final Four seemingly always playing second fiddle to the men’s version of the same event. This season, thanks to a rise in star power in the women’s game, the roles have completely reversed. A new champion will be crowned in a few days
- [Flagrant Foul: When sports entities use Caitlin Clark to DISS women’s basketball, WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/flagrant-foul-when-sports-entities-use-caitlin-clark-to-diss-womens-basketball-wnba/) - Women’s basketball has been on everyone’s lips as of late the last few years. And while we are gladly welcoming the increase in eyes and cameras on the women’s game, many of these media outlets have only been able to consistently name one player that comes to mind when thinking of women’s basketball. That player
- [As Women’s History Month comes to a close, future of women’s game has never been brighter](https://beyondthew.com/as-international-womens-history-month-comes-to-a-close-future-of-womens-game-has-never-been-brighter/) - March is not only a month where sports fans from Seattle to Syosset and from Long Beach to Jones Beach embrace the madness. It is also a time to reflect as it is indeed International Women’s History Month. It is a time to pay tribute to those trailblazing women who have fought for equality and
- [Starting Five: A look ahead to this year’s NCAA March Madness and Final Four staff picks!](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-a-look-ahead-to-this-years-ncaa-march-madness-and-final-four-staff-picks/) - We know how last season’s NCAA tournament concluded – an unforgettable matchup between LSU and Iowa that furthered the process of solidifying women’s sports as being where they belong – in the mainstream. With the talent – both individual and teamwise – that is in this year’s rendition of March Madness it is likely the
- [Maya Moore is finally (and deservedly) receiving her flowers in 2024](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-is-finally-and-deservedly-receiving-her-flowers-in-2024/) - As the WNBA grows in terms of success and years, one thing that is certainly becoming more prevalent within our W family is the classic discussion of who its greatest of all time is. On the NBA side of the ledger, that conversation appears to revolve around three of its all-time greats. Those three are,
- [NY Liberty to Fox 5 & My9 – a continuing trend among WNBA teams](https://beyondthew.com/ny-liberty-to-fox-5-my9-a-continuing-trend-among-wnba-teams/) - Television coverage of the WNBA’s flagship franchise will have a bit of a different look to it in 2024. Following a five-year run where the New York Liberty were aired on the YES Network, Liberty co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, CEO Keia Clarke and star player Breanna Stewart were guests on WNYW-TV Fox 5’s Good Day
- [The 6 in 2026? Toronto’s WNBA hopes receive new life after report of forthcoming bid](https://beyondthew.com/the-6-in-2026-torontos-wnba-hopes-receive-new-life-after-report-of-forthcoming-bid/) - There are always ebbs and flows when it comes to any news that breaks regarding the WNBA’s expansion efforts. We may hear about the league’s talks with cities such as Denver and Charlotte then nothing for a few months. We may hear about how local politicians in cities such as Pittsburgh and Nashville are interested
- [A’ja Wilson returns to South Carolina on book tour for ‘Dear Black Girls’](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-returns-to-south-carolina-on-book-tour-for-dear-black-girls/) - While two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson may call her WNBA city – Las Vegas – her current home, she always takes time to remember that it was Columbia, South Carolina that planted the seeds for her to become the household name she is today. In late February, Wilson returned to the Palmetto State for an
- [WNBA must not use Caitlin Clark as a further excuse to gatekeep W-first media](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-must-not-use-caitlin-clark-as-a-further-excuse-to-gatekeep-w-first-media/) - The declaration of Caitlin Clark for this year’s WNBA draft was a decision that many far and wide were waiting for. There was some chatter in the build-up to said decision that maybe Clark would decide to use her COVID year. Paige Bueckers at UConn decided to use said COVID year as opposed to declaring
- [Starting Five: Names catching our attention from Week 1 of Athletes Unlimited](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-names-catching-our-attention-from-week-1-of-athletes-unlimited/) - The point on the calendar that sees February transition into March is a big one on the women’s basketball calendar. That includes the start of the 2024 Athletes Unlimited basketball season which once again is calling Dallas, Texas its home court. Athletes Unlimited has been a useful resource in the past for getting players onto
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on '24 WNBA Draft announcement at Brooklyn Academy of Music](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-24-wnba-draft-announcement-at-brooklyn-academy-of-music/) - Like many of us, we have the WNBA app on our phones with the notifications turned on, of course. So…when we got the notification mentioning that this year’s WNBA Draft would be in an entirely different venue with fans available to purchase tickets, it certainly had us thinking. After a few years where the draft
- [NBA All-Star 2024: Thoughts on Sabrina vs. Stephen and WNBA’s presence](https://beyondthew.com/nba-all-star-2024-thoughts-on-sabrina-vs-stephen-and-wnbas-presence/) - The professional basketball realm took its annual midseason pause this past weekend in Indiana – a city and state that is very rich in hoops history. Every NBA All-Star, particularly in cities that are home to a WNBA team, there is a sizable W presence. What one could consider the signature W moment of this
- [Has NBA All-Star provided a worthwhile counter to outdated remarks on WNBA and dunks?](https://beyondthew.com/has-nba-all-star-provided-a-worthwhile-counter-to-outdated-remarks-on-wnba-and-dunks/) - If it is a day ending in y, some Brad or Chad who was a benchwarmer at their local Rec league is coming up with all sorts of reasons why the WNBA is not their thing. We get it. The WNBA is not for everyone. Just like the NWSL is not for everyone. The same
- [NBA All-Star 2024: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert shares update on league expansion plans](https://beyondthew.com/nba-all-star-2024-wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-shares-update-on-league-expansion-plans/) - Typically, WNBA commissioners stage their primary media availabilities around the WNBA Draft, WNBA All-Star and the WNBA Finals. But Cathy Engelbert made more remarks where she shared an update on the W’s expansion plans. According to The Next, Engelbert mentioned that for the 2025 season the WNBA will indeed remain at 13 teams. Team No.
- [Crystal Basketball: What is Elena Delle Donne’s future in WNBA?](https://beyondthew.com/crystal-basketball-what-is-elena-delle-donnes-future-in-wnba/) - We are almost two weeks into the period on the WNBA calendar where free agents are able to sign with teams. It appears the majority of the major dominoes that could fall have indeed fallen. As of this ink (Feb. 12), the latest signings on the WNBA’s transactions page were that of Emma Cannon to
- [WNBA Expansion: Pittsburgh, Nashville looking at a team?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-expansion-pittsburgh-nashville-looking-at-a-team/) - Since the announcement of an expansion franchise on its way to the San Francisco Bay Area and the collapse of a similar effort in Portland, the last thing we have heard about any expansion news were negotiations with Denver and Charlotte. Who knows how those negotiations have gone (or are going), but there has not
- [Starting Five: Early reactions to WNBA Free Agency news](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-early-reactions-to-wnba-free-agency-news/) - The early portion of the WNBA free agency period always feels like a dam waiting to break. And when that dam breaks, the floodgates are opened. In many ways WNBA free agency has become to the W what the Trade Deadline is in Major League Baseball – a period during the calendar where the entire
- [Film Study: Reviewing ‘Shattered Glass’ WNBPA Tubi documentary](https://beyondthew.com/film-study-reviewing-shattered-glass-wnbpa-tubi-documentary/) - A lot of us, by now, know that Tubi is Fox’s answer to more ballyhooed streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and others. It also helps that Tubi is a free streaming service as opposed to those larger alternatives that charge a monthly fee. And some of us were familiar with some of
- [Sabrina Ionescu vs. Stephen Curry will be THE highlight of NBA All-Star 2024 Indianapolis](https://beyondthew.com/sabrina-ionescu-vs-stephen-curry-will-be-the-highlight-of-nba-all-star-2024-indianapolis/) - Sabrina Ionescu has been a much-talked about baller going back to her days at Oregon not to mention her connection to the late, great Kobe Bryant. If fans did not know who the rising New York Liberty star was prior to last year’s WNBA All-Star festivities, they certainly knew afterwards for what she did in
- [Nneka Ogwumike leaving LA Sparks – Where will she go next?](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-ogwumike-leaving-la-sparks-where-will-she-go-next/) - Remember a few seasons ago when Candace Parker departed from the Los Angeles Sparks only to win championships with both the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces? Yeah…it felt really weird to see Ace in a uniform that was not adorned in purple and gold. We are once again getting that same feeling as it
- [Starting Five: Things to look out for as 2024 WNBA Free Agency commences](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-things-to-look-out-for-as-2024-wnba-free-agency-commences/) - Firstly, we would be remiss if we did not recognize the great career that Jasmine Thomas had. Thomas recently announced her retirement. She spent the bulk of her playing days with the Connecticut Sun in addition to stints with the Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream and, most recently, the Los Angeles Sparks. Thomas is getting her
- [Positive momentum for women’s sports is the story of January 2024](https://beyondthew.com/positive-momentum-for-womens-sports-is-the-story-of-january-2024/) - One of the 12 months of the new year that is 2024 is close to completion – and there already have been several indications that the momentum we have seen in recent years for women’s sports is continuing into this year. A key bit of evidence to that relates to the PWHL – the new
- [WNBA All-Star 2024: Breaking down this year’s Phoenix logo](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2024-breaking-down-this-years-phoenix-logo/) - While we are some months away from this year’s All-Star weekend in Phoenix, it is still one of the marquee events year in and year out on the WNBA schedule. It was a bit of a surprise at last year’s All-Star weekend press conference in Las Vegas when commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that there would
- [WNBA starting to get it on Player Marketing Agreements?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-starting-to-get-it-on-player-marketing-agreements/) - With free agency right around the corner, the period of the WNBA calendar where news was seemingly at a lull will soon come to an abrupt end. The WNBA’s news cycle is becoming busier and busier as we get closer and closer to the start of free agency, but the W itself made a bit
- [Starting Five: Things We Want to See for Women’s Hoops in 2024](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-things-we-want-to-see-for-womens-hoops-in-2024/) - We have had the chance to review the year that was 2023 in our final piece of last year – and those were certainly a memorable 12 months within the women’s sports space. The calendar has now shifted to a new year – 2024 – and who knows what these 12 months will have in
- [Year in RevieW: 10 Biggest Women’s Hoops Stories of 2023](https://beyondthew.com/year-in-review-10-biggest-womens-hoops-stories-of-2023/) - The Holiday season means we are deep in the fourth quarter of 2023 and the clock is close to expiring. That only means that we will soon tip off a new year – 2024! The year that was filled with noteworthy stories and moments that had the women’s sports world buzzing with excitement. If 2023
- [Is it May 14 Yet? WNBA Releases 2024 Regular Season Schedule!](https://beyondthew.com/is-it-may-14-yet-wnba-releases-2024-regular-season-schedule/) - Those plans you had to take a trip to Atlanta, Minnesota or Los Angeles in the early spring? Book those flights and those hotels. Those plans you had to drive to Seattle, Chicago or New York in the summer? Put those arrangements in stone. Looking to hit up Phoenix in July or Boston in August?
- [Are Ted Leonsis’ Virginia plans a net positive or negative for Mystics? ](https://beyondthew.com/are-ted-leonsis-virginia-plans-a-net-positive-or-negative-for-mystics/) - Washington Mystics and Monumental Sports’ Ted Leonsis has been in the news a good bit for a good time recently. One of Leonsis’ most recent moves involved the rebranding of NBC Sports Washington into Monumental Sports Network given Leonsis bought the regional sports channel that used to be under NBC’s umbrella. Now, he is front
- [Caitlin(For Red)? What Indiana Fever’s winning of draft lottery means for WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/caitlin-clark-what-indiana-fever-winning-draft-lottery-means-for-wnba/) - Between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time, the results of the 2024 WNBA draft lottery were unveiled by WNBA Director of League Operations Bethany Donaphin. The results were that the franchise that calls Indianapolis home is once again in pole position. For the second consecutive draft, the Indiana Fever will indeed select first in
- [Adam Silver, NBA has WNBA Commissioner’s Cup to thank for In-Season Tournament](https://beyondthew.com/adam-silver-nba-has-wnba-commissioners-cup-to-thank-for-in-season-tournament/) - The 2023-24 NBA season is the first season that has featured its In-Season Tournament. Last night in the Finals of said In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers with the final being 123-109. And the Lake Show got plenty of contributions from a number of notable names. Anthony Davis
- [Hoop Holidays: Five websites that can stuff the stocking of the WNBA fan in your life](https://beyondthew.com/hoop-holidays-five-websites-that-can-stuff-the-stocking-of-the-wnba-fan-in-your-life/) - It is that time of year once again! Leaving the cookies and milk near the tree and fireplace as Santa makes his trek around the world, neighbors attempting to outdo each other to have the most lit Christmas decorations on the block and presents underneath the tree on December 25th. Oh – and not to
- [Connecticut Sun playing in Boston was only a matter of time](https://beyondthew.com/connecticut-sun-playing-in-boston-was-only-a-matter-of-time/) - Over the last several years, New England’s resident WNBA team – the Connecticut Sun – have planted its flag not only in the nutmeg state, but around the region as well. This has been proven with its television deals as of late. The Sun in the last few seasons have been aired on both of
- [Maya Moore Hall of Fame Induction should lead to more GOAT love for Lynx, UConn legend](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-hall-of-fame-induction-should-lead-to-more-goat-love-for-lynx-uconn-legend/) - April 27, 2024 will be the day when the 2024 class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame becomes forever immortalized in Knoxville. It was a few days ago when the class was indeed announced. That class will include Minnesota Lynx greats Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus. It will also include Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Violet Palmer,
- [A Las Vegas Aces-Family Feud collaboration is exactly the WNBA crossover we need!](https://beyondthew.com/a-las-vegas-aces-family-feud-collaboration-is-exactly-the-wnba-crossover-we-need/) - If it is one thing we at Beyond The W are always here for it is when our beloved ladies of the WNBA make crossovers into the pop culture end of the spectrum. Whether it is appearances in music videos or strutting their stuff on the red carpet or walking down the runway at New
- [It appears Cathy Engelbert is reading the room on  topic of NIL](https://beyondthew.com/it-appears-cathy-engelbert-is-reading-the-room-on-topic-of-nil/) - Ever since Name, Image and Likeness became a thing, it has completely altered the landscape of how collegiate sports are seen – mostly in a positive way. After all, collegiate players are the reason as to why we tune into collegiate sports – but the powers that be at the top of both the television
- [Hoops & Ham hawks: 5 WNBA & Women’s Basketball Topics to Spice Up Thanksgiving Dinner](https://beyondthew.com/hoops-ham-hawks-5-wnba-womens-basketball-topics-to-spice-up-thanksgiving-dinner/) - It is indeed that time of year again. That time of year where the relatives that we have not seen or even talked to in months are over at our respective dwellings – and they share everything that has happened with them lately. Yes – from that significant other that they had a falling out
- [Kahleah Copper’s 21 pts lead Team USA to win in competitive exhibition with Duke](https://beyondthew.com/kahleah-coppers-21-pts-lead-team-usa-to-win-in-competitive-exhibition-with-duke/) - Exhibition season for USA Basketball has concluded as Team USA completed the second of two scrimmages prior to the start of the women’s college hoops season. The first one occurred last week in Knoxville, Tennessee where coach Cheryl Reeve’s Stars and Stripes bunch departed from Rocky Top as 95-59 victors over the Lady Vols. This
- [WNBA Expansion: If it is Denver vs. Charlotte for Team No. 14, advantage Queen City](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-expansion-if-it-is-denver-vs-charlotte-for-team-no-14-advantage-queen-city/) - Prior to the WNBA officially announcing expansion to the San Francisco Bay Area on the eve of this past season’s Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, fans were beginning to look at expansion news with a “meh.” It appeared fans and media were more committed to expansion moreso than the league
- [Looking at all sides of WNBA’s increasingly tense relationship with media](https://beyondthew.com/looking-at-all-sides-of-wnbas-increasingly-tense-relationship-with-media/) - When we launched Beyond The W in the mid 2010s, the WNBA used to strain just to get various media to cover the sport. This includes marquee events such as the draft, All-Star weekend and the playoffs/Finals. The 2023 WNBA season recently concluded – and it is clear to say that the W no longer
- [Rose Pity? After effects of WNBA’s Portland plans falling apart](https://beyondthew.com/rose-pity-after-effects-of-wnbas-portland-plans-falling-apart/) - Simply because one may have the ball on the one-yard line is not a guarantee that said ball will be punched into the end zone for a touchdown. When it became common knowledge that the WNBA was set to expand to the San Francisco Bay Area, reports started trickling in of a second market that
- [Starting Five: WNBA 2023-24 Offseason Storylines to Follow](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-wnba-2023-24-offseason-storylines-to-follow/) - The 2023 season is in our rear view mirrors. The Las Vegas Aces have once again prevailed as WNBA champions and there are 11 (currently) other teams that have aspirations of being where the Aces have been the last couple of years. One notable WNBA event is coming up on December 10 when the WNBA’s
- [There’s more than enough WNBA history to support its own…channel?](https://beyondthew.com/theres-more-than-enough-wnba-history-to-support-its-ownchannel/) - In the grand scheme of things, 27 years may not seem like much. But in the context of where the WNBA is – a 27 year-old league going on 28 – it is a long time indeed. Not too long ago, a tweet from one of WNBA Twitter’s foremost journalists in Alford Coriette got our
- [Giving flowers to WNBA press corps for outstanding 2023 season coverage!](https://beyondthew.com/giving-flowers-to-wnba-press-corps-for-outstanding-2023-season-coverage/) - With this year’s WNBA season in the books and the Las Vegas Aces having vanquished the New York Liberty to win this year’s championship, there is a time to reflect on the season – and particularly all of the press coverage we saw. If it is one thing that is true about the W is
- [Seafoam Epilogue: NY Liberty are going through growing pains necessary to win first championship](https://beyondthew.com/seafoam-epilogue-ny-liberty-are-going-through-growing-pains-necessary-to-win-first-championship/) - That ticker-tape procession down Manhattan’s famed Canyon of Heroes many New York Liberty loyals envisioned in their heads once this rendition of Liberty basketball was assembled will have to wait for another year. New York’s players, coaches and fans will likely be replaying Game 4 – particularly the closing moments of that Game 4 –
- [Viva Las Vengeance Part Deux! Aces hold off Liberty to claim 2023 WNBA championship](https://beyondthew.com/viva-las-vengeance-part-deux-aces-hold-off-liberty-to-claim-2023-wnba-championship/) - Game 4 between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty had everything one could possibly hope for from a championship contest. It had a packed at house at Barclays Center, both teams matching each other punch for the punch and the game coming down to the final seconds. There was only one thing wrong
- [Angel Reese, Lexie Brown give glowing reviews for Cruz Textures hair brand](https://beyondthew.com/angel-reese-lexie-brown-give-glowing-reviews-for-cruz-textures-hair-brand/) - With women’s basketball as a whole on the rise from the high school and AAU ranks to the pros, this means more money and business is heading the sport’s way – as it should. WNBA players are landing their own endorsement deals. A’ja Wilson has one with Ruffles. State Farm has featured Jonquel Jones, Sabrina
- [Moolah Kicks launches two new sneaker designs tailored for backcourt, frontcourt women's players](https://beyondthew.com/moolah-kicks-launches-two-new-sneaker-designs-tailored-for-backcourt-frontcourt-womens-players/) - The month of October means many things – the drop of temperatures across the country, the conclusion of the WNBA season and the onset of the high school girls and women’s collegiate campaigns. Moolah Kicks has been at the forefront of designing sneakers that are tailor-made for girls and women’s ballers. They are doing so
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA officially announcing Bay Area expansion](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnba-officially-announcing-bay-area-expansion/) - One can only be so flirtatious for so long. After a while when it is clear that there is mutual interest, one has to simply throw caution to the wind and make their move. After all, during her tenure as league president, Lisa Borders was at a NBA Finals game a few years ago between
- [Starting Five: Previewing Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty 2023 WNBA Finals](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-previewing-las-vegas-aces-vs-new-york-liberty-2023-wnba-finals/) - Practically, ever since the conclusion of this year’s free agency period, a good number of onlookers within the WNBA family were predicting that the Finals this year – and the next few years – would feature the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. Both teams in the semifinals held up their end of the
- [WNBA Finals: Aces vs. Liberty could become W’s new rivalry](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-aces-vs-liberty-could-become-ws-new-rivalry/) - This year’s WNBA Finals matchup is set – and it was exactly the one that many had predicted ever since free agency concluded. Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. The two so-called “super teams” that everyone correctly predicted would be the class of the WNBA for not only this season, but the next several
- [WNBA in Bay Area looks more than ever like a reality](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-in-bay-area-looks-more-than-ever-like-a-reality/) - At this point, even the most hardcore of WNBA fans have become lukewarm on any news regarding expansion. Do not get us wrong – fans, media, players and owners (arguably the most important of the aforementioned entities in this case) want expansion. For those that do not know, expansion comes with expansion fees paid to
- [Aces, Liberty, Sun, Wings – Previewing 2023 WNBA Semifinals](https://beyondthew.com/aces-liberty-sun-wings-previewing-2023-wnba-semifinals/) - When a team is a top 4 seed in the playoffs, one would expect said top four seed to advance to the semifinals. The Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings were, respectively from 1-4, the top 4 seeds entering this season’s postseason. With the semifinals set to get underway this
- [Moolah Kicks launches new performance basketball shoe specifically designed for girls](https://beyondthew.com/moolah-kicks-launches-new-performance-basketball-shoe-specifically-designed-for-girls/) - With the fall basketball season right around the corner, young hoopers around the country will want to make sure their games are in tip top shape for the 2023-24 tip-off. That is where Moolah Kicks is once again coming in. The shoe brand, founded by Natalie White in 2020 while she attended Boston College, has
- [WNBA Playoffs: Previewing first round of 2023 postseason](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-playoffs-previewing-first-round-of-2023-postseason/) - It was a few days ago when we knew the eight teams that would be participating in this year’s postseason when the Los Angeles Sparks dropped a heartbreaker to the New York Liberty on the road. This created a scenario where the Chicago Sky could earn a victory over the Minnesota Lynx at home to
- [Recapping our 2023 WNBA season predictions…](https://beyondthew.com/recapping-our-2023-wnba-season-predictions/) - For some, it may feel as if the 2023 WNBA season, similar to any of the previous 26, simply came and gone. For others, it probably felt as if it were a marathon. If it felt like a marathon, that is exactly what commissioner Cathy Engelbert intended it to be when she announced at last
- [ESPN-Spectrum snafu could not have come at worse time for WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/espn-spectrum-snafu-could-not-have-come-at-worse-time-for-wnba/) - Retransmission disputes. They are a common feature of the media business. An entity that owns and operates multiple cable channels has too high a cost per subscriber for said channels and cable company claims it wants a fair deal for its subscribers. Media entity and cable company then get into a public relations fight to
- [MVP meets M’VP: Las Vegas Aces visit with VP Kamala Harris sends message to young girls – you can be anything](https://beyondthew.com/mvp-meets-mvp-las-vegas-aces-visit-with-vp-kamala-harris-sends-message-to-young-girls-you-can-be-anything/) - When the Las Vegas Aces triumphed over the Connecticut Sun in four games to win last year’s WNBA championship, of course that comes with plenty of pomp and circumstance as is the case with any major sports championship. The feat the Aces pulled off last season had plenty of local (and statewide) significance given it
- [Are LA Sparks resembling a team that can give Aces or Liberty a scare in WNBA playoffs?](https://beyondthew.com/are-la-sparks-resembling-a-team-that-can-give-aces-or-liberty-a-scare-in-wnba-playoffs/) - When this year’s WNBA season commenced back in May, we were one of those outlets that were very bullish on the Los Angeles Sparks. With the addition of former Connecticut Sun coach Curt Miller, who had coached the Sun to a pair of WNBA Finals appearances, and Karen Bryant as general manager, it appeared the
- [A’ja Wilson further cements status as face of WNBA with 53-point performance](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-further-cements-status-as-face-of-wnba-with-53-point-performance/) - It may seem as if A’ja Wilson has been in the WNBA for longer than six years. But the South Carolina legend has played at the professional level for that length of time – all with the Las Vegas Aces. One can run through the accomplishments (MVPs, gold medals, championship) she has already attained in
- [Liberty’s Commissioner’s Cup Triumph supports Tsais’ history-making vision for New York franchise](https://beyondthew.com/libertys-commissioners-cup-triumph-supports-tsais-history-making-vision-for-new-york-franchise/) - While one of the three signature colors of this version of New York Liberty basketball is black, it can still feel like yesterday when the Liberty were mired in the dark days of playing at Westchester County Center and losing more than winning. On some occasions, it can feel as if those days of New
- [Where To, W? Has Denver become WNBA’s 'mystery city' for expansion?](https://beyondthew.com/where-to-w-has-denver-become-wnbas-mystery-city-for-expansion/) - It is common in Major League Baseball, particularly around the time of the offseason to hear about “mystery teams” that could be involved in trades for marquee players or free agents. From time to time, those mystery teams that came out of nowhere ended up being the teams to land those big fish during MLB’s
- [Starting Five – Takeaways from Taylor Rooks’ interview with Liz Cambage](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-takeaways-from-taylor-rooks-interview-with-liz-cambage/) - Last July was the last time that the name Liz Cambage was a much-talked about name amongst women’s basketball aficionados. At the time, Cambage was with the Los Angeles Sparks – the team that she had wanted to be part of from the second she stepped foot in the WNBA as a teenager. Unfortunately for
- [Skylar Diggins-Smith: Phoenix Mercury are closer to a potential rebuild than we think](https://beyondthew.com/skylar-diggins-smith-phoenix-mercury-are-closer-to-a-potential-rebuild-than-we-think/) - In 2021, the Phoenix Mercury appeared to be a complete team. The Mercury appeared to be on the cusp of delivering one more WNBA championship for Diana Taurasi with her getting closer and closer to calling it a career. That team had a big three of Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith with a goal
- [Does Dallas Wings partnership with Mavericks center NBA team more than WNBA?](https://beyondthew.com/does-dallas-wings-partnership-with-mavericks-center-nba-team-more-than-wnba/) - With 12 games to go this regular season, the Dallas Wings appear to be on their way to not only a playoff berth, but a top 4 seed in this season’s postseason. As of today, if the regular season were to conclude today, the Wings would be the fourth seed. Dallas has a 15-13 record
- [Do It For The Dream: Atlanta continues to give opponents nightmares](https://beyondthew.com/do-it-for-the-dream-atlanta-continues-to-give-opponents-nightmares/) - In previous weeks, we at Beyond The W have taken time to give love to teams outside of the WNBA’s Big Three of the Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun. And while those three teams are more than deserving of the flowers they have earned this season for being in the championship
- [Pac-12: Consequences of conference’s untimely demise on women’s sports](https://beyondthew.com/pac-12-consequences-of-conferences-untimely-demise-on-womens-sports/) - Collegiate athletics realignment – it appears to be all the rage in the realm of college sports these days. At this point, collegiate athletics – particularly the cash cows of basketball and football – are so flush with money coming from television conglomerates such as ESPN, Fox, NBC and CBS that tradition and regional rivalries
- [Can’t Tame Us: Minnesota Lynx have re-entered the chat](https://beyondthew.com/cant-tame-us-minnesota-lynx-have-re-entered-the-chat/) - Arguably, no team this 2023 WNBA season has made us – and plenty others outside of the Land of 10,000 Lakes – eat more crow than the Minnesota Lynx. We have been staring really closely at our 2023 season preview that we released a few days prior to the tip-off back in May. We had
- [Has Renee Montgomery unlocked another avenue for WNBA coverage? ](https://beyondthew.com/has-renee-montgomery-unlocked-another-avenue-for-wnba-coverage/) - Last week was another busy week in terms of WNBA news with not all of it being fortunate happenings throughout the W. There was the unfortunate revealing of domestic violence allegations leveled against the Las Vegas Aces’ Riquna Williams, the continued heating up of the WNBA’s playoff push and a YouTuber getting banned from WNBA/NBA
- [Volt Up: 2023 Dallas Wings are indeed for real](https://beyondthew.com/volt-up-2023-dallas-wings-are-indeed-for-real/) - When we at Beyond The W were at WNBA All-Star a couple of weekends ago in Las Vegas, we asked Arike Ogunbowale if the team had any bragging rights midway through the 2023 campaign. Those bragging rights would have been based on the idea that her Dallas Wings are one of only two teams with
- [WNBA All-Star Recap: Team Stewart defeats Team Wilson 143-126, Storm’s Jewell Loyd wins MVP](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-recap-team-stewart-defeats-team-wilson-143-126-storms-jewell-loyd-wins-mvp/) - With All-Star Friday being ruled mostly by the supposed super-teams of Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, it would only be appropriate if it would be a representative of one of those teams that would be the talk of the town on Saturday evening – correct? Correct? Correct? The Seattle Storm’s resident Gold Mamba
- [WNBA All-Star Epilogue: Las Vegas has given Phoenix a tough act to follow](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-epilogue-las-vegas-has-given-phoenix-a-tough-act-to-follow/) - One was not expecting for there to be any news about future All-Star Games throughout the conclusion of the recently completed All-Star weekend. But commissioner Cathy Engelbert apparently had other ideas. When Engelbert concluded her opening remarks prior to Saturday’s All-Star Game at Las Vegas’ Michelob Ultra Arena, she made an announcement that the 2024
- [WNBA All-Star Friday Recap: Sabrina Ionescu sets 3-point record, Aces win skills competition](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-friday-recap-sabrina-ionescu-sets-3-point-record-aces-win-skills-competition/) - Prior to the main event that is the actual WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, Michelob Ultra Arena got itself all dressed up to welcome fans to All-Star Friday. The day prior to the All-Star Game itself was WNBA All-Star Friday – including a Skills Competition and a 3-Point Contest. By the conclusion of WNBA All-Star
- [What one can expect from attending WNBA All-Star festivities](https://beyondthew.com/what-one-can-expect-from-attending-wnba-all-star-festivities/) - A few years ago, the phrase “not much” may have been what one would have expected when attending All-Star weekend for the WNBA. That answer has changed drastically since then – and the fact that three of the last four All-Star weekends have been held in Las Vegas has played a role. Now, one can
- [What one can expect from visiting Las Vegas – particularly for a major sports event](https://beyondthew.com/what-one-can-expect-from-visiting-las-vegas-particularly-for-a-major-sports-event/) - As Las Vegas continues to morph itself into a more full-fledged sports city, this means more events on the scale of WNBA All-Star will continue to find their way into the area. Las Vegas can proudly say it has been the host site for three All-Star weekends. It first hosted in 2019, then hosted again
- [WNBA All-Star 2023: Midseason grades at this point in season](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2023-midseason-grades-at-this-point-in-season/) - Roughly half of the 2023 WNBA season is in the books and another very complex picture has taken shape when looking at our 12 teams. At this point in the season, there appears to be not three but four tiers of WNBA team. There are the superteams, then teams that could give said superteams a
- [If done right, WNBA All-Star 2023 has opportunity to be biggest of three held in Las Vegas](https://beyondthew.com/if-done-right-wnba-all-star-2023-has-opportunity-to-be-biggest-of-three-held-in-las-vegas/) - For the third time in five season, the WNBA’s midseason festivities will return to a city it has become all too familiar with over the last half-decade. Of course, that city is Las Vegas – home to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Along with three of the last five All-Star Games being held in
- [An Ode to Vanessa Nygaard’s short Phoenix Mercury coaching tenure](https://beyondthew.com/an-ode-to-vanessa-nygaards-short-phoenix-mercury-coaching-tenure/) - Prior to the start of the season, many a WNBA pundit (including us) had prognostications on where they believed the Phoenix Mercury would be at season’s end. One would likely be hard-pressed to find any of those pundits who believed that the Mercury, with more than a quarter of the 2023 campaign in the books,
- [WNBA needs to stay careful when doing business with certain international entities](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-needs-to-stay-careful-when-doing-business-with-certain-international-entities/) - Of course, as the WNBA grows, the idea of the W going international is going to gain steam. When talking about the international status of the WNBA, most of that talk revolves around many of the players themselves. A number of players, of course, play overseas following the conclusion of the W season solely because
- [Is it time to start talking All-Star when mentioning Aliyah Boston, Shakira Austin and Satou Sabally?](https://beyondthew.com/is-it-time-to-start-talking-all-star-when-mentioning-aliyah-boston-fever-shakira-austin-mystics-satou-sabally-wings/) - Roughly a few weeks have been completed in the 2023 season. Of course, there is still plenty of season to go and actually there is also plenty of season prior to All-Star Weekend. Expect closer to the mid point of the month when there begins to be more talk about who which stars from the
- [Pride Month: WNBA has opportunity to welcome new LGBTQIA+ fans ostracized by baseball, hockey](https://beyondthew.com/pride-month-wnba-has-opportunity-to-welcome-new-lgbtqia-fans-ostracized-by-baseball-hockey/) - Pride Month has special meaning in the year 2023. State after state of these United States of America from Florida to Tennessee to Iowa have enacted laws in their states that make it more difficult for the LGBTQIA+ community to live as the normal human beings that they are. From decrying the presence of this
- [Thank you Khristina Williams and thank you Black women for being the heartbeat of WNBA coverage](https://beyondthew.com/thank-you-khristina-williams-and-thank-you-black-women-for-being-the-heartbeat-of-wnba-coverage/) - WNBA Monday has become a tradition among fans. With our 12 teams taking time away from the court, there usually is a story that typically has fans buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming week’s slate of games. That could be a dispute between a player and a coach, a WNBA luminary bringing attention to a
- [More surprising early season 3-1 start: Connecticut Sun or Chicago Sky?](https://beyondthew.com/more-surprising-early-season-3-1-start-connecticut-sun-or-chicago-sky/) - Apologies for framing the title as if it were a Toss Up question on ESPN’s Pardon The Interruption, but we digress. On the other hand, Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser could use a bit more WNBA in their lives. We all understand that it is early in the 2023 WNBA season. A grand total of
- [Starting Five: Takeaways from WNBA 2023 Opening Weekend](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-takeaways-from-wnba-2023-opening-weekend/) - The opening weekend of the 2023 WNBA season is in the books. Each team has played at least one game with five teams having taken to the court on two occasions this past weekend. Those four teams were the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever with Connecticut and Chicago
- [WNBA Tip-Off 2023 continues wave of momentum for women’s hoops](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-tip-off-2023-continues-wave-of-momentum-for-womens-hoops/) - Women’s basketball – and women’s sports as a whole – continue to show itself to be the new wave. Whether it was the national championship game between LSU and Iowa or the WNBA Canada Game between the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx that drew nearly 20,000 to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, women’s hoops is where it
- [#BGisBack: Celebrating Brittney Griner's return to basketball - and her return home](https://beyondthew.com/bg-is-back-celebrating-brittney-griner-return-to-basketball-and-her-return-home/) - Two hundred and ninety-four days. What was supposed to be a simple departure from Russia as it launched a war with Ukraine all of a sudden became a virtual year’s worth of hell for one of the planet’s most recognized and revered athletes. Brittney Griner was already well-known inside and outside of the United States
- [WNBA 2023 Season preview – BG’s Back! Will anyone challenge Aces and Liberty? Boston or the field for ROY?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2023-season-preview-brittney-griner-back-will-anyone-challenge-aces-and-liberty-aliyah-boston-or-the-field-for-roy/) - It was another offseason that drastically changed the landscape of the WNBA. Another offseason where teams that were contenders all of a sudden became pretenders in many eyes. Another offseason that made us rethink exactly where our 12 teams stood in the WNBA’s overall pecking order. A unique element of this season is that it
- [#WeAreBG: Brittney Griner deserves our love and support now more than ever](https://beyondthew.com/wearebg-brittney-griner-deserves-our-love-and-support-now-more-than-ever/) - The Brittney Griner saga has been a heartwrenching and heartbreaking ordeal to witness – even from afar. While we still yearn every day, every hour, every minute and every second for her and Paul Whelan’s release, the situation appears to have completely taken a turn for the absolute worst. Her appeal to have her prison
- [Starting Five: Storylines on eve of 2023 WNBA Season](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-on-eve-of-2023-wnba-season/) - We at Beyond The W will release our comprehensive 2023 season preview next week, but for now, we are taking a look at a few of the unique storylines that proceed the start of the regular season next Friday. May 19 cannot get here fast enough, but these nine days prior to the start of
- [How much is WNBA Canada Game a legacy play for Cathy Engelbert?](https://beyondthew.com/how-much-is-wnba-canada-game-a-legacy-play-for-cathy-engelbert/) - The countdown is officially on to the tip-off of the 2023 WNBA season on May 19. Prior to tip-off of said season is the WNBA preseason – which has a very unique marquee game on its calendar unlike in previous campaigns. That marquee game is, of course, the WNBA’s Canada Game slated to take place
- [Mercury deal with Gray Television has potential to create domino effect throughout WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/mercury-deal-with-gray-television-has-potential-to-create-domino-effect-throughout-wnba/) - The onset of training camps throughout the WNBA has historically been the period of when we begin to hear about new media deals – if there are any – either involving the league as a whole or any of its teams. It was only a couple of weeks ago that we got wind of the
- [Liberty are more than poised to continue winning streak for New York sports](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-are-more-than-poised-to-continue-winning-streak-for-new-york-sports/) - Has anyone noticed that virtually every sports team representing the country’s largest city appears to be in the throes of winning ways? The New York Jets finally landed their quarterback for the next … we guess couple of years at most with Aaron Rodgers and Jets fans for the first time in a long time
- [Brittney Griner’s press conference could only be described as a watershed moment](https://beyondthew.com/brittney-griners-press-conference-could-only-be-described-as-a-watershed-moment/) - We all have seen plenty of press conferences within sports – the WNBA included. Sometimes, they are “state of the league” pressers with commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Sometimes they are postgame press conferences with a coach after her, their or his team wins or loses a game. Sometimes they are to introduce a new player or
- [WNBA Draft may want to take some notes from NFL for its](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-may-want-to-take-some-notes-from-nfl-for-its/) - Thursday, April 28 saw the conclusion of the first round of the NFL’s draft. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was selected by the Carolina Panthers first overall. C.J. Stroud went to the Houston Texans with the second pick. Will Anderson went third also to the Texans. Anthony Richardson was taken by the Indianapolis Colts, Jalen Carter
- [Ionic Bond: Analyzing WNBA’s new television pact with Ion Television](https://beyondthew.com/ionic-bond-analyzing-wnbas-new-television-pact-with-ion-television/) - With a month to go until the tip-off of the 2023 WNBA season – the longest WNBA season in history that will see each of our 12 teams take to the court for 40 regular season games – the league itself made a bit of news. Our timelines are about to be flooded with a
- [WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert needs to pay attention to how aggressive NWSL is with expansion](https://beyondthew.com/wnbas-cathy-engelbert-needs-to-pay-attention-to-how-aggressive-nwsl-is-with-expansion/) - As often as expansion gets discussed within WNBA circles, there appears to be a clear distinction between one league that talks a good game and another that appears to be more aggressive in its approach. That other league is the NWSL. One must take into consideration that it is a league that has not been
- [Starting Five: Recapping 2023 WNBA Draft](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-recapping-2023-wnba-draft/) - It is once again that time of year on the WNBA’s calendar where the lives of 36 young women completely change forever as they see their names announced as draftees of WNBA teams. This year’s WNBA Draft once again took place at Spring Studios in New York City. ESPN once again broadcasted this year’s draft
- [Green is the New Orange: Time for NBA players to walk the walk on WNBA investment](https://beyondthew.com/green-is-the-new-orange-time-for-nba-players-to-walk-the-walk-on-wnba-investment/) - We hear it all the time from a laundry list of NBA players that they are staunch supporters of the WNBA. Whether it is LeBron James, Ja Morant, Chris Paul, Trae Young, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving and a number of others, NBA players are not shy in how much they love to give
- [Starting Five: WNBA Draft, March Madness and more!](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-wnba-draft-march-madness-and-more/) - LSU may have won this year’s national championship, but it is safe to say that following this season’s rendition of March Madness that the sport of women’s basketball as a whole was a winner. Between ratings records, attendance records and arguably more hype than around men’s March Madness, this will be one of the points
- [Drip Check: Liberty, Mystics, Fever, Wings, Lynx release new Rebel jerseys](https://beyondthew.com/drip-check-liberty-mystics-fever-wings-lynx-release-new-rebel-jerseys/) - The countdown to the 2023 WNBA season is officially in full effect with the conclusion of March Madness along with the draft taking place next week. When the WNBA celebrated its 25th anniversary prior to the 2021 season, it debuted three sets of new threads for all 12 teams. They were a massive improvement over whatever
- [Beauty brands need to get the message – partnering with women athletes is smart business](https://beyondthew.com/beauty-brands-need-to-get-the-message-partnering-with-women-athletes-is-smart-business/) - Over the years, we at Beyond The W have always had a mission statement to highlight not only what today’s women’s athletes do on their respective fields of play, but also what initiatives they partake in away from the court as well. Whether it is a business they are starting, work with a non-profit they
- [It is on WNBA, not college ballers, to make its product more attractive to NCAA hoopers](https://beyondthew.com/it-is-on-wnba-not-college-ballers-to-make-its-product-more-attractive-to-ncaa-hoopers/) - With March Madness on the verge of reaching its crescendo, this is also declaration season across women’s college basketball. Will she or won’t she? Will she decide that she is ready to take her talents to the next level of the WNBA? Or will she decide that she wants to stay and enjoy one more
- [WNBA growth is always welcomed – but is problematic when independent journalists are shut out](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-growth-is-always-welcomed-but-is-problematic-when-independent-journalists-are-shut-out/) - Ask many a person within the WNBA family about how its media coverage has changed drastically over the years, they will likely cite specific examples regarding press conferences. There was once a period in time where the W itself would have to strain to get several individuals from media outlets to participate in press conferences.
- [Women’s sports get maligned for ‘low ratings’ while men’s sports with lower ratings go scot-free](https://beyondthew.com/womens-sports-get-maligned-for-low-ratings-while-mens-sports-with-lower-ratings-go-scot-free/) - David Berri? This one is particularly for you. It is a common criticism we hear all the time – no one watches women’s sports. The idea of women’s sports supposedly failing to draw the ratings and attendance of their male counterparts is a huge reason why detractors of leagues such as the WNBA, PHF and
- [WNBA fans should pay close attention to Bally Sports developments](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-fans-should-pay-close-attention-to-bally-sports-developments/) - When we look back at the year 2023 in sports, many year in review pieces that will be penned towards the close of the calendar year will examine who won and who lost, inspirational moments from the year and news that had us abuzz with conversation. Among those news items that is already having many
- [Women’s History Month: Sports need women – on the field, in front offices, watching and in media](https://beyondthew.com/womens-history-month-sports-need-women-on-the-field-in-front-offices-watching-and-in-media/) - If one were to watch sports growing up, it may be easy to assume that sports are inherently male. The most accessible of the sports we watched growing were, of course, male sports. The most covered of sports growing were of the male variety. And if one were to envision an image of the stereotypical
- [Brittney Griner is feeling the love she deserved to experience all of 2022](https://beyondthew.com/brittney-griner-is-feeling-the-love-she-deserved-to-experience-all-of-2022/) - Every time either Brittney or Cherelle (or both) Griner have been out in the public eye, the pair has felt nothing but love everywhere they have went. The year 2023 is a year of mental and physical recovery for both of the Griners following the yearlong ordeal they experienced in 2022 with Brittney detained in
- [WNBA should use March Madness as marketing opportunity](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-should-use-march-madness-as-marketing-opportunity/) - Our calendars have shifted from February to March. That means many things – we are closing in on spring. It also means temperatures are getting warmer in many parts of North America and we can put away our jackets and sweaters until September. New York City may be an exception to this as they are
- [NBA All-Star Utah hiccups illustrate importance of WNBA getting it right culturally](https://beyondthew.com/nba-all-star-utah-hiccups-illustrate-importance-of-wnba-getting-it-right-culturally/) - NBA All-Star weekend in Utah has come to a close. The last time we at Beyond The W wrote about All-Star Games, it pertained to how the WNBA’s All-Star logo was country miles better than that of the NBA or even the NFL’s Super Bowl despite the fact that the latter two leagues operate with
- [Khristina Williams, Savanna Collins to host weekly Athletes Unlimited YouTube program](https://beyondthew.com/khristina-williams-savanna-collins-to-host-weekly-athletes-unlimited-youtube-program/) - The middle of February means a litany of things, but among them is the tip-off of the second Athletes Unlimited basketball season. The first rendition, as many women’s hoops aficionados remember, was a major success from the games to the presentation. With who Athletes Unlimited has brought on as storytellers for season two in Dallas,
- [Does Aces salary cap news have more to do with wrongdoing or sour grapes of other owners?](https://beyondthew.com/does-aces-salary-cap-news-have-more-to-do-with-wrongdoing-or-sour-grapes-of-other-owners/) - The Las Vegas Aces have once again found themselves in a bit of hot water as it relates to the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement with its players association. First, it was the Dearica Hamby situation. Hamby posted on her Instagram that she was essentially mistreated and bullied by Aces brass because of her desire to
- [Memo to WNBA Teams: Limiting Coverage When it Becomes Negative is Counter-Productive](https://beyondthew.com/memo-to-wnba-teams-limiting-coverage-when-it-becomes-negative-is-counter-productive/) - One of the most often talked-about topics within not only WNBA circles but women’s sports circles as a whole is its noteworthy coverage gap in comparison to their male counterparts. Over the last few years, steps have been made to lessen this coverage gap – mostly because of independent media outlets such as this one,
- [A Tale of Two WNBA Free Agencies](https://beyondthew.com/a-tale-of-two-wnba-free-agencies/) - Much of the pre-February 1st chatter surrounding WNBA Free Agency would be that the 2022 version would have a great chance to drastically alter the landscape of the W. We are still only in the first few days of free agency and already that appears to be the case. Two things are more than apparent. The
- [Stew York City: What Breanna Stewart to NY Liberty means for WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/stew-york-city-what-breanna-stewart-to-ny-liberty-means-for-wnba/) - For a year, the worst kept secret within WNBA circles was that Breanna Stewart, two-time champion with the Seattle Storm, was looking at the team that plays in her native New York State with a more than curious eye. Stewart notably had a meeting with Joe and Clara Wu Tsai during the 2022 free agency
- [If we thought 2023 WNBA draft class was stacked, 2024’s is looking multi-generational](https://beyondthew.com/if-we-thought-2023-wnba-draft-class-was-stacked-2024s-is-looking-multi-generational/) - Earlier during the offseason, we penned a piece focusing on the Minnesota Lynx and why we believed that looking ahead to the 2024 WNBA Draft may actually be in Cheryl Reeve, Clare Duwelius’, Alex Rodriguez’s and Marc Lore’s best long-term interest. Our case was looking particularly at two high-profile college prospects that will be eligible
- [Dearica Hamby allegations against Aces another sign WNBA still must work to protect player moms](https://beyondthew.com/dearica-hamby-allegations-proves-aces-another-sign-wnba-still-must-work-to-protect-player-moms/) - An unexpected twist to this year’s free agent period occurred the other day with a trade that went down between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks. That trade, executed by Natalie Williams at the Aces and Karen Bryant at the Sparks sent Dearica Hamby to Los Angeles and Amanda Zahui B. to
- [Breanna Stewart has WNBA fans everywhere living by her every emoji](https://beyondthew.com/breanna-stewart-has-wnba-fans-everywhere-living-by-her-every-emoji/) - January 21 is the big day on the WNBA calendar as free agency officially commences. Teams are now officially able to have conversations with players and it will not be long before the really big day occurs. That would be February 1st when players can sign on the dotted line with teams. There are a number
- [A likely reason for interest among WNBA players in joining Liberty? Joe & Clara Wu Tsai](https://beyondthew.com/a-likely-reason-for-interest-among-wnba-players-in-joining-liberty-joe-clara-wu-tsai/) - We have not even reached the magic day of February 1st when free agents can officially sign contracts with new or incumbent franchises. Even with roughly two weeks prior to the big day, one team appears to be dominating the headlines. That team is the WNBA’s flagship franchise. It was only a few days ago that
- [Remember Maya Moore’s name when talking WNBA GOATs](https://beyondthew.com/remember-maya-moores-name-when-talking-wnba-goats/) - Today, it became official that Maya Moore, WNBA all-time great had indeed retired from professional basketball following an illustrious career within the game. We have known this for a while. In fact, we have known this since the 2018 season, which turned out to be Moore’s final season as a WNBA player. Actually, illustrious does
- [Jonquel Jones traded to Liberty in 3-team blockbuster including Sun, Wings](https://beyondthew.com/jonquel-jones-traded-to-liberty-in-3-team-blockbuster-including-sun-wings/) - There is a general rule of thumb we WNBA fans understand around this time of year – if there appears to be not enough news on the free agency front, that means major news is on the verge of dropping. And did it ever. A few days ago, the Atlanta Dream made the first free
- [WNBA All-Star 2023 Las Vegas logo puts those of NBA, NFL to shame](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2023-las-vegas-logo-puts-those-of-nba-nfl-to-shame/) - With free agency season having hit, it is about to be a busy time for our beloved WNBA. It is expected to be another wild and wooly free agent period with all 12 teams looking for pieces that they believe can get their teams to the next level. With big names such as Breanna Stewart,
- [Women’s hoops rims should not be lowered simply to cater to lowest common denominator](https://beyondthew.com/womens-hoops-rims-should-not-be-lowered-simply-to-cater-to-lowest-common-denominator/) - It is a common criticism that we often hear from detractors of the women’s game. If only they lowered the rims, it would allow for the game to be more “exciting” because there would be more dunks. Never mind that we have seen WNBA greats such as Brittney Griner, Lisa Leslie, Sylvia Fowles and Liz
- [A 2023 New Year’s Resolution for the WNBA…](https://beyondthew.com/a-2023-new-years-resolution-for-the-wnba/) - Around the conclusion of 2022, the WNBA on its Twitter was counting down its most memorable moments of the season. That could have easily been A’ja Wilson winning her first WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces. It also could have been how Chelsea Gray became a whole cheat code in the playoffs. Or it
- [How much longer can Chicago Sky remain with current front office structure?](https://beyondthew.com/how-much-longer-can-chicago-sky-remain-with-current-front-office-structure/) - Two seasons ago, the Chicago Sky got its first taste of WNBA championship euphoria as they prevailed on their home floor against the Phoenix Mercury in four games to bring the Windy City its first WNBA title. With free agency 2023 lurking in the WNBA, the Sky are looking more and more like an outlier.
- [Year in RevieW: 10 Biggest Women’s Hoops stories of 2022](https://beyondthew.com/year-in-review-10-biggest-womens-hoops-stories-of-2022/) - The game clock is close to expiring on the year 2022, but it was a year that was honeycombed with several twists and turns in the realm of women’s basketball. And what a 12 months it was. One can say that even though the final buzzer is close to expiring on 2022 that it feels
- [Why is Cathy Engelbert taking such a pedestrian approach to growing WNBA?](https://beyondthew.com/why-is-cathy-engelbert-taking-such-a-pedestrian-approach-to-growing-wnba/) - Since Cathy Engelbert took over for Lisa Borders and assumed the WNBA’s primary leadership position (which was changed from “league president” to “commissioner” upon her arrival), she has clearly attempted to take a more business-centric approach to her role. Engelbert, among her W accomplishments, has presided over the ratification of the WNBA’s new collective bargaining
- [As teams staff more front office jobs, WNBA as a whole improves](https://beyondthew.com/as-teams-staff-more-front-office-jobs-wnba-as-a-whole-improves/) - Yesterday’s price is not today’s price – once said the prophet known as New York’s very own Fat Joe. When the Las Vegas Aces won the 2022 WNBA championship, not only was it the first-ever championship in the shorting professional sports history of Sin City. It was also seen, in many ways, as a win
- [WNBA releases 2023 schedule! Six observations of upcoming 40-game slate](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-releases-2023-schedule-six-observations-of-upcoming-40-game-slate/) - Us WNBA fans got an earlier release of a season schedule than typical as the 2023 list of games has indeed been released and is on the W’s site as well as the sites of all 12 teams. The season will begin on May 19 and will feature a four-game slate of contests with three
- [Should Minnesota Lynx’s top priority be 2024 WNBA Draft? ](https://beyondthew.com/should-minnesota-lynxs-top-priority-be-2024-wnba-draft/) - One thing has become painfully clear with the Minnesota Lynx – it is not the 2010s anymore. The on-court architects of the Lynx’s dynasty that saw the team bring four WNBA championships (all in odd-numbered seasons) to the Twin Cities have since retired or taken their acts to the coaching ranks. Since then, the Lynx
- [Should the business of women's basketball approach Texas with caution?](https://beyondthew.com/should-the-business-of-womens-basketball-approach-texas-with-caution/) - If one were to watch many a news show these past few years, Texas has been in the news and on people’s lips a lot. And much of it has not exactly been for the most pleasant of reasons. Whether it has been through the continued exploits of its governor, what happened in Uvalde, measures
- [#WVotes2022: Time for WNBA community to rally one more time for Raphael Warnock](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2022-time-for-wnba-community-to-rally-one-more-time-for-raphael-warnock/) - VOTE. One more time this year. The bulk of races that have now been completed in this year’s midterm elections have displayed that many of the pundits’ predictions of a red wave crashed up against a strong blue wall of Black, Brown and young voters of all races. Instead of a red wave that would
- [Could Indiana Fever’s winning of 2023 WNBA Draft Lottery be exactly what franchise needs?](https://beyondthew.com/could-indiana-fevers-winning-of-2023-wnba-draft-lottery-be-exactly-what-franchise-needs/) - Ever since the retirement of all-time great Tamika Catchings following the 2016 season, the Indiana Fever’s history has been filled more frequently with lowlights rather than highlights. The Fever did hit a high mark in 2019 under former coach Pokey Chatman when the team finished a mere two games out of the eighth playoff berth
- [Women’s Sports Network is exactly what is needed to bridge coverage gap](https://beyondthew.com/womens-sports-network-is-exactly-what-is-needed-to-bridge-coverage-gap/) - One of the more interesting conversations that takes place among women’s sports fans is how much of a lift would it be for women’s sports across the board if they had their own television channel. Plenty of us in the women’s sports space have been begging and pleading for ESPN to create a 24/7 linear
- [#WVotes2022: A look at how WNBA entities are encouraging Americans to vote in 2022 midterm elections](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2022-a-look-at-how-wnba-entities-are-encouraging-americans-to-vote-in-2022-midterm-elections/) - VOTE. We did so in 2018 in those midterms and the result was a flip of the House of Representatives from Republican to Democratic while the GOP maintained control of the Senate. We did so in 2020 in a presidential election (COVID-19 pandemic and all) that ushered Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White
- [Going through WNBA withdrawals? Yeah – we are too](https://beyondthew.com/going-through-wnba-withdrawals-yeah-we-are-too/) - It was not that long ago when the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Connecticut Sun in four games to claim the franchise’s first ever WNBA championship. In fact, it was only September when the Aces solidified its status as being at the top of the W’s food chain. Since then, we have seen a steady
- [Athletes Unlimited taking its talents to Dallas for 2023 season](https://beyondthew.com/athletes-unlimited-taking-its-talents-to-dallas-for-2023-season/) - Following an unforgettable 2022 season in Las Vegas, the home of the eventual WNBA champion Aces, Athletes Unlimited is coming back for its sophomore campaign. And those in charge of it are seeing stars – lone stars. Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas – the metroplex that is home to the W’s Wings - has been
- [Moolah Kicks announces launch of new Neovolt Pro women's hoops shoe, lands Destanni Henderson and Caroline Ducharme as brand ambassadors](https://beyondthew.com/moolah-kicks-announces-launch-of-new-neovolt-pro-womens-hoops-shoe-lands-destanni-henderson-and-caroline-ducharme-as-brand-ambassadors/) - The 2022 season was the first for Destanni Henderson in the WNBA. After a storied career with the South Carolina Gamecocks at the NCAA level, Henderson entered the W with the Indiana Fever and she proved in her rookie season that she has pro-level talent to go along with her marketable personality. She is beginning
- [WNBA, NBA stars launch digital marketplace benefitting Brittney Griner Advocacy Account](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-nba-stars-launch-digital-marketplace-benefitting-brittney-griner-advocacy-account/) - A number of notable stars from the WNBA and NBA ranks have converged together to launch what is being described as a “first-of-its kind marketplace for sports fans to purchase unique digital experiences from their favorite athletes.” The new app is called Daps and among its founders are the WNBA’s Lexie Brown in addition to
- [Red, White, Blue and Gold! Team USA triumphs to win fourth consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal](https://beyondthew.com/red-white-blue-and-gold-team-usa-triumphs-to-win-fourth-consecutive-fiba-world-cup-gold-medal/) - Two stories were all of the rage going into this year’s FIBA World Cup. One – the quick turnaround from the conclusion of the WNBA season that saw the Las Vegas Aces prevail in the Finals over the Connecticut Sun. Not to mention the laundry list of talent from the Finals that would be in
- [It is on men to make sports a safer place for women](https://beyondthew.com/it-is-on-men-to-make-sports-a-safer-place-for-women/) - It is a sad state of affairs when another one of these sorts of pieces has to be written in the year 2022. After all, one would think we would have evolved as a society past the outdated notion that sports are supposed to be a males-only profession, but plenty of men have subconsciously revealed
- [Hispanic Heritage Month: Latino community can be huge in growth of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/hispanic-heritage-month-latino-community-can-be-huge-in-growth-of-wnba/) - One can call this piece “Doble U Ene Be A.” Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month, the esteemed sports personality Greydy Diaz (who we got a picture with alongside Sylvia Fowles and Khristina Williams at WNBA All-Star in Chicago) mentioned that several NBA teams had launched social media channels in Spanish. According to Diaz,
- [The case for Oakland to get WNBA’s nod over San Francisco](https://beyondthew.com/the-case-for-oakland-to-get-wnbas-nod-over-san-francisco/) - WNBA brass typically prefers to be mum on expansion talk, but WNBA Twitter is anything but when any news pertaining to the e-word is mentioned. Since the WNBA already has the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky occupying the country’s top three media markets, it only makes sense for the W to
- [Team USA vs. Everybody: Previewing 2022 FIBA World Cup](https://beyondthew.com/usa-or-the-field-previewing-2022-fiba-world-cup/) - With the conclusion of the 2022 WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun where the Aces won in four games, the professional women’s basketball calendar now turns to Australia – the host country for this year’s FIBA World Cup. Team USA will now have a bit more time to finalize its roster
- [Viva Las Vengeance: Las Vegas Aces are 2022 WNBA champions!](https://beyondthew.com/viva-las-vengeance-las-vegas-aces-are-2022-wnba-champions/) - Sometimes, you have to go through something to get to something. There are few teams that exemplify that maxim more than the Las Vegas Aces. In 2020 in the bubble, the Aces advanced to the WNBA Finals following an MVP season by A’ja Wilson only to see Las Vegas’ championship hopes dashed by Sue Bird,
- [Giving much-deserved flowers to WNBA press corps](https://beyondthew.com/giving-much-deserved-flowers-to-wnba-press-corps/) - The 26th WNBA season is in the books with the Las Vegas Aces defeating the Connecticut Sun in four games to claim the franchise’s first-ever championship. The Aces are certainly more than deserving of their flowers – as are the other 11 WNBA teams for what was another great season. This goes for the players, coaches,
- [NBA should be embarrassed to call Robert Sarver punishment a ‘punishment’](https://beyondthew.com/nba-should-be-embarrassed-to-call-robert-sarver-punishment-a-punishment/) - For a while, the white elephant in the room relating to all things Phoenix Mercury (other than the ongoing Brittney Griner saga) and Phoenix Suns was the head of the room – the individual who signs all checks relating to Mercury and Suns. That individual is Robert Sarver, the primary governor of the Mercury and
- [Starting Five: WNBA Finals storylines heading into Aces vs. Sun](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-wnba-finals-storylines-heading-into-aces-vs-sun/) - With the Connecticut Sun defeating the Chicago Sky in come-from-behind fashion, we are guaranteed to crown a new WNBA champion at the conclusion of this 2022 season. The Sun trailed the Sky by 11 at one point in the fourth quarter of Game 5 with the Sky only to rally back and dispatch of Chicago
- [Is this the end of the current Seattle Storm era? ](https://beyondthew.com/is-this-the-end-of-the-current-seattle-storm-era/) - With the Las Vegas Aces’ 3-1 2022 WNBA semifinals victory over the Seattle Storm, it of course denotes the closure of the soon-to-be Hall of Fame career of one Sue Bird. But – is it also the end of the current Storm era? The Storm franchise has been defined by the four WNBA championships it
- [Becky Hammon is making NBA front offices look clueless](https://beyondthew.com/becky-hammon-is-making-nba-front-offices-look-clueless/) - When former Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer decided to step away from his post to clear the way for Mark Davis to hire Becky Hammon in his stead, it was a return for Hammon to the very WNBA where she is celebrated as one of its all-time greats. Hammon inherited a roster that was
- [How Ted Leonsis’ deal to purchase NBC Sports Washington could affect Mystics](https://beyondthew.com/how-ted-leonsis-deal-to-purchase-nbc-sports-washington-could-affect-mystics/) - The 2022 season for the Washington Mystics came to an end after being eliminated by the Seattle Storm in two games of the first round of this year’s WNBA playoffs. While it is yet to be seen how the 2023 rendition of the Mystics will look like, there is one development that has already happened
- [WNBA Playoffs: Is a 3-5-7 format the way to go?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-playoffs-is-a-3-5-7-format-the-way-to-go/) - As of this point, it can be said that the first year of the WNBA’s new and updated 3-5-5 postseason format has been a success. Four teams remain – the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun and defending champion Chicago Sky. Both semifinal series are knotted up at one apiece following four first-round bests-of-3
- [Aces, Storm, Sky, Sun – previewing semifinals of WNBA playoffs](https://beyondthew.com/aces-storm-sky-sun-previewing-semifinals-of-wnba-playoffs/) - And then…there were four. As it turned out those four would likely have been the same four we would have seen if the WNBA playoffs were still being contested under the previous format. The Las Vegas Aces, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun occupied the top four seed entering postseason play. As it turned
- [Phoenix Mercury’s 2022 season – a masterclass in resilience](https://beyondthew.com/phoenix-mercurys-2022-season-a-masterclass-in-resilience/) - In the course of any WNBA season, any team will go through its fair share of ups and downs. But what the 2022 rendition of the Phoenix Mercury had to endure this season went entirely beyond the pale. The Mercury still managed to qualify for the playoffs, but the season ended in a resounding ending
- [Aces/Mercury, Sky/Liberty, Sun/Wings, Storm/Mystics – 2022 WNBA playoff preview](https://beyondthew.com/aces-mercury-sky-liberty-sun-wings-storm-mystics-2022-wnba-playoff-preview/) - The 2022 WNBA season concluded with its postseason picture not being completely crystallized until the final day of the regular season. With two games to go for four teams all knotted up at 16-20, two of them took care of business and earned berths to the playoffs. These playoffs, of course, will have a new
- [Dream, Lynx, Sparks, Fever – WNBA offseason outlook for four non-playoff teams](https://beyondthew.com/dream-lynx-sparks-fever-wnba-offseason-outlook-for-four-non-playoff-teams/) - At the conclusion of every WNBA regular season there are four teams that qualify for the postseason – and four teams on the outside looking in thinking about what went wrong (and right). This year, our four teams whose seasons concluded without playoff games are the Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana
- [WNBA 2022 regular season ending with real – not manufactured – playoff drama](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2022-regular-season-ending-with-real-not-manufactured-playoff-drama/) - As the 26th WNBA regular season nears its conclusion – it is doing so with plenty of drama with the playoffs beginning in only a few days. As of this writing, six teams have punched tickets to this year’s postseason – the defending champion Chicago Sky, the Las Vegas Aces, the Seattle Storm, the Connecticut
- [1-On-1: Sr. Xbox Global Sports Lead Chris Munson talks partnership with NY Liberty, custom court at Barclays Center](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-sr-xbox-global-sports-lead-chris-munson-talks-partnership-with-ny-liberty-custom-court-at-barclays-center/) - By Lamar Carter and Akiem Bailum If one may have watched the Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 matchups at Barclays Center between the homestanding New York Liberty and roadtripping Los Angeles Sparks, one may have noticed that the court at The Clays looked a bit different than what one typically witnesses when observing the seafoam,
- [WNBA playoff format may upend idea of ‘just win and get in’](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-playoff-format-may-upend-idea-of-just-win-and-get-in/) - We are only two weeks shy of the conclusion of the 2022 WNBA season – and if this season has told us anything it is that the W is no longer as top heavy as it was a few years ago when it practically served as the Minnesota Lynx-Los Angeles Sparks invitational. As of today,
- [Liz Cambage is done with LA Sparks – and probably with WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-is-done-with-la-sparks-and-probably-with-wnba/) - When Liz Cambage became a free agent after the 2021 season, the general consensus was that there was one team that would more than likely sign her – the Los Angeles Sparks. After all, the Sparks are the one team that Cambage has wanted to play for her entire career. Even when she returned to
- [We can lament disrespect of Aliyah Boston without pitting her against Paige Bueckers](https://beyondthew.com/we-can-lament-disrespect-of-aliyah-boston-without-pitting-her-against-paige-bueckers/) - Social media has done a lot of great things for the women’s basketball community. Platforms such as Twitter (shout out to Hoopstresses featuring our very own Lo!), Clubhouse and Spotify (shoutout to Khristina Williams of Women’s Sports Wednesday!) have filled the women’s sports/WNBA/NWSL vacuum in terms of coverage that mainstream media has inexplicably refused to
- [Women’s sports programs in red states have plenty to lose after fall of Roe v. Wade](https://beyondthew.com/womens-sports-programs-in-red-states-have-plenty-to-lose-after-fall-of-roe-v-wade/) - From the story of the 10-year-old in Ohio who was raped by her own father to the teenage girl in Texas who eventually birthed twins, we are already seeing the sad, sick, twisted glimpses of a social landscape many men have fantasized of where women are stripped of their reproductive freedom. In that world, men
- [Laura Ricketts’ possible investment in Chicago Sky could be what franchise needs](https://beyondthew.com/laura-ricketts-possible-investment-in-chicago-sky-could-be-what-franchise-needs/) - It was not that long ago when Chicago was at the center of the women’s basketball universe when several AAU tournaments – including the EYBL Nike Nationals and Prep Girls Hoops 2K22 were taking place in and around the area. And, of course, there was that WNBA All-Star weekend thing that occurred at Wintrust Arena
- [All-Star Epilogue: 5 ways WNBA can spice up midseason weekend](https://beyondthew.com/all-star-epilogue-5-ways-wnba-can-spice-up-midseason-weekend/) - We are a week removed from when the WNBA staged All-Star weekend 2022 in Chicago. And while it had its highlights – Allie Quigley 4-peating as 3-point contest champion, Sylvia Fowles dunk, Kelsey Plum winning her first MVP and the acknowledgement of Brittney Griner as an honorary All-Star – the event was a cluster for
- [WNBA All-Star 2022: Team Wilson dispatches Team Stewart 134-112, Kelsey Plum wins MVP](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2022-team-wilson-dispatches-team-stewart-134-112-kelsey-plum-wins-mvp/) - WNBA All-Star weekend in Chicago has reached its conclusion after what was an entertaining contest between Team Wilson and Team Stewart at the Sky’s home venue – Wintrust Arena. Team Wilson topped Team Stewart by a final of 134-112 – and it was one of A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces teammates that took home some
- [WNBA All-Star 2022: Highs and lows from weekend in Chicago](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2022-highs-and-lows-from-weekend-in-chicago/) - The weekend of July 8-10 in Chicago belonged to the WNBA. For the first time in W history, it brought the glitz and glamour of All-Star weekend to the Windy City. The second city joined other recent first-time hosts including Seattle in 2017, the Twin Cities in 2018 and Las Vegas in 2019. While there
- [WNBA All-Star 2022: Allie Quigley 4-peats as 3-point contest champ; Sabrina Ionescu wins skills competition](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-star-2022-allie-quigley-4-peats-as-3-point-contest-champ-sabrina-ionescu-wins-skills-competition/) - It was a less than conventional setting for WNBA All-Star Saturday as it emanated from the largest convention center in the country - McCormick Place - instead of the Chicago Sky’s home venue of Wintrust Arena – and without fans. Even with the litany of hitches that took place during Saturday, WNBA All-Star Saturday still
- [Sweet Syl: Top six greatest moments of Sylvia Fowles’ career](https://beyondthew.com/sweet-syl-top-six-greatest-moments-of-sylvia-fowles-career/) - Whether she has worn the purple and gold of LSU, the light blue and yellow of the Chicago Sky or the lime green and navy blue of the Minnesota Lynx, Sweet Syl has displayed her basketball sweetness everyplace she has played. Sylvia Fowles is one of the many All-Stars that will be honored this weekend
- [Sylvia Fowles deserves her flowers – every bit as much as Sue Bird does](https://beyondthew.com/sylvia-fowles-deserves-her-flowers-every-bit-as-much-as-sue-bird-does/) - The 2022 WNBA season is already playing out with a multitude of storylines. Among them are the Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks who, on paper, appear to have assembled superteams having their fair share of struggles. Another is Becky Hammon having a Coach of the Year-worthy season in her first season at the helm
- [1-On-1: NY Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss on ‘Inaugural Ballers’, Title IX, women in Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-ny-times-bestselling-author-andrew-maraniss-on-inaugural-ballers-title-ix-women-in-olympics/) - The year 2022 is serving as a significant year in women’s sports history given it is the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX. The measure created a significant amount of opportunities for women and girls who wished to pursue sports and while there is still plenty of work to do to increase those
- [#WeAreBG: It has been too long – White House, Washington must up its efforts to bring Brittney Griner home](https://beyondthew.com/wearebg-it-has-been-too-long-white-house-washington-must-up-its-efforts-to-bring-brittney-griner-home/) - Ever since that horrific day in February when we found out that Brittney Griner was detained by Russian authorities at a Moscow airport as she attempted to return to the United States, many of us feared that what was an initial detainment would become her being held as a prisoner of war. Unfortunately, that has
- [It will be hard to envision a WNBA without Long Island’s very own Sue Bird](https://beyondthew.com/it-will-be-hard-to-envision-a-wnba-without-long-islands-very-own-sue-bird/) - At the outset of the 2022 WNBA season, one of the storylines was indeed the status of Sue Bird, who has spent her entire illustrious career with one team – the Seattle Storm. With Bird being in her 40s, the talk of possible retirement from her and her fellow UConn elder stateswoman Diana Taurasi has
- [Unfinished Business – a must-see film documenting rise of WNBA, NY Liberty](https://beyondthew.com/unfinished-business-a-must-see-film-documenting-rise-of-wnba-ny-liberty/) - Following a slow 1-7 start to the 2022 WNBA season, the W’s flagship franchise – the New York Liberty – appear to be hitting a stride. Fortunes have turned in the right direction for the seafoam, black and copper as the Liberty currently stand at 6-9 after going 5-2 in its last seven games. New
- [Starting Five: Thoughts and musings on WNBA All-Star 2022 in Chicago](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-and-musings-on-wnba-all-star-2022-in-chicago/) - In roughly a month, the Windy City will become the center of the basketball universe as the best of the WNBA converge on Chicago for this year’s All-Star festivities. It is the first time that the WNBA’s All-Star events will emanate from the City of Broad Shoulders and will also be occurring during a time
- [Sweet Dreams: Atlanta has come back with a vengeance in 2022](https://beyondthew.com/sweet-dreams-atlanta-has-come-back-with-a-vengeance-in-2022/) - One of the biggest understatements anyone within the WNBA family can make is that the period of the Atlanta Dream’s history from Angel McCoughtry’s departure to the Las Vegas Aces to the end of 2021 was one of the most tumultuous in the time period of any franchise. In 2020, the Dream made bigger headlines
- [Liz Cambage debacle is last thing LA Sparks – or WNBA – need right now](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-debacle-is-last-thing-la-sparks-or-wnba-need-right-now/) - By: Akiem Bailum When the start of the season began, most onlookers of the WNBA envisioned that with the number of colorful personalities up and down the Los Angeles Sparks’ roster that they would get more than its fair share of headlines away from the court. No one envisioned that a controversy of this magnitude
- [Seafoam Blues: What is going on with NY Liberty?](https://beyondthew.com/seafoam-blues-what-is-going-on-with-ny-liberty/) - The 2021 season for the New York Liberty was, in many ways, a tale of two seasons. There was the first half of the season that saw the Liberty race out to a fast start (5-1) and where New York was at the Olympic break seemed to all but assure a Lib return to the
- [USWNT win on equal pay should inspire WNBA pay equity advocates](https://beyondthew.com/uswnt-win-on-equal-pay-should-inspire-wnba-pay-equity-advocates/) - Money is always a big issue within women’s sports. From how much women athletes are paid in comparison to their male counterparts to the increasing amount of money that is finding its way to women’s sports, more dollars and cents to women’s sports only make sense. Recently, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team scored
- [Tsais already proven right with early season WNBA travel woes](https://beyondthew.com/tsais-already-proven-right-with-early-season-wnba-travel-woes/) - Remember when Howard Megdal at Sports Illustrated released an in-depth report about how the New York Liberty and its owners Joe and Clara Wu Tsai had got themselves into collective bargaining agreement (CBA) hot water? For those that need a refresher on what the Megdal report centered on, it centered on the Liberty chartering flights
- [Starting Five: Early thoughts as 2022 WNBA season commences](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-early-thoughts-as-2022-wnba-season-commences/) - The 2022 WNBA season tipped off on May 6. As of this writing, it is now May 17 and while there is still plenty of season to be had, there are already a few early storylines developing from the first week and change of W basketball. A few teams that were in the lottery from
- [WNBA expansion seems real – Cathy Engelbert is talking about it](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-expansion-seems-real-cathy-engelbert-is-talking-about-it/) - Go into any corner of WNBA Twitter and one will likely find a conversation going on regarding expansion. Whether it pertains to expansion of the league or expansion of the rosters, it is something that is always a hot-button topic among fans and dignitaries within the W family. The depth of the cuts that took
- [WNBA 2022 Season Preview – SkyTown repeat? Connecticut connects? One more Storm brewing?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2022-season-preview-chi-town-repeat-connecticut-connects-one-more-storm-brewing/) - The tip-off of a WNBA season is always a much-anticipated event on the women’s basketball calendar – and the start of the 26th W rendition is no different. This week represents the start of another season – when every team begins the season at 0-0 and there are 12 teams with eyes on being the
- [The legacy, the leadership, the lifetime of memories – thank you C. Vivian Stringer](https://beyondthew.com/the-legacy-the-leadership-the-lifetime-of-memories-thank-you-c-vivian-stringer/) - All good things eventually come to an end in life. Among those good things that do eventually come to an end are basketball careers – whether they are as players or as coaches. While ball may consume us for much of the time we are involved in the sport, we know eventually there will be
- [Mark Emmert is out – and a Black, Latina or Asian woman needs to take his place at NCAA](https://beyondthew.com/mark-emmert-is-out-and-a-black-latina-or-asian-woman-needs-to-take-his-place-at-ncaa/) - Often times in sports – as well as in society – ineptitude is often rewarded because the results of said ineptitude only benefit a select few that it was meant to benefit. For many years, Mark Emmert, the president of the NCAA, was the textbook definition of ineptitude. His face likely shows up alongside the dictionary
- [Sometimes the WNBA fumbles its very own bag](https://beyondthew.com/sometimes-the-wnba-fumbles-its-very-own-bag/) - Everyone that is within the WNBA family wants to see the league live up to the potential that we know it has. From players to coaches to fans to media to those that work in the WNBA’s plush offices in New York City, a thriving W is better for the sporting landscape at large. But
- [The exciting – and painful – realities of WNBA training camps](https://beyondthew.com/the-exciting-and-painful-realities-of-wnba-training-camps/) - With the draft now in our rear-view mirrors, WNBA aficionados from Connecticut to Seattle, Minnesota to Atlanta and New York to Los Angeles are looking ahead to the start of the season to witness if their teams are contenders or pretenders. The contenders or pretenders mindset is also present in another marquee time on the
- [We Are FAM-ily: South Carolina celebrates second national championship with Columbia parade, rally](https://beyondthew.com/we-are-fam-ily-south-carolina-celebrates-second-national-championship-with-columbia-parade-rally/) - Five years ago when South Carolina’s women’s basketball team brought a national championship to Columbia, the Dawn Staley and A’ja Wilson-led Gamecocks were acknowledged with a parade along its downtown streets. Five years later in 2022, after another Gamecocks national championship, it was time to celebrate once again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnngmpF_BX0 Last week, it was announced that
- [Starting Five: Thoughts and musings from 2022 WNBA Draft](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-and-musings-from-2022-wnba-draft/) - For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA managed to stage a draft that actually felt like a WNBA draft. The last two drafts were held virtually in response to the pandemic, but we were back in person for the 2022 rendition as the festivities took place at Spring Studios
- [Starting Five: Storylines to watch out for at 2022 WNBA Draft](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-to-watch-out-for-at-2022-wnba-draft/) - When high school basketball completes its seasons, college hoops says to the teenagers, “Our turn.” Now that college hoops is finished with its 2021-22 season with the South Carolina Gamecocks being crowned as national champions, it is time for the WNBA to say to those teenagers and early twenty-somethings, “Our turn.” With high school and
- [Starting Five: 5 Thoughts on South Carolina’s national championship victory](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-5-thoughts-on-south-carolinas-national-championship-victory/) - If it was not apparent already, it is now that there is a new epicenter of the women’s college basketball landscape. For a while that landscape was Knoxville, Tennessee. Then that nucleus became Storrs, Connecticut. April 3, 2022 made it completely obvious that Columbia, South Carolina is now that new epicenter – and any road
- [Is it too early to start talking moving next year’s Final Four out of Dallas?](https://beyondthew.com/is-it-too-early-to-start-talking-moving-next-years-final-four-out-of-dallas/) - An unforgettable 2021-22 season has culminated in a national champion being crowned. This time, that national champion turned out to be the South Carolina Gamecocks which claimed its first national title since 2017. Both of its national championships it has won both came in the Dawn Staley era. And the championship was won at Target
- [Final Four 2022: South Carolina, Louisville, UConn, Stanford](https://beyondthew.com/final-four-2022-south-carolina-louisville-uconn-stanford/) - For the first time in the history of the women’s tournament, we began with a 68-team field and with the NCAA utilizing the iconic March Madness branding to apply to the women’s side in addition to the men’s side. March has indeed been mad in terms of the women’s bracket, but despite the emergence of
- [Cathy Engelbert must be taken to task for her WNBA overseas comments](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-must-be-taken-to-task-for-her-wnba-overseas-comments/) - With us being so swept up in March Madness, it can be easy for other relevant news to be swept under the rug. But there are certain stories one cannot help but ponder. Two weeks ago, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert gave an interview to People Magazine. The gist of the interview was what the W
- [Yes, there are upsets in NCAA’s women’s tournament – it is March Madness after all](https://beyondthew.com/yes-there-are-upsets-in-ncaas-womens-tournament-it-is-march-madness-after-all/) - It was not long ago when a certain ex-ESPN business know-it-all who now works at the Action Network decided to put his proverbial foot in his mouth when he tried to do what typical insecure mansplainers do – downplay the NCAA women’s tournament. Part of what he tweeted was the tired claim of the women’s
- [Pros and cons of WNBA’s League Pass price increase](https://beyondthew.com/pros-and-cons-of-wnbas-league-pass-price-increase/) - More than likely, if one is a WNBA fan like we are, last week one probably received an email regarding an announcement regarding League Pass. The portion of the email that more than likely caught one’s attention was how the price for League Pass would be increasing from $16.99 to $24.99 for the entire season.
- [Starting Five: March Madness is no longer just a guy’s thing](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-march-madness-is-no-longer-just-a-guys-thing/) - When watching ESPN’s Selection Sunday special revealing this year’s field for the NCAA basketball tournament, the phrase March Madness being used to describe said tournament was music to the ears of women’s sports aficionados like us who want a level playing field with the men’s side of the ledger. This year’s rendition of said tournament
- [#FreeBG: Brittney Griner and her family deserve love, light - and to have her home safe](https://beyondthew.com/freebg-brittney-griner-and-her-family-deserve-love-light-and-to-have-her-home-safe/) - The emotions of friends, family and an extended family when they recognize that one of their own is in an extremely dangerous situation are unlike any emotions that anyone could possibly describe. Unfortunately, that is what the family, friends and loved ones of Brittney Griner are enduring right now. A few days ago, it was
- [WNBA commits flagrant foul with Liberty fine for chartering planes](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-commits-flagrant-foul-with-liberty-fine-for-chartering-planes/) - A recent bombshell piece penned by Howard Megdal regarding New York Liberty owners Joe and Clara Wu Tsai chartering planes for its players was titled “Traveling Violation.” The WNBA should have made like modern basketball – and looked at it as the transportation version of a eurostep. Instead, the W committed an intentional flagrant foul
- [Ukraine-Russia conflict underscores grave dangers of WNBA players being overseas](https://beyondthew.com/ukraine-russia-conflict-underscores-grave-dangers-of-wnba-players-being-overseas/) - Eastern Europe has become the focus of our planet in the last few days and weeks with a country in that part of the world under intense siege from a neighboring power. One cannot turn on our televisions, listen to our radios or read newspapers and online sites without seeing at least something on what
- [Thank you, Athletes Unlimited – we will meet again later this year and in 2023](https://beyondthew.com/thank-you-athletes-unlimited-we-will-meet-again-later-this-year-and-in-2023/) - The inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited basketball just wrapped up – and we can honestly say we miss it already. When Athletes Unlimited had announced that basketball would be the next of their offerings in addition to volleyball, softball and lacrosse, we were all intrigued by what the product would look like. As it turns
- [In what tiers would our 12 WNBA teams be in with the 2022 season looming?](https://beyondthew.com/in-what-tiers-would-our-12-wnba-teams-be-in-with-the-2022-season-looming/) - We are roughly 2 ½ months out from tip off of the 2022 WNBA season. Many of the big name free agents have already signed with new teams or will be back with their incumbent teams for that upcoming season – one where 36 games will be contested as opposed to last season’s 32. Ranking
- [Why WNBA’s 2022 season has a chance to dominate summer sports](https://beyondthew.com/why-wnbas-2022-season-has-a-chance-to-dominate-summer-sports/) - The start of a WNBA season typically coincides with the NBA’s postseason reaching its apex. Of course, 2020 was different because of the parameters of the pandemic and both WNBA and NBA bubbles, but normally the NBA reaching its crescendo is usually the point where the W begins performing its opening number. On many an
- [NBA All-Star 2022: An Ode to the Cleveland Rockers](https://beyondthew.com/nba-all-star-2022-an-ode-to-the-cleveland-rockers/) - With the 2022 rendition of the NBA All-Star Game and All-Star Weekend upon us, it means, once again, of one of basketball’s signature events. Football may have ruled the roost last week, but this weekend, the focus will be on one basketball court. And that basketball court is located at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in
- [When discussing Southern California championships, make sure to remember LA Sparks’ three rings](https://beyondthew.com/when-discussing-southern-california-championships-make-sure-to-remember-la-sparks-three-rings/) - On early Sunday evening at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, its hometown team, the Los Angeles Rams, triumphed in Super Bowl LVI by a final score of 23-20 over the Cincinnati Bengals to bring another professional sports title to Hollywood. The Rams, led by Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford, Odell Beckham, Jr. (who got hurt in Sunday’s
- [Starting Five: Ideas for a WNBA-themed Verzuz](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-ideas-for-a-wnba-themed-verzuz/) - Since 2020 at the outset of the pandemic, the Swizz Beatz and Timbaland-created Verzuz has become a phenomenon within the Black community and among aficionados of Black musicians. The concept began with two artists using the platform of Instagram with continuous rounds where one artist would put one of her or his songs “verzuz” that
- [WNBA Free Agency Week 2: Liz Angeles, Big Mama in the Big City, Valley Team Reaching its Peak?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-week-2-liz-angeles-big-mama-in-the-big-city-valley-team-reaching-its-peak/) - Remember that Liz Cambage tweet? Yeah – that one she went on February 1 that set the whole of WNBA Twitter ablaze and seemed to indicate that maybe she was entirely finished with the W as a whole? Apparently – things have a tendency to change from week to week and day to day. At
- [NYFW x WNBA: Betnijah Laney understands the assignment – on and off the court](https://beyondthew.com/nyfw-x-wnba-betnijah-laney-understands-the-assignment-on-and-off-the-court/) - The past two seasons have underscored how great of a player Betnijah Laney is. And while the Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty have managed to experience that first hand, one has to feel for teams such as the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever for not recognizing that they had a guaranteed 20 points sitting
- [Bank $hot: WNBA secures the bag with $75 million capital raise investment](https://beyondthew.com/bank-hot-wnba-secures-the-bag-with-75-million-capital-raise-investment/) - We had to know the WNBA was up to something a few years ago when it tapped Cathy Engelbert to take on the role of first-ever commissioner as opposed to simply a “league president.” After all, Engelbert is not simply any business figure. She once was the CEO of one of the country’s Big 4
- [Starting Five: Thoughts and Musings on first day of WNBA Free Agency](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-and-musings-on-first-day-of-wnba-free-agency/) - If the WNBA has taught us anything over the past few years, it is that its free agency period is sure to be chaos – and the first day of the 2022 rendition appeared to be no exception. While we had heard of some reported news prior to when players can actually sign new contracts,
- [Starting Five: Thoughts and Takeaways from Athletes Unlimited’s first week](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-and-takeaways-from-athletes-unlimiteds-first-week/) - The debut of Athletes Unlimited’s women’s basketball offering has capitvated many a women’s hoops fan – particularly given the laundry list of notable players and coaches within the offseason league that have been through the WNBA’s ranks. The more women’s basketball there is – the better. The more women’s sports there are – the better.
- [1-On-1: Girls Talk Sports TV’s Khristina Williams talks partnership with Athletes Unlimited](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-girls-talk-sports-tvs-khristina-williams-talks-partnership-with-athletes-unlimited/) - January 26th will be the tip-off date of the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Basketball in Las Vegas – and the upstart league has announced a partnership with one of women’s basketball’s most respected journalists for the upcoming season. Khristina Williams, founder of Girls Talk Sports TV and one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for
- [Hoosier Rebuild? Struggle is real for Indiana Fever](https://beyondthew.com/hoosier-rebuild-struggle-is-real-for-indiana-fever/) - It feels like seasons ago since the 2019 campaign when the Indiana Fever arrived only two games shy of the WNBA playoffs, losing out on the eighth playoff berth that season to the Minnesota Lynx. That was, of course, the last season of Pokey Chatman’s coaching tenure with the Fever – and, as of now,
- [Seventh grader in New Jersey practices with Liberty](https://beyondthew.com/seventh-grader-in-new-jersey-practices-with-liberty/) - There is something to be said for the simple concept of fairness. Sydney Phillips attends St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Said school only fields a boys basketball team because there were not enough girls that signed up to field a girls team. Phillips attempted to sign up for the boys team, but was
- [Those wishing to honor MLK could learn a lot from WNBA players](https://beyondthew.com/those-wishing-to-honor-mlk-could-learn-a-lot-from-wnba-players/) - During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, one probably scrolled through their timelines and saw many a remembrance of the civil rights icon from other sports figures, politicians, average Joes and even companies. Many of these companies gave their employees the day off in remembrance of King. But one probably saw many a “remembrance”
- [Starting Five: Things to know about Colie Edison, new WNBA Chief Growth Officer](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-things-to-know-about-colie-edison-new-wnba-chief-growth-officer/) - If one may not have previously been familiar with the name Colie Edison, those within the WNBA family are about to become very familiar since she has joined said family. This week, it was announced that the WNBA had tapped Edison to become its new Chief Growth Officer. She will assume her new role at
- [WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert needs to see downside of delaying expansion](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-needs-to-see-downside-of-delaying-expansion/) - It is not a well-kept secret that expansion remains one of the hottest topics amongst WNBA fans, primarily because of the allure of potentially introducing (or re-introducing) markets to the W. Oakland appears to be the city that is putting a lot of money, time and resources into landing a WNBA expansion franchise. Other cities,
- [Brondello breezes into Brooklyn: Liberty welcomes new coach to Barclays](https://beyondthew.com/brondello-breezes-into-brooklyn-liberty-welcomes-new-coach-to-barclays/) - When the New York Liberty commence its second full season at Barclays Center in 2022, there will be someone new drawing up plays for Betnijah Laney, DiDi Richards, Sabrina Ionescu, Michaela Onyenwere and the rest of the seafoam, black and copper cast. It’s official, Libs fam! Join us in welcoming Sandy Brondello as the Liberty’s
- [Aces introduce new coach Becky Hammon at press conference](https://beyondthew.com/aces-introduce-new-coach-becky-hammon-at-press-conference/) - The WNBA franchise that started out as the Utah Starzz has been the Las Vegas Aces since the late 2010s and have known one head coach throughout its history in Bill Laimbeer. When the Aces tip off in 2022, a figure familiar to the franchise will assume the head coaching duties as Becky Hammon takes
- [Do not despair, Gamecocks fans … South Carolina will be okay](https://beyondthew.com/do-not-despair-gamecocks-fans-south-carolina-will-be-okay/) - In today’s sporting culture which is very reliant on the hot take, it can be very easy to overreact if one team that is expected to win every game it plays all of a sudden has a night where it got in the loss column instead of the win column. After all, look at the
- [Becky Hammon to Las Vegas Aces – WNBA’s gain is NBA’s loss](https://beyondthew.com/becky-hammon-to-las-vegas-aces-wnbas-gain-is-nbas-loss/) - What does the WNBA continue to prove to us time and time and time again – if the waters are too tranquil, it is only a matter of time before some major news is about to drop. Cue up the evening of December 30 into the early morning of December 31 – when a bombshell
- [Starting Five – Washington Mystics land first pick in 2022 WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-washington-mystics-land-first-pick-in-2022-wnba-draft/) - When the 2021 season concluded and the four teams were known for the 2022 WNBA draft lottery, it was probably common for many to assume that the lottery’s winner would be either the Indiana Fever (who had the worst record last season) or the Atlanta Dream who had the second worst mark. Instead, the lottery
- [NWSL and its teams are committing public relations red cards](https://beyondthew.com/nwsl-and-its-teams-are-committing-public-relations-red-cards/) - The sports world is a lot better with an NWSL in it than it would be without a professional women’s soccer league. After all, the fact that the NWSL has been successful in expanding to two more west coast cities in Los Angeles and San Diego are proof positive of the NWSL’s growth. It has
- [Starting Five – Thoughts on WNBA’s 2022 Schedule Release](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnbas-2022-schedule-release/) - It may only be the middle of December, but that did not stop the WNBA from giving us a preview on what the 2022 season will look like. Season 26 of the W will tip off on May 6 with four games – including three Commissioner’s Cup matchups. Those three will feature the Indiana Fever
- [SoulChat Podcast x Beyond The W collab! Interview with Essence Carson](https://beyondthew.com/soulchat-podcast-x-beyond-the-w-collab-interview-with-essence-carson/) - As fans as we are of women’s sports, we are also fans of great music. That is where the multi-talented Essence Carson comes in! https://www.instagram.com/p/CXFWgwmIyw7/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4IpvRjKeL/ Carson has played most of her WNBA career with the New York Liberty while also playing with the Los Angeles Sparks, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury throughout
- [Christmas 2021 gifts for our 12 WNBA teams](https://beyondthew.com/christmas-2021-gifts-for-our-12-wnba-teams/) - The year 2021 is close to being in the books – and in WNBA circles, it was a year to remember with it being the 25th season in W history. And, oh yeah – the first year of those oh-so on point uniforms. Some of our 12 teams such as the Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut
- [Starting Five: Thoughts on WNBA’s new playoff format](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-thoughts-on-wnbas-new-playoff-format/) - This past week was a busy weekend in the realm of women’s basketball and the WNBA. It included coach Mike Thibault re-upping as head coach of the Washington Mystics, Michaela Onyenwere (New York Liberty) being presented with the 2021 Rookie of the Year Award, the Los Angeles Sparks feeling slighted from AEG’s new deal where
- [Asia Durr’s announcement was a watershed moment for basketball – and sports as a whole](https://beyondthew.com/asia-durrs-announcement-was-a-watershed-moment-for-basketball-and-sports-as-a-whole/) - As great as the last two WNBA seasons have been, one cannot help but think that there has been a large Louisville-shaped hole in the heart of the W the past couple of years. That Louisville-shaped hole was in the form of Asia Durr, who was drafted in the 2019 WNBA draft second overall by
- [Robert Sarver has become the new Kelly Loeffler – WNBA cannot keep him around](https://beyondthew.com/robert-sarver-has-become-the-new-kelly-loeffler-wnba-cannot-keep-him-around/) - No one is perfect. And perfection cannot be expected of any prospective WNBA team owner or any person for that matter. But there are some things – such as racism and misogyny that go past the typical flaws of an average human being. These things are part of one’s character and some things are simply
- [Dawn Staley continues to understand the assignment](https://beyondthew.com/dawn-staley-continues-to-understand-the-assignment/) - In the coaching landscape of women’s basketball – some coaches seem to simply get it. Yeah, there are the Kim Mulkeys of the world at LSU who make themselves difficult to cheer for, but for every Kim Mulkey there is a Dawn Staley. The pride of Philadelphia and current head coach at the University of
- [Envisioning a WNBA whose players no longer feel obligated to travel overseas](https://beyondthew.com/envisioning-a-wnba-whose-players-no-longer-feel-obligated-to-travel-overseas/) - The end of every WNBA season and the crowning of a champion – in this case, the Chicago Sky, is always a bittersweet occasion for women’s hoops fans. Yes, we celebrate a new team and a new city being recognized as a championship city, but attention quickly turns to which players eventually will be traveling
- [Alana Beard introduced as leader of WNBA Oakland ownership group](https://beyondthew.com/alana-beard-introduced-as-leader-of-wnba-oakland-ownership-group/) - Expansion is always a hot topic among WNBA fans – and one of the hidden storylines of this past season were how efforts became known about the prospect of bringing a WNBA team to the Bay Area. Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors has made countless comments expressing his belief that the Bay Area
- [Skytown: Chicago, Chicago … My Kind of (WNBA) Town](https://beyondthew.com/skytown-chicago-chicago-my-kind-of-wnba-town/) - One never truly knows what to expect when the WNBA announces it will give a new market a try. But our guess is there were plenty of W pundits between 1997 and 2005 that were wondering why the third largest city in the country was, for that time being, left out of the party that
- [Starting Five (Six): Thoughts on Chicago Sky winning first-ever WNBA championship](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-six-thoughts-on-chicago-sky-winning-first-ever-wnba-championship/) - This year’s WNBA Finals only needed four games to complete – and when all was said and done, a new city was added to the list of locales that can call itself a WNBA championship city. This one is for you, Chicago. 🏆The Chicago Sky are your 2021 WNBA Champions. pic.twitter.com/Pv4KiTzLIA— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October
- [Why do sports organizations make it so difficult to do right by women?](https://beyondthew.com/why-do-sports-organizations-make-it-so-difficult-to-do-right-by-women/) - Women may be strong, but women are also tired. All women in sports want is to be given a fair shake. All women in sports want is to be treated exactly the same as their male counterparts. All women in sports want is to be acknowledged as humans instead of simply pieces of meat for
- [Will Atlanta Dream get a much-needed reset under Tanisha Wright?](https://beyondthew.com/will-atlanta-dream-get-a-much-needed-reset-under-tanisha-wright/) - We all figured that things would be more tranquil around the Atlanta Dream once they got over the hurdle of removing its ex-owners in Kelly Loeffler and Mary Brock. As the 2021 Dream season turned out, Atlanta is still a very busy place in WNBA circles – and mostly for the wrong reasons. After going
- [Let’s hope Sue Bird returns for one more season for one big reason](https://beyondthew.com/lets-hope-sue-bird-returns-for-one-more-season-for-one-big-reason/) - Sue Bird is not only women’s basketball royalty, women’s sports royalty or basketball royalty. She is sports royalty period. A favorite daughter of Long Island (!!!) that went on to an illustrious career at UConn and into the WNBA, Bird is one of those that they should already be working on a bust of at
- [NWSL: Washington Spirit needed to clean house yesterday](https://beyondthew.com/nwsl-washington-spirit-needed-to-clean-house-yesterday/) - WNBA fans reading plenty of the drama as of late that has engulfed the NWSL’s Washington Spirit have to be thinking that they thought the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream had issues with its respective front offices. Apparently the issues in Dallas and Atlanta with their WNBA teams are nothing compared to the scandal-worthy mess
- [Tired: WNBA playoff games being relocated to alternate arenas](https://beyondthew.com/tired-wnba-playoff-games-being-relocated-to-alternate-arenas/) - Every WNBA postseason is different. This one is different in the sense that two of the teams that were in the lottery last season have made it into the postseason this year. The two in question are the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty, taking the places of the Washington Mystics and Los Angeles Sparks
- [What this year’s WNBA teams that did not make playoffs are looking ahead to](https://beyondthew.com/what-this-years-wnba-teams-that-did-not-make-playoffs-are-looking-ahead-to/) - This past Sunday, the final berth into the WNBA playoffs was claimed as losses from the Washington Mystics and Los Angeles Sparks paved the way for the New York Liberty to claim the eighth seed in this year’s postseason. The trip to the playoffs for the Liberty is the first time New York has participated
- [3 WNBA coaches that could be on the hot seat after regular season concludes](https://beyondthew.com/3-wnba-coaches-that-could-be-on-the-hot-seat-after-regular-season-concludes/) - It will not be long until the WNBA’s 25th regular season concludes and gives way to its postseason. Of course, while eight teams will make its postseason, four teams will be looking towards the draft lottery as the next major signature event aimed at improving their teams. And at the end of every season, there
- [A ‘pundit’ says women reporters are feminizing sports – So … no more cheerleaders or ring girls?](https://beyondthew.com/a-pundit-says-women-reporters-are-feminizing-sports-so-no-more-cheerleaders-or-ring-girls/) - While we still have plenty of work to do to ensure sports is truly the bastion of equality and acceptance it should be, one cannot ignore the enormous strides that women have made over the years. There was once a point in time where the sports realm was virtually entirely male. There was also a
- [Starting Five: 5 Thoughts about WNBA’s W25 unveiling](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-5-thoughts-about-wnbas-w25-unveiling/) - With this being the 25th season of the WNBA, one of its more anticipated moments was the announcement of the 25 greatest players of all time. The WNBA also did something similar in the 2016 season with the unveiling of its 20@20. Those 25 players are as follows: Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika
- [Naomi Osaka is a blueprint for today’s athletes to idolize and emulate](https://beyondthew.com/naomi-osaka-is-a-blueprint-for-todays-athletes-to-idolize-and-emulate/) - What can be seen as a sign that sports culture is healing itself? When Black athletes decide for themselves how they define success as opposed to letting the media do that for them. In many ways, today’s young athletes would be very smart to follow the template set for them this year by high-profile athletes
- [WNBA champion Seattle Storm honored at White House was a sight for sore eyes](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-champion-seattle-storm-honored-at-white-house-was-a-sight-for-sore-eyes/) - For the first time in what seemed like forever, there actually was an acknowledgement of a WNBA team that won a championship at the nation’s highest office. On Monday, the 2020 WNBA champion Seattle Storm, fresh off facing the Washington Mystics at the DC Entertainment and Sports Arena, paid a visit to President Joe Biden
- [Let us not build Sha’Carri Richardson up only to tear her down](https://beyondthew.com/let-us-not-build-shacarri-richardson-up-only-to-tear-her-down/) - It is a sad state of affairs on society as a whole when certain individuals who achieve certain moments of fame are hyped up and loved on one moment and then are made to be everyone’s social media punching bags the next. What can be even sadder is when those individuals did absolutely nothing to
- [Starting Five: Storylines to look out for as 2021 WNBA season resumes](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-storylines-to-look-out-for-as-2021-wnba-season-resumes/) - While the Tokyo 202(1) Olympics were memorable for a number of reasons – one had to admit that the WNBA withdrawals were strong. When the W said that there would be an Olympic break within the 2021 season, the W meant it. That was more than a break – it was essentially a miniature offseason,
- [Shouting out Black women who shined at Tokyo 2020 Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/shouting-out-black-women-who-shined-at-tokyo-2020-olympics/) - Now that the Olympic flame has been extinguished from the cauldron in Tokyo, it is time to reflect on what an unforgettable Games it was. And while it will be remembered for being an Olympics contested under a resurgent pandemic and for highlighting mental health, it should also be remembered for all of the Black
- [Never doubt Team USA basketball – they get it done every time](https://beyondthew.com/never-doubt-team-usa-basketball-they-get-it-done-every-time/) - Atlanta 1996 – Gold. Sydney 2000 – Gold. Athens 2004 – Gold. Beijing 2008 – Gold. London 2012 – Gold. Rio de Janeiro 2016 – Gold. The recently completed Olympics in Tokyo? The venue may change but the script had a similar ending. The moment #OlympicHERstory was made 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 pic.twitter.com/tE2fsehWAV — USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August
- [Normalize immortalizing our greats of women’s sports](https://beyondthew.com/normalize-immortalizing-our-greats-of-womens-sports/) - As women’s sports continue to grow, so will the respect around the athletes that make women’s sports what they are. As women’s sports continue their trek towards equality, this means that in the future more respect will be given to these athletes – and more recognition of their athletic successes. A perfect example of this
- [1-On-1: CAA Sports’ Callie Curry on her experiences as a woman in today’s sports industry](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-caa-sports-callie-curry-on-her-experiences-as-a-woman-in-todays-sports-industry/) - Callie Curry may have made her foray into the sports business realm via becoming an executive at the sports division of Los Angeles-based Creative Artists Agency. But when she was growing up, she probably envisioned that her name would be affiliated with the letters ESPN instead of CAA. Growing up as Callie Rivers, it is
- [A? B? C? D? Grading our 12 WNBA teams at the 2021 Olympic break](https://beyondthew.com/a-b-c-d-grading-our-12-wnba-teams-at-the-2021-olympic-break/) - Even though women’s basketball is still being contested at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo – including the USA women’s 3x3 team of Kelsey Plum, Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray and Jackie Young winning gold – we understand that plenty of WNBA fans are going through withdrawals. 🥇 GOLD IT IS 🥇The U.S. Women take gold at
- [Liz Cambage, Sha’Carri Richardson may have won the Olympics without setting foot in Tokyo](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-shacarri-richardson-may-have-won-the-olympics-without-setting-foot-in-tokyo/) - When Sha’Carri Richardson was disqualified from competing in the 100 meters at the Olympics in Tokyo because she smoked weed to cope with a loss in the family, the backlash was widespread. How dare this Olympics – already marred for a variety of reasons – whack itself in the foot again by robbing this year’s
- [Starting Five: Takeaways from this year’s WNBA All-Star Game](https://beyondthew.com/starting-five-takeaways-from-this-years-wnba-all-star-game/) - When WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert first announced that this year, despite being an Olympic season, would still feature an All-Star Game, it jogged the minds of many given in typical W campaigns All-Star is usually postponed during years of the Games. Of course, the pandemic threw everything off its axis given this year’s Olympiad in
- [Ruin for Rhyne? What is happening with the Indiana Fever?](https://beyondthew.com/ruin-for-rhyne-what-is-happening-with-the-indiana-fever/) - Just a few days ago, the Indiana Fever earned a huge upset win at home over the Connecticut Sun – a major victory for a rebuilding franchise over a Sun team that with roughly half of the season complete, is up there with the Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky among the WNBA’s
- [How Name, Image and Likeness can affect women’s collegiate sports](https://beyondthew.com/how-name-image-and-likeness-can-affect-womens-collegiate-sports/) - Does it feel like a new era in collegiate sports or what? It is hard to put our fingers on it but something about it simply feels different. While the Fourth of July weekend was a reason for lots of fireworks to be set off into the sky, there was also lots of reason to
- [Let Sha’Carri Richardson Run! Olympics need to realize it is 2021, not 1896](https://beyondthew.com/let-shacarri-richardson-run-olympics-need-to-realize-it-is-2021-not-1896/) - According to history, the first Olympics took place in Athens in 1896. Of course, the Games were a much smaller event at the time and there was no New York-based NBC effectively serving as the five-ring circus’ biggest television partner. Apparently, if one were to travel to International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the
- [A look at Black women preparing to make Olympic debuts for Team USA in Tokyo](https://beyondthew.com/a-look-at-black-women-preparing-to-make-olympic-debuts-for-team-usa-in-tokyo/) - If it is one thing the last few years have taught us – it is that Black women are the blueprint – in sports, in society, in virtually everything. There are plenty of Black women preparing to make their Olympic debuts at the upcoming Tokyo Games that are more than prepared to show Japan –
- [NBA needs to quit using Becky Hammon’s name for positive PR](https://beyondthew.com/nba-needs-to-quit-using-becky-hammons-name-for-positive-pr/) - As noble as the NBA’s efforts are on being near the forefront of the fight for social justice, there still remains one glaring dark spot on the Association’s efforts – the Association itself. As we know, Becky Hammon, assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich and all-time WNBA great, has more than
- [5 thoughts on USA Basketball’s roster for Tokyo Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/5-thoughts-on-usa-basketballs-roster-for-tokyo-olympics/) - It may not seem like it given the smorgasbord of events and news currently happening on our sporting landscape, but we are only a month away from the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (happening in 2021 of course). This morning, USA Basketball coach Dawn Staley along with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi unveiled the
- [Viva Naj Vegas: Betnijah Laney deserves to be in this year’s All-Star Game](https://beyondthew.com/viva-naj-vegas-betnijah-laney-deserves-to-be-in-this-years-all-star-game/) - With WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announcing the date and location for this year’s All-Star Game – back at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, expect plenty of all-star quality content from us as well as our friends at other websites. Plenty of those pieces will likely center on which players should earn berths
- [Pride: To our LGBTQ+ sports community – you are loved & you are supported](https://beyondthew.com/pride-to-our-lgbtq-sports-community-you-are-loved-you-are-supported/) - June – Pride Month – is when a greater spotlight is put on our ever-growing LGBTQIA community, the strides that it has made in making our world a better place and the challenges they still face. As our LGBTQIA community knows, Pride is something to be celebrated 365 ¼ days of the year – not
- [Women’s sports are seeing the importance of men who are actually allies](https://beyondthew.com/womens-sports-are-seeing-the-importance-of-men-who-are-actually-allies/) - As the sports world continues to wrap its head around the fallout from Naomi Osaka’s sudden departure from the French Open, one element of this story seems to be grossly under covered. Did anyone notice the Gilles Moretton press conference? Did anyone outside of France even know who Gilles Moretton is prior to when he
- [WNBA players reminded us in 2020 what Naomi Osaka is now - importance of mental health](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-players-reminded-us-in-2020-what-naomi-osaka-is-now-importance-of-mental-health/) - Apparently, certain individuals did not get the memo from last year that taking care of one’s mental is as vital as taking care of the body. This past week, much of the sports conversation has revolved around 23-year old tennis superstar Naomi Osaka (Japan) as she was preparing to compete in this year’s French Open
- [Black women – inside and outside of sports – are why we are returning to arenas](https://beyondthew.com/black-women-inside-and-outside-of-sports-are-why-we-are-returning-to-arenas/) - Remember 2020? Yeah, that is a year that we are pretty sure no wants to remember and everyone would like to forget. But we must remember 2020 for the atrocity that it was. An international pandemic that took so many lives that did not have to be taken. A botched response to the coronavirus outbreak
- [5 early season observations so far this WNBA season](https://beyondthew.com/5-early-season-observations-so-far-this-wnba-season/) - Within the WNBA, its 2021 season is in its opening stages – and already so much has happened it feels as if an entire campaign has played out only in its first week or so. Two teams that were expected to be contenders are mired at the bottom of the standings while two teams that
- [Seimone Augustus is more than deserving of her WNBA flowers](https://beyondthew.com/seimone-augustus-is-more-than-deserving-of-her-wnba-flowers/) - The 2021 WNBA season got off to a fast and furious start this past weekend. Already, the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty are 2-0, the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm are looking like what many predicted the Sky and Storm to look like and the Dallas Wings earned a surprising victory over the Los
- [#WNBA25: 2021 Season Preview! Back in Arenas … and a rivalry renewed in Finals?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba25-2021-season-preview-back-in-arenas-and-a-rivalry-renewed-in-finals/) - At long last after another excruciatingly long offseason and doubt as to if the WNBA would return to another bubble-like environment for the 2021 season, we are on the cusp of said 2021 season. This season will not only be just any other season in the W, but it will be the 25th season in
- [1-On-1: Skylar Diggins-Smith of Phoenix Mercury](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-skylar-diggins-smith-of-phoenix-mercury/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQBa9hK5JeU In addition to a new WNBA season on the horizon, we at Beyond The W also are debuting a new look! And we christen that new look with a new interview as we catch up with Skylar Diggins-Smith, who will be entering her second season with the Phoenix Mercury. We chatted with her about
- [IOC efforts to ban Black Lives Matter message from Tokyo Olympics will fail epically](https://beyondthew.com/ioc-efforts-to-ban-black-lives-matter-message-from-tokyo-olympics-will-fail-epically/) - Referring to many of the suits (and it is mostly a country club-style cluster of suits) who run the International Olympic Committee as visionaries would be an insult to visionaries. When attempting to conjure words to describe the men who run the international sporting body, the term “dinosaurs” may be more of an appropriate word.
- [Nicki Collen leaves Atlanta Dream for Baylor Bears – how did we get here?](https://beyondthew.com/nicki-collen-leaves-atlanta-dream-for-baylor-bears-how-did-we-get-here/) - With 10 days to go prior to the tip off of the 2021 WNBA season, we were somewhat expecting that the only major news to be on the lookout for would be training camp cuts as our 12 teams finalize their 11- or 12-woman rosters. But sometimes when one is traveling on a long interstate
- [WNBA at 25 has found an identity more ‘established’ leagues could only dream of](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-at-25-has-found-an-identity-more-established-leagues-could-only-dream-of/) - We are only 2 ½ weeks shy of the WNBA’s 25th season. If one has not circled its calendar to make sure your evening of Friday May 14 is clear starting at 7 p.m. when Sabrina Ionescu makes her return for the New York Liberty at Barclays Center to take on the Indiana Fever …
- [What does LSU get in Kim Mulkey? Lots of wins and lots of baggage](https://beyondthew.com/what-does-lsu-get-in-kim-mulkey-lots-of-wins-and-lots-of-baggage/) - In addition to being huge basketball aficionados, we are also huge fans of wrestling here at Beyond The W (shout outs to Black women wrestlers such as Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks, Naomi and many others that are doing the darn thing in the ring!) In wrestling, a heel is someone whose kayfabe character is so
- [Social media – a key factor in expanding reach of women’s game](https://beyondthew.com/social-media-a-key-factor-in-expanding-reach-of-womens-game/) - As we within the WNBA family know, its various social media accounts (including ours) that are dedicated to all things WNBA, women’s hoops and women’s sports in general are a force to be reckoned with. As we have seen first-hand, there certainly is a welcoming culture within the WNBA family that may not always be
- [What Chris Sienko’s departure means for Atlanta Dream](https://beyondthew.com/what-chris-sienkos-departure-means-for-atlanta-dream/) - With the WNBA draft having concluded and the Atlanta Dream selecting Arizona Wildcats sensation Aari McDonald with the No. 3 overall pick, it looked as if all that was remaining for the Dream was training camp and preparation for the regular season. The Dream will open the 2021 campaign at its new Gateway Center Arena
- [Takes and takeaways from an out of control 2021 WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/takes-and-takeaways-from-an-out-of-control-2021-wnba-draft/) - We may be midway through April, the but the calendars in the offices of WNBA general managers still say March, because the 2021 WNBA draft was full of madness. A number of first-round level talents ended up dropping down to the second round … and a notable from Syracuse who was projected in many mock
- [WNBA 2021 schedule released! Notes and notables for this season](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-2021-schedule-released-notes-and-notables-for-this-season/) - The waiting…and waiting…and waiting for the WNBA to release its 2021 schedule may have dragged out like a hit television series that reaches a cliffhanger mid-season and finally gives us the plot twist at the end of the season. But, the closer we got to a scheduled start of the season in May, we were
- [With the first pick: 2021 WNBA draft musings and takes](https://beyondthew.com/with-the-first-pick-2021-wnba-draft-musings-and-takes/) - Thursday is the big day, WNBA family, as 36 names from the collegiate and/or international ranks will hear their names called by one of the 12 W teams and they will take that next step in their professional careers. The draft, as was last season’s, will be conducted in a virtual format and ESPN will
- [5 thoughts on A-Rod’s reported plan to purchase Lynx and Timberwolves](https://beyondthew.com/5-thoughts-on-a-rods-reported-plan-to-purchase-lynx-and-timberwolves/) - While not as ballyhooed as the recent sale of the Atlanta Dream to the ownership group that includes Renee Montgomery and two New England-based businesspeople, Glen Taylor’s impending sale of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves has always been a WNBA story that has lurked in the background. It appears that story will soon come to
- [WNBA 25th anniversary jersey reveal - Reviewing updated threads of all 12 teams](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-25th-anniversary-jersey-reveal-reviewing-updated-threads-of-all-12-teams/) - At first, when we saw what the 25th anniversary jerseys were to look like for many of the WNBA’s teams, the collective response – such as was with the Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings was – what are they doing? Then, the real things were revealed – and what it turned out the WNBA was
- [Stanford won a tournament, but every woman in it won March Madness](https://beyondthew.com/stanford-won-a-tournament-but-every-woman-in-it-won-march-madness/) - Every NCAA basketball tournament can only have one champion. Because of the you-know-what, we were deprived of that last season only to see women’s collegiate basketball return this year and conclude with legendary coach Tara VanDerveer and her Stanford Cardinal bringing a championship back to the Bay Area. In the history books, it will show
- [Let’s translate NCAA tournament success to a springboard for WNBA’s 25th](https://beyondthew.com/lets-translate-ncaa-tournament-success-to-a-springboard-for-wnbas-25th/) - Great. Outstanding. Unforgettable. Scintillating. Game-changing. Emotional. Raw. Real. Women. All words that can be connotations when describing this year’s NCAA tournament. Caitlin Clark’s early-round success combined with the meteoric rise of Paige Bueckers’ superstar status has sparked a conversation as to if freshmen should be permitted to go to the pros early. The stories of
- [5 Schedule Predictions for the 2021 WNBA season](https://beyondthew.com/5-schedule-predictions-for-the-2021-wnba-season/) - Now, Ms. WNBA… I’ve asked you three times… Release the mother$%@&#+*^ schedule! We are a good two-plus weeks shy of the WNBA draft, about a week and change shy of a supposed jersey release and a month and change prior to when we believe a season would begin, but we still have yet to see
- [Women’s sports stand strong, even in the face of misdirected flack](https://beyondthew.com/womens-sports-stand-strong-even-in-the-face-of-misdirected-flack/) - There are three lessons in life. You do not spit into the wind, you do not tug on Superman’s cape and you do not try to mansplain women’s sports to those who know its realities – because women’s sports Twitter will clap back at you. @Money23Green We're not new to this. We've tried that angle
- [Hey, Mark Emmert and NCAA – your time is UP!](https://beyondthew.com/hey-mark-emmert-and-ncaa-your-time-is-up/) - We all hear that saying – adapt or perish. It is a common business maxim applied to companies in business that do one of two things. They either adapt to the surroundings of the climate around them or they decide to be stubborn and resist change that could do it good. The NCAA, by creating
- [NCAA’s unapologetic sexism will only redouble efforts to back women’s sports](https://beyondthew.com/ncaas-unapologetic-sexism-will-only-redouble-efforts-to-back-womens-sports/) - Being a women’s athlete – or even a backer of women’s sports as we are here at Beyond The W – can be a completely thankless struggle at times. Throughout history, while men’s sports have been the target of more support, more resources and (here’s the important one) much more money from those in decision-making
- [Hits and misses from WNBA’s 25th anniversary announcements](https://beyondthew.com/hits-and-misses-from-wnbas-25th-anniversary-announcements/) - In 1997, the first-ever WNBA game tipped off at the Great Western Forum. It featured two of the W’s original teams that are still around today in the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty. Penny Toler scored the first-ever points, but the Liberty defeated the Sparks by a final of 67-57. In 2021, after
- [Is this year’s NCAA Tournament set up to be a Year of the Upset?](https://beyondthew.com/is-this-years-ncaa-tournament-set-up-to-be-a-year-of-the-upset/) - On Monday night, teams from UConn in the east to Stanford out west to NC State in the south to Iowa in the Midwest had their dancing shoes on as they found out where they would be playing in this year’s NCAA tournament. After everything the sports world (and world world) has endured over the
- [Kia Nurse partners with Canada’s Tangerine Bank to assist communities through youth sports](https://beyondthew.com/kia-nurse-partners-with-canadas-tangerine-bank-to-assist-communities-through-youth-sports/) - When you are a name as big as Kia Nurse’s is in Canada, anyone looking to fuse together sports and philanthropic initiatives will be looking to have you as the face of its campaign. Enter Tangerine Bank (based in Toronto). It recently announced it was partnering with the current rising Phoenix Mercury star on a
- [LaToya Sanders announces retirement from WNBA, joining Monumental Sports front office](https://beyondthew.com/latoya-sanders-announces-retirement-from-wnba-joining-monumental-sports-front-office/) - Is it just us, or does this announcement draw parallels to the one made earlier in the offseason by Crystal Langhorne who retired from the Seattle Storm only to join Force 10 Hoops’ front office to have a greater role in its social justice work? In what had to be surprise news, LaToya Sanders, who
- [ESPN to release 30 for 30 spotlighting Maya Moore-Jonathan Irons story](https://beyondthew.com/espn-to-release-30-for-30-spotlighting-maya-moore-jonathan-irons-story/) - Maya Moore teased on Twitter that she and her husband Jonathan Irons would appear on Wednesday’s edition of Good Morning America to give an update on their new life together. 1 year ago my husband’s wrongful conviction was finally overturned. Even though his release was delayed by the Missouri AG we still take time to
- [Arizona grocery outlet to advertise on Mercury jerseys this season](https://beyondthew.com/arizona-grocery-outlet-to-advertise-on-mercury-jerseys-this-season/) - Advertisements have become as much a part of WNBA jerseys as the colors on said jerseys. Whether it is FanDuel and the New York Liberty, Equitrust and the Los Angeles Sparks, or Swedish and the Seattle Storm, jersey sponsor are now half recognizable and half infamous part of W on-court apparel. Talking Stick Resort used
- [Lauren Jackson, Yolanda Griffith, Marianne Stanley announced as Naismith Hall of Fame finalists](https://beyondthew.com/lauren-jackson-yolanda-griffith-marianne-stanley-announced-as-naismith-hall-of-fame-finalists/) - A trio of revered names in WNBA circles was announced as part of the 14 finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The biggest name that will stick out for WNBA fans is Lauren Jackson, who won two championships with the Seattle Storm and is also well-respected in her native
- [James Wade signs four-year extension as Chicago Sky coach, general manager](https://beyondthew.com/james-wade-signs-four-year-extension-as-chicago-sky-coach-general-manager/) - Ever since James Wade was hired as the coach of the Chicago Sky prior to the 2019 season, the Sky has literally been the limit as Chicago has began an upward trajectory from rebuilding from losing Elena Delle Donne to the Washington Mystics to its current cast as contenders. The 2019 season where the Sky
- [Kia Nurse to be part of all-women Toronto Raptors broadcast March 24 on TSN](https://beyondthew.com/kia-nurse-to-be-part-of-all-women-toronto-raptors-broadcast-march-24-on-tsn/) - Because of coronavirus precautions being taken north of the border, the Toronto Raptors have played its “home” games in Tampa, Florida instead of Scotiabank Arena this season. When Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets visit Tampa to face the Raptors, fans in Canada watching on TSN will be treated to a very special
- [#EnterTheZone: Chiney Ogwumike commercial spotlighting Doordash-WNBA sponsorship debuts](https://beyondthew.com/chiney-ogwumike-commercial-spotlighting-doordash-wnba-sponsorship-debuts/) - Remember when food delivery service DoorDash announced a pact where it became the official on-demand delivery platform of the WNBA, NBA, 2KLeague and G-League? A new commercial spotlighting the DoorDash-WNBA partnership has launched featuring the Los Angeles Sparks’ very own Chiney Ogwumike. Here it is... my first national solo COMMERCIAL!! 🎥✨ Soooo hyped to partner
- [Texas’ Charli Collier declares for 2021 WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/texas-charli-collier-declares-for-2021-wnba-draft/) - Prior to when Sabrina Ionescu, in what was the worst kept secret within WNBA circles, was selected first overall by the New York Liberty in last year’s draft, there was speculation as to if Ionescu would declare for the draft in 2019 – when the Las Vegas Aces has the fist overall pick (which became
- [Han Xu, Liberty call for end to anti-Asian violence](https://beyondthew.com/han-xu-liberty-call-for-end-to-anti-asian-violence/) - It was one year ago when the atrocity known as Covid-19 made its way to American shores, but much of the research done regarding the virus appears to indicate that it originated in Asia. Unfortunately, the United States as a country has never been shy in showing how racist and xenophobic it can be –
- [Liberty CEO Keia Clarke becomes part of Sports Innovation Lab’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Board](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-ceo-keia-clarke-becomes-part-of-sports-innovation-labs-inaugural-womens-leadership-board/) - As everyone knows, Keia Clarke is a trailblazing and powerful Black woman who wears many hats outside of being CEO of the New York Liberty. One of those is being part of the WNBA/WNBPA’s Social Justice Council and recently, Clarke added yet another bullet point to her already extensive executive resume. New York Liberty, CEO,
- [Elena Delle Donne, Sue Bird appear at Inaugural Bolt24 Real Star Awards hosted by Desus & Mero](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-sue-bird-appear-at-inaugural-bolt24-real-star-awards-hosted-by-desus-mero/) - We all know what to expect at any NBA awards show – and we also know what awards to expect to be presented at any NBA awards show. How about when an awards program is NBA-centric but does anything but go by the traditional standards the Association does its awards by? In the run-up to
- [Joint study on behalf of WNBA, other leagues indicate few athletes suffer heart problems post-COVID](https://beyondthew.com/joint-study-on-behalf-of-wnba-other-leagues-indicate-few-athletes-suffer-heart-problems-post-covid/) - More and more is being discovered about the infamous and dreaded COVID-19 disease – including the after effects of the coronavirus on people’s heart health. A new study that was published by JAMA Cardiology on behalf of the WNBA (as well as the NBA, MLB, MLS, NFL and NHL) indicates that very few athletes suffered
- [Natasha Cloud to appear in HBO ‘The Day Sports Stood Still’ documentary on March 24](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-to-appear-in-hbo-the-day-sports-stood-still-documentary-on-march-24/) - When the entirety of the sports landscape closed down last March, it had to be one of the most surreal happenings we will ever experience in our lives. Not only did sports shut down due to the onset of the coronavirus, but it occurred in March, often a much-anticipated month on the sports calendar in
- [PepsiCo to remain as official partner of WNBA as NBA renews sponsorship](https://beyondthew.com/pepsico-to-remain-as-official-partner-of-wnba-as-nba-renews-sponsorship/) - The NBA’s family of leagues, which of course, includes the WNBA, has brought back one of its already existing partnerships into the fold once again. It was announced that the NBA renewed its multi-year partnership with PepsiCo, which allows it to stay an official partner of the WNBA, NBA and G-League. This partnership comes through
- [Satou Sabally lends voice to new ‘Jordan Family DNA’ Jumpman commercial](https://beyondthew.com/satou-sabally-lends-voice-to-new-jordan-family-dna-jumpman-commercial/) - Whether it is video games, modeling, color commentating or coaching, WNBA players are as multi-talented as you-know-what. Another talent possessed by some of our fave WNBA ballers – voice overs. Enter Satou Sabally who will be entering her second season in the W with the Dallas Wings in 2021. Nike's Jordan Brand recently released a
- [Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson joins Fanatics’ Board of Directors](https://beyondthew.com/sparks-co-owner-magic-johnson-joins-fanatics-board-of-directors/) - Including his status as part of the investment group that owns and operates the Los Angeles Sparks, Magic Johnson has received as much praise over the years for him being the model Black entrepreneur as he was a model basketball player. Johnson, in very entrepreneurial fashion, is always looking to grow and diversify his portfolio
- [Storm join extensive partnership with other area pro teams, Seattle University on diversity-centric sports MBA](https://beyondthew.com/storm-join-extensive-partnership-with-other-area-pro-teams-seattle-university-on-diversity-centric-sports-mba/) - Sports boardrooms so white. Sports boardrooms so male. It is a step in the right direction when these facts about the sports industry are being recognized and that concrets steps have to be taken to fix this problem. The Seattle Storm have been a franchise that has not only talked the talk but walked the
- [Clorox announced as official cleaning partner of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/clorox-announced-as-official-cleaning-partner-of-wnba/) - Last year, in both the NBA and WNBA bubbles, both leagues lauded the use of Clorox products which allowed for both playing environments to be as safe and virus-free as they could possibly be. ⛔️ @_ajawilson22 with the REJECTION ⛔️ #CloroxDefense She now has a Playoff career-high 4 blocks! @Clorox 📺 ESPN2 | #BradentonArea pic.twitter.com/q2fDDQt5gO
- [Report: 2021 WNBA draft set to broadcast on ESPN April 15](https://beyondthew.com/report-2021-wnba-draft-set-to-broadcast-on-espn-april-15/) - With so much in flux, WNBA fans everywhere are on pins and needles waiting for announcements regarding several traditional marquee events on the W’s calendar – including, of course, the start of the season. While no schedule has been revealed yet, a report from Sports Media Watch and Her Hoop Stats appears to indicate that
- [Report: Renee Montgomery to co-host ‘Takeline’ podcast for Crooked Media](https://beyondthew.com/report-renee-montgomery-to-co-host-takeline-podcast-for-crooked-media/) - Is there anything that Renee Montgomery is not doing nowadays? Between becoming part of the ownership group that just rescued the Atlanta Dream from the clutches of Kelly Loeffler, working alongside Marshawn Lynch with the Fan Controlled Football League, and her extensive media work, she has been busy busy. And Montgomery isn’t slowing down anytime
- ['City' Trends? WNBA reportedly debuting 'city edition' jerseys for 25th anniversary season](https://beyondthew.com/city-trends-wnba-reportedly-debuting-city-edition-jerseys-for-25th-anniversary-season/) - To say that there has been plenty of news coming out of the Seattle Storm lately would be a gross understatement. In addition to the team changing its logo, the Storm won the award for Seattle Sports Story of the Year at the Seattle Sports Star of the Year Awards and Katie Lou Samuelson, who
- [Skylar Diggins-Smith joins Fox Sports Arizona as Suns analyst](https://beyondthew.com/skylar-diggins-smith-joins-fox-sports-arizona-as-suns-analyst/) - For the first time in a while, the Phoenix Suns have looked a lot like … the Phoenix Mercury. The Suns, after its winning streak in the bubble last year, have carried that momentum from Florida into the 2020-21 regular NBA season. The addition of Chris Paul to a cast that includes Devin Booker (ardent
- [Candace Parker schools Shaq on today’s style of NBA play](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-schools-shaq-on-todays-style-of-nba-play/) - To say the least, basketball Twitter and Instagram has been having a field day with an unusually interesting exchange that occurred on a recent edition of TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” Shaq and Candace Parker debate how defense is played in today’s NBA 🍿 (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/o91WDCbwdm — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 3, 2021 Candace Parker,
- [Lexie Brown featured in upcoming release of Reebok Pump Omni Zone II](https://beyondthew.com/lexie-brown-featured-in-upcoming-release-of-reebok-pump-omni-zone-ii/) - In November, the Minnesota Lynx’s Lexie Brown was ranked as one of the top ten most influential Reebok athletes on social media. Her accounts definitely display that she is an integral element in the WNBA’s expanding footprint on social. The young Lynx star is now being featured prominently in an upcoming release of its latest
- [Atlanta Dream sold to three-person investment group including Renee Montgomery](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dream-sold-to-three-person-investment-group-including-renee-montgomery/) - Kelly Loeffler’s reign of terror over the Atlanta Dream, and the WNBA, has officially come to an end. It was announced that the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved of a sale that transfers the franchise from Loeffler and co-owner Mary Brock to a new three-person investment group that includes two executives from Northland,
- [Seattle Storm debuts new logo with additional tint of green](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-storm-debuts-new-logo-with-additional-tint-of-green/) - For a few days, the Seattle Storm’s social media accounts were teasing that “The Storm is Coming,” in preparation for an announcement on March 2nd. When the Storm’s online team shop was also closed until that very day, that likely led everyone to believe that Seattle was about to debut a new insignia. Lo and
- [Sue Bird co-launches women’s sports, lifestyle company Togethxr with Simone Manuel, Chloe Kim, Alex Morgan](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-co-launches-womens-sports-lifestyle-company-togethxr-with-simone-manuel-chloe-kim-alex-morgan/) - One of the elements of being in the women’s sports space is constantly pointing out and lamenting the lack of coverage women’s sports receives in comparison to its male counterparts. While strides have been made to close this gap, the facts are that there remains a wide distance between women’s sports coverage and male sports
- [Katie Lou Samuelson added to USA Basketball 3x3 roster](https://beyondthew.com/katie-lou-samuelson-added-to-usa-basketball-3x3-roster/) - This WNBA offseason has already produced one noteworthy bit of news involving Katie Lou Samuelson as she was one of many cogs involving that blockbuster five-team deal between the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx that sent Samuelson from Dallas to Seattle. It has produced yet another noteworthy bit
- [Storm named Sports Story of the Year at Seattle Sports Star of the Year Awards](https://beyondthew.com/storm-named-sports-story-of-the-year-at-seattle-sports-star-of-the-year-awards/) - The Seattle Storm are establishing a dynasty in the Pacific Northwest, but winning a championship last season given the trials and tribulations of being in the IMG bubble in Florida was an accomplishment in itself. The latest bit of flowers for Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and company came via the Seattle Sports Commission, which held
- [Mystics’ DC Entertainment and Sports Arena serving as COVID-19 vaccination site](https://beyondthew.com/mystics-dc-entertainment-and-sports-arena-serving-as-covid-19-vaccination-site/) - Events DC has managed to find plenty of worthwhile uses for the Washington Mystics’ home court outside of basketball. After a push by many in Ward 8, where a significant portion of DC’s Black population lives, the DC Entertainment and Sports Arena became a voting supercenter in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election –
- [Breanna Stewart nominated for Laureus World Sportswoman award](https://beyondthew.com/breanna-stewart-nominated-for-laureus-world-sportswoman-award/) - With all of the accolades and accomplishments Breanna Stewart has received over the years, one wonders if her trophy case has any more room for any more awards? Oh, who are we kidding? She is just getting started because she still has plenty of flowers to receive. Stewie was announced as one of the nominees
- [Lynx announce promotion of Carley Knox to President of Business Operations](https://beyondthew.com/lynx-announce-promotion-of-carley-knox-to-president-of-business-operations/) - The previous position for Carley Knox at the Minnesota Lynx’s front office was “Vice President of Business Operations.” In her new title, all she has to do is simply remove the “vice.” NEWS: @minnesotalynx Promote Carley Knox to Lynx President of Business Operations Full Release: https://t.co/1hEfieXkVJ — Lynx PR (@Lynx_PR) February 25, 2021 The Lynx
- [Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame postpones 2021 induction ceremony to August](https://beyondthew.com/womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-postpones-2021-induction-ceremony-to-august/) - Coronavirus concerns have prompted another postponement of this year’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame announced that this year’s festivities, scheduled to be held in-person at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville, have been moved to August. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 2021 Induction Ceremony, scheduled for June
- [Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction postponed due to coronavirus](https://beyondthew.com/womens-basketball-hall-of-fame-induction-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/) - The induction ceremony for the 2020 Class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame will be postponed until 2021 with no new entrants added to the class. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame has announced that the 2020 Induction Ceremony, scheduled for June 13, 2020, has been postponed and will be rescheduled for June 12,
- [Candace Parker becomes first WNBA ambassador for audio brand JBL](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-becomes-first-wnba-ambassador-for-audio-brand-jbl/) - Audio brand JBL, best known for its line of headphones, has unveiled its athlete ambassador roster for 2021 – and for the first time, it is bringing the WNBA into its sphere. Candace Parker, who made major headlines at the beginning of this free agency period by signing with the Chicago Sky after over a
- [Liberty, Sparks, Dream, Fever ink partnerships with Anthem to address health injustice](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-sparks-dream-fever-ink-partnerships-with-anthem-to-address-health-injustice/) - One of the side effects of the coronavirus pandemic is how it has exposed health inequalities in the United States. From how Covid case disproportionately affected communities of color to how vaccines have been more readily made available to white individuals, the systemic racism there is in the health realm is in the open for
- [Dallas Wings announce $100K raised to help winter storm victims](https://beyondthew.com/dallas-wings-announce-100k-raised-to-help-winter-storm-victims/) - Texas is still reeling after the devastating winter storm that slammed the state. It not only put the state in a deep freeze, but power was unavailable to much of the state and there are also water issues throughout the Lone Star State. Slowly but surely, Texas is getting its lights back on and the
- [Natasha Cloud speaks with musician Jensen McRae for The Undefeated’s ‘A Room of Our Own’ special](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-speaks-with-musician-jensen-mcrae-for-the-undefeateds-a-room-of-our-own-special/) - With every movement, there have been musicians that have lent their voices to the struggle for social justice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x1iDxIKhM0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy5ZdSf-pLY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5jKoMBrSvg TV One recently aired a special on how music has shaped the landscape of social movements over the years. ESPN announced it will air a one-hour special on February 28 at 12 p.m. on
- [Nicki Collen gives update on Dream’s offseason, free agency](https://beyondthew.com/nicki-collen-gives-update-on-dreams-offseason-free-agency/) - The 2021 offseason and free agency period for the Atlanta Dream has been mostly a mixed bag. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGOb0p8PwWU It may not have been the absolute whirlwind that the 2020 offseason was when the Dream brought multiple big-name players into the fold, announced an arena change and saw one of its owners go to the Senate,
- [Essence Carson participates in ‘WNBA: The Full Court Press for Social Change’ event at Oberlin College](https://beyondthew.com/essence-carson-participates-in-wnba-the-full-court-press-for-social-change-event-at-oberlin-college/) - As everyone by now knows, the WNBA stands for more than simply being a showcase of some of the best women’s basketball players in the world. It stands for being an agent of change in society at large – something it proved over and over again throughout last season from its IMG bubble. A virtual
- [Alysha Clark to participate in ‘Athletes Against Antisemitism’ event on Feb. 17](https://beyondthew.com/alysha-clark-to-participate-in-athletes-against-antisemitism-event-on-feb-17/) - The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh has organized a virtual event scheduled for February 17 that tackles how to fight antisemitism and fostering racial justice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YDtsgxnXaA The “Athletes Against Antisemitism” seminar will feature appearances from several professional athletes – including Alysha Clark, two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm and the newest member of the Washington
- [Jewell Loyd talks Kobe Bryant-inspired ‘Gold Mamba Workouts’ with Slam Magazine](https://beyondthew.com/jewell-loyd-talks-kobe-bryant-inspired-gold-mamba-workouts-with-slam-magazine/) - As sports fans know, the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd, a two-time WNBA champion, got the “Gold Mamba” nickname from the late Kobe Bryant, nicknamed the “Black Mamba.” Loyd is a rising star in the WNBA, and one of the reasons for that is her extensive training regimen. She is now bringing her workouts to the
- [Aerial Powers inks sponsorship deal to become brand ambassador for HyperX](https://beyondthew.com/aerial-powers-inks-sponsorship-deal-to-become-brand-ambassador-for-hyperx/) - The Minnesota Lynx’s latest addition is simply signing deals left and right. She already was the latest free agent to make a move to the Twin Cities. She is also further entrenched into the e-sports industry as well – one which she mentioned on numerous occasions during her opening press conference with Minnesota. Powers has
- [Layshia Clarendon to attend US Soccer Foundation’s Urban Soccer Symposium as keynote speaker](https://beyondthew.com/layshia-clarendon-to-attend-us-soccer-foundations-urban-soccer-symposium-as-keynote-speaker/) - Beginning March 25 through the following, the United States Soccer Federation will stage its annual Urban Soccer Symposium which was last held in person in 2019 in Washington, D.C. Yesterday, a month out from the big event it announced that a keynote speaker will be Layshia Clarendon, veteran WNBA player with the New York Liberty
- [Renee Montgomery honored on Time100’s Next 2021 list](https://beyondthew.com/renee-montgomery-honored-on-time100s-next-2021-list/) - We may not have to do many “Where are they Now?” pieces chronicling the life and times of Renee Montgomery after the WNBA because it looks like Montgomery will be very visible in life after the W. Montgomery recently announced her retirement from the WNBA, but she is still receiving her well-deserved flowers. Time Magazine
- [Minnesota Lynx introduce Aerial Powers at press conference](https://beyondthew.com/minnesota-lynx-introduce-aerial-powers-at-press-conference/) - It was a deal that was reported on around the outset of this year’s free agency period, but was not announced officially by the team until recently. Cheryl Reeve and the Minnesota Lynx front office had already made a couple of splashes earlier this free agency period by luring in Kayla McBride from the Las
- [WNBA Free Agency 2021: Odyssey Sims becomes free agent after three-team deal involving Fever, Lynx, Aces](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-2021-odyssey-sims-becomes-free-agent-after-three-team-deal-involving-fever-lynx-aces/) - Following last week’s five-team blockbuster that involved the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Dallas Wings, Lynx coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve was not done wheeling and dealing. Apparently, Tamika Catchings, the general manager of the Indiana Fever threw yet another boulder (albeit, slightly smaller than last week's) in the
- [5 possible venues that could be home for Las Vegas Aces](https://beyondthew.com/5-possible-venues-that-could-be-home-for-las-vegas-aces/) - On Friday, two major news items broke relating to the Las Vegas Aces. The first was an announcement by MGM Resorts International, the entity that used to own the Aces but still does own Mandalay Bay Events Center, that the venue that has been home to the Aces since their relocation from San Antonio prior
- [WNBA Free Agency 2021: Kia Nurse to Phoenix, Natasha Howard to NY, KLS to Seattle, No. 1 overall pick traded twice](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-2021-kia-nurse-to-phoenix-natasha-howard-to-ny-kls-to-seattle-no-1-overall-pick-traded-twice/) - Soooo….February 10th 2021 was a day our beloved WNBA decided to be…well….extra. As in … extra, extra – read all about it. With the exception of a few notable players re-upping with their incumbent teams such as Alyssa Thomas and Jasmine Thomas returning to the Connecticut Sun and LaToya Sanders returning to the Washington Mystics,
- [Liz Cambage becomes first pro athlete to endorse Rihanna’s SavageXFenty lingerie line](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-becomes-first-pro-athlete-to-endorse-rihannas-savagexfenty-lingerie-line/) - Slay, Liz, Slay! You love to see it: @ecambage is the 1st professional athlete to endorse @SavageXFenty 💥 pic.twitter.com/eouHseQXRS — Disrupt The Game (@DisruptTheGame) February 15, 2021 Liz Cambage has done it again. Australia’s signature women’s pro baller is no stranger to photoshoots – just ask her ESPN Body Issue and Playboy spreads for evidence
- [Amber Cox announced as Chief Operating Officer for NWSL Kansas City franchise](https://beyondthew.com/amber-cox-announced-as-chief-operating-officer-for-nwsl-kansas-city-franchise/) - Hey, Amber Cox. Say hi to Patrick Mahomes for us. After a four year tenure as Vice President of Sports for Mohegan Sun, which of course includes the Connecticut Sun, Cox is taking her executive smarts and status as a front office "maven" to the Midwest as she will join the Kansas City NWSL franchise
- [LA Sparks introduce Amanda Zahui B at press conference](https://beyondthew.com/la-sparks-introduce-amanda-zahui-b-at-press-conference/) - Amanda is relocating her show’s studios from Broadway to Hollywood. This free agency period has been a rollercoaster ride for the Los Angeles Sparks. Losing Candace Parker to the Chicago Sky. Losing both Chelsea Gray and Riquna Williams to the Las Vegas Aces while signing Erica Wheeler from the Indiana Fever. After the Williams news
- [Cathy Engelbert takes part in ‘Commissioner’s Conversation’ with NWSL’s Lisa Baird at She Believes Summit](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-takes-part-in-commissioners-conversation-with-nwsls-lisa-baird-at-she-believes-summit/) - The “She Believes Summit” of the United States Soccer Women’s National Team went virtual this year and it was an opportunity to bring together two of the most notable commissioners of women’s professional sport together for a meeting of the minds. Those two heads of sport were WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NWSL commissioner Lisa
- [Natalie Achonwa believes Canada should have developmental league for women](https://beyondthew.com/natalie-achonwa-believes-canada-should-have-developmental-league-for-women/) - As WNBA fans everywhere know, the reason why so many women’s professional players venture overseas is to make a decent living given the less-than-stellar current state of WNBA salaries. The new CBA that was struck between the league and its WNBPA will hopefully go a long way to fixing that problem. One of the most
- [Mandalay Bay Events Center becomes Michelob Ultra Arena as WNBA approves Aces sale to Mark Davis](https://beyondthew.com/mandalay-bay-events-center-becomes-michelob-ultra-arena-as-wnba-approves-aces-sale-to-mark-davis/) - It is yet to be known if the Las Vegas Aces will remain at Mandalay Bay Events Center following its sale from MGM Resorts International to Mark Davis, owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. If the Aces do return to Mandalay Bay, it will have a new name – Michelob Ultra Arena. In addition
- [LaChina Robinson, Ivory Latta to take part in Jr. NBA ‘Her Time To Shine’ event](https://beyondthew.com/lachina-robinson-ivory-latta-to-take-part-in-jr-nba-her-time-to-shine-event/) - Beginning on February 18 and lasting through February 21, Jr. NBA is collaborating with The Power of Girls for a four-day, free virtual girl power summit called “Her Time To Shine” for girls aged 11-16. A wide list of speakers have been lined up for the four-day seminar that includes Ivory Latta and Jennifer Bradford,
- [Kayla Alexander joins Minister Karina Gould, TSN’s Kayla Grey for ‘Rally for Girls Education’](https://beyondthew.com/kayla-alexander-joins-minister-karina-gould-tsns-kayla-grey-for-rally-for-girls-education/) - Right To Play and Global Affairs Canada collaborated to put together “Rally for Girls Education,” which was aimed at encouraging Canadians to support the rights of girls who want to learn. Kayla Alexander of the Minnesota Lynx (a team with a notable number of Canadians on its team – including Natalie Achonwa) took part in
- [Mercury announce plan to return to Phoenix Suns Arena for 2021 season](https://beyondthew.com/mercury-announce-plan-to-return-to-phoenix-suns-arena-for-2021-season/) - While no schedule has been announced by the WNBA and it is yet to be seen if that schedule involves a return to home arenas, the Phoenix Mercury have tipped its hand on its intent for the 2021 season. Not only are the Mercury looking forward to returning to its Arizona home court, but to
- [President Joe Biden says he would love to have sports teams visit White House again](https://beyondthew.com/president-joe-biden-says-he-would-love-to-have-sports-teams-visit-white-house-again/) - Remember the days of when sports teams used to gleefully be honored at the White House for their athletic accomplishments? Of course, that was prior to the last four years where many a sports team – including those from the WNBA – wanted nothing to do with 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Those days are over and
- [Renee Montgomery announces retirement from WNBA after 11 seasons](https://beyondthew.com/renee-montgomery-announces-retirement-from-wnba-after-11-seasons/) - It is early in the week, but it appears WNBA retirement news is a hot topic among our ballers. On Monday, Crystal Langhorne announced she was retiring from the W after a career that included being playing a role in the Seattle Storm winning championships in 2018 and 2020. She joined the Storm’s front office
- [Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe grace cover of GQ’s ‘Modern Lovers’ issue](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-and-megan-rapinoe-grace-cover-of-gqs-modern-lovers-issue/) - It is more than well-documented at this point how much of a sports power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are. Not only are both (still) great at their respective sports, but they are also unapologetic Black Lives Matter allies and staunch supporters of the struggle for social justice. Their story has now been excellently
- [Chanelle Molina signs training camp contract with Indiana Fever](https://beyondthew.com/chanelle-molina-signs-training-camp-contract-with-indiana-fever/) - Over the years, many countries have been represented in the WNBA – including Canada, Nigeria, Australia and Korea. Could we soon add the Philippines to that list? A few days ago, the Indiana Fever made a signing that, basketball-wise, may go under the radar but may have a significance in another fashion with the signing
- [Crystal Langhorne retires to be part of Storm's social justice efforts; Seattle signs Candice Dupree](https://beyondthew.com/crystal-langhorne-announces-retirement-joins-storm-front-office-for-social-justice-work/) - After 13 seasons in the WNBA, Crystal Langhorne is putting away her green and gold Seattle Storm jersey. Langhorne, who has not only been an effective player on the court in the WNBA (as told by her two All-Star appearances) but who has served looks throughout her career, is calling it a career after those
- [Behind Paige Bueckers’ 31 points, No. 2 UConn pulls off OT win over No. 1 South Carolina](https://beyondthew.com/behind-paige-bueckers-31-points-no-2-uconn-pulls-off-ot-win-over-no-1-south-carolina/) - Firstly, what was a marquee matchup such as doing airing on any network other than ESPN? The two top-ranked women’s basketball teams in the country and it was bumped to FS1? We digress because … well … Paige Bueckers was doing Paige Bueckers things. THE BOUNCE pic.twitter.com/emL0LtGbZF — UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) February 9, 2021
- [NCAA officially announces 2021 women’s basketball tournament for San Antonio area](https://beyondthew.com/ncaa-officially-announces-2021-womens-basketball-tournament-for-san-antonio-area/) - The biggest stars of women’s college basketball will be heading to the Lone Star State next month. The NCAA officially announced that the entirety of this year’s women’s basketball tournament will be held in the San Antonio area. Every game will be aired on one of the ESPN networks. Texas to host us all for
- [Brittney Griner talks mental health counseling while at USA Basketball camp](https://beyondthew.com/brittney-griner-talks-mental-health-counseling-while-at-usa-basketball-camp/) - Even though we marvel at how the WNBA managed to pull off its bubble this past season, it was not easy for the league, or the players. Being secluded in said bubble for several months was anything but easy. If the physical rigors of a WNBA season were taxing enough, add on the mental stress
- [Liberty introduce Betnijah Laney at virtual press conference](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-introduce-betnijah-laney-at-virtual-press-conference/) - The 2020 season in the WNBA’s bubble was a banner year for Betnijah Laney. After a career that saw her make stops with the Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, Laney got her big chance in the bubble with the Atlanta Dream and displayed how talented she is. Laney averaged 17 points per game
- [USA Basketball draws Group B with Nigeria, France, Japan for Tokyo 2020 Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/usa-basketball-draws-group-b-with-nigeria-france-japan-for-tokyo-2020-olympics/) - If all goes according to plan (fingers crossed), women’s basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will commence on July 26 with the tournament lasting until August 8. Watch LIVE the Draw for the Olympic Basketball Tournaments! #Tokyo2020 #Basketball https://t.co/lO9zEal7SB — FIBA (@FIBA) February 2, 2021 The 12-team field for the Games was determined at last
- [A’ja Wilson talks virtually with Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-talks-virtually-with-girl-scouts-of-southern-nevada/) - Press conferences are not the only virtual events nowadays involving WNBA players. Of course, A’ja Wilson will be coming back to the Las Vegas Aces for the 2021 season, but she too was part of a virtual seminar when spoke with the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. KSNV-TV NBC 3 in Las Vegas got a
- [Minnesota Lynx introduce Kayla McBride, Natalie Achonwa at press conferences](https://beyondthew.com/minnesota-lynx-introduce-kayla-mcbride-natalie-achonwa-at-press-conferences/) - After the Minnesota Lynx won the 2017 WNBA championship, the centerpieces of that 2010s dynasty began going elsewhere. Maya Moore went and pursued the freeing of Jonathan Irons from prison from a 50-year sentence. Her pursuit was successful. Seimone Augustus is now with the Los Angeles Sparks. Lindsay Whalen got a coaching job with the
- [LA Sparks introduce Erica Wheeler at virtual press conference](https://beyondthew.com/la-sparks-introduce-erica-wheeler-at-virtual-press-conference/) - While the Los Angeles Sparks may have lost Candace Parker to the Chicago Sky and Chelsea Gray to the Las Vegas Aces, Magic Johnson, Eric Holoman and Derek Fisher understood that one day does not make a free agency period. So despite losing two pieces of its core that made up the championship team of
- [WNBA continues to receive high marks from TIDES for diversity hiring](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-continues-to-receive-high-marks-from-tides-for-diversity-hiring/) - It is becoming expected at this point that The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport will recognize the WNBA for a commitment to hiring diverse. It is a sign that the W does not simply talk the talk on the subject of being a progressive sports league – it walks the walk. In the
- [A’ja Wilson featured in upcoming Nike ‘Cosmic Unity’ release](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-featured-in-upcoming-nike-cosmic-unity-release/) - Over the years, Nike has released many sneakers as we all know. But its release of its latest pair of kicks has added meaning that goes beyond either comfort, colorways or style. The Cosmic Unity is the Swoosh’s first performance sneaker it will release under its “Move to Zero” initiative. It was made in part
- [Sue Bird, Dawn Trudeau to keynote Edmonds International Women’s Day 2021 event](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-dawn-trudeau-to-keynote-edmonds-international-womens-day-2021-event/) - About five to 10 miles north of downtown Seattle is Edmonds, Washington. It is a town located in Snohomish County somewhat equidistant between downtown Seattle and Everett – where the Storm played half of its 2019 home schedule at Angel of the Winds Arena. Edmonds International Women’s Day 2021 is going virtual and two of
- [Chicago Sky officially introduce Candace Parker at virtual press conference](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-sky-officially-introduce-candace-parker-at-virtual-press-conference/) - If we are indeed in the final years of the illustrious, future Hall of Fame career of Candace Parker, she can say that she will get to play those final seasons in her hometown of Chicago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbkKcwoSRlA As of today, the Sky’s signing of Parker is the signature move made by a team this free
- [WNBA Free Agency 2021 Day One: Candace Parker officially announced as joining Chicago Sky](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-2021-day-one-candace-parker-officially-announced-as-joining-chicago-sky/) - Even though reports last week indicated that a seismic shift would happen within the WNBA landscape with Candace Parker joining the Chicago Sky, an official announcement would not occur until February 1 at the earliest as that is the first day that teams could officially sign free agents. As expected, the big news did come
- [‘Tis The Season: Briann January is getting married!](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-briann-january-is-getting-married/) - Love is a many splendoured thing … and over the last few months among our WNBA family, we have seen plenty of couples pop the question. From Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe to Astou Ndour to Tianna Hawkins, there have been lots of rings that have been exchanged as of late of a different variety
- [Tamera Young officially announces deal with Reebok](https://beyondthew.com/tamera-young-officially-announces-deal-with-reebok/) - It may have been a minute since we have last seen Tamera Young take the court in a WNBA game, but Ty is still out here handling her business. On the last day of the first month of 2021, Young took to her social media accounts and revealed that she is the latest athlete to
- [Team Canada holds virtual basketball camp in advance of Tokyo Olympics](https://beyondthew.com/team-canada-holds-virtual-basketball-camp-in-advance-of-tokyo-olympics/) - While the United States Women’s National Team will stage an in-person minicamp this month at the University of South Carolina, led by Gamecocks and national team coach Dawn Staley, Canada’s team was boxed in to holding a virtual training camp with its roster. Canada named 20 players to its roster including a number of WNBA
- [Sheryl Swoopes joins NBRPA-Flexion partnership to raise awareness of osteoarthritis knee pain](https://beyondthew.com/sheryl-swoopes-joins-nbrpa-flexion-partnership-to-raise-awareness-of-osteoarthritis-knee-pain/) - It goes without saying that as one ages, one’s ability to remain physically healthy becomes more of a daunting task as one’s body breaks down. Osteoarthritis-related knee pain is something that one would believe would be common, particularly for retired basketball players. One of the WNBA’s all-time greats is the face of a new partnership
- [President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: WNBA community reacts to historic election win and inauguration](https://beyondthew.com/president-elect-joe-biden-and-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-wnba-community-reacts-to-historic-election-win/) - The voters spoke - and sent a loud, long and emphatic message to Washington, D.C. that the last four years were a disgusting mess that should never be repeated again. A new day in America has come. Tune in as Vice President-Elect @KamalaHarris and I address the nation. https://t.co/d38F58DHu8 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8,
- [Baby Lib: Layshia Clarendon, wife welcome first child](https://beyondthew.com/baby-lib-layshia-clarendon-wife-welcome-first-child/) - Anyone who has attended a New York Liberty game knows one of its most beloved staples is its Timeless Torches – its 40 y.o. + plus dance team of men and women. A highlight of tonight's @nyliberty game was seeing the Timeless Torches perform. I later met some of the dancers! pic.twitter.com/ut0OkUJDYk — Chelsea Clinton
- [Layshia Clarendon reveals they have undergone successful top surgery](https://beyondthew.com/layshia-clarendon-reveals-they-have-undergone-successful-top-surgery/) - There are many things that Layshia Clarendon is. A veteran point guard for the New York Liberty as well as the first vice president of the WNBPA. Late last year, Clarendon revealed they are something else as well – transgender and times should teach everyone that Black Trans Lives Matter as well. On Friday, Clarendon
- [Sugar Rodgers’ book, ‘They Better Call Me Sugar,’ is available for preorder](https://beyondthew.com/sugar-rodgers-book-they-better-call-me-sugar-is-available-for-preorder/) - If it is one thing many of us have been doing a lot lately is spending more time curling up with favorite books of ours. Our book games have been strong lately and that is always a positive. Here is a very athletic way to heighten that need for read – add a dash of
- [Maya Moore speaks at Syracuse University's virtual MLK celebration](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-speaks-at-syracuse-universitys-virtual-mlk-celebration/) - In many ways, when Maya Moore announced that she would be taking a leave from her WNBA career to make a foray into criminal justice pursuits, she was following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by dedicating her life to a cause bigger than herself. She was successful in getting the 50-year prison
- [Sweet Hom3 Chicago: Candace Parker reportedly joining Sky after 13 seasons in LA](https://beyondthew.com/sweet-hom3-chicago-candace-parker-reportedly-joining-sky-after-13-seasons-in-la/) - When the 2020 free agency period commenced, the first domino that dropped was when Angel McCoughtry, a long-timer with the Atlanta Dream went west to the Las Vegas Aces, a move that was pivotal in the Aces’ run to the WNBA Finals in the bubble last season. The 2021 free agency period appears to have
- [Asia Durr shares heartbreaking story of COVID-19 fight with HBO’s ‘Real Sports’](https://beyondthew.com/asia-durr-shares-heartbreaking-story-of-covid-19-fight-with-hbos-real-sports/) - When former Louisville basketball great Asia Durr was selected second overall in the 2019 WNBA draft to the New York Liberty, it not only signified the beginning of a virtual Derby City-to-Gotham pipeline, it was with the expectation that Durr would be a key piece in the Liberty’s on-court rebuild after what was a trying
- [Orange and Blue EffeCT: Connecticut Sun release revamped logo](https://beyondthew.com/orange-and-blue-effect-connecticut-sun-release-revamped-logo/) - The social media people at the Connecticut Sun were very effective at drawing up interest with only a few days before the entire WNBA family is fixated on free agency. The Sun for a few days had us fixated on its social media accounts, teasing the announcement of “news” and a “secret.” News on the
- [Report: WNBA ‘wubble’ documentary in the works at ESPN](https://beyondthew.com/report-wnba-wubble-documentary-in-the-works-at-espn/) - What if we told you … corona didn’t stop ball. When the WNBA announced it would sequester its 2020 season at the IMG Academy wubble in Florida, much of the conversation centered on the unique and intriguing stories that would come out of said campus when the season concluded. It appears that ESPN and the
- [USA Basketball announces participants for minicamp in South Carolina](https://beyondthew.com/usa-basketball-announces-participants-for-minicamp-in-south-carolina/) - Even with all of the uncertainty regarding whether the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will still take place, USA Basketball is proceeding as if there will be a lit flame at Japan’s Olympic cauldron this summer. USA Basketball announced that 19 athletes will participate in a four-day minicamp at the University of South Carolina – where
- [Sinclair, Bally’s reveal new name, insignia for regional sports channels](https://beyondthew.com/sinclair-ballys-reveal-new-name-insignia-for-regional-sports-channels/) - Five WNBA teams have their games carried on soon-to-be former Fox Sports-branded regional sports channels. Those regional sports channels will soon undergo a facelift fitting of its status as being under the Sinclair umbrella. EXCLUSIVE: @WeAreSinclair and Bally's today will unveil the new names and logos for their 19 regional sports networks. As part of
- [Sue Bird to appear at virtual Jewish ‘One Night’ celebration](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-to-appear-at-virtual-jewish-one-night-celebration/) - Four Jewish Federations from around the country are joining forces for a virtual celebration that will include a four-time WNBA champion. Sue Bird was announced as one of the participants for the “One Night” celebration scheduled to take place on January 31. The event is being organized by the Jewish Federations of St. Louis, Houston,
- [Mystics executive joins Board of Directors for NYC-based charity organization](https://beyondthew.com/mystics-executive-joins-board-of-directors-for-nyc-based-charity-organization/) - Delivering Good, a New York City-based 501(c)(3) organization announced seven new members to its Board of Directors with one of them being well versed within the WNBA family. The executive in question is Sashi Brown, the Chief Planning and Operations Officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s basketball properties – which includes the Washington Mystics as
- [South Carolina celebrates A’ja Wilson with statue at Colonial Life Arena](https://beyondthew.com/south-carolina-celebrates-aja-wilson-with-statue-at-colonial-life-arena/) - If one has driven or walked past Columbia’s Colonial Life Arena, one may have noticed its newest feature in addition to the building itself and South Carolina’s signature palmetto trees. Monday, January 18, 2021 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - was a historic day in the history of Gamecock athletics as the university held
- [Washington Post: Mary Brock near a sale of stake in Atlanta Dream](https://beyondthew.com/washington-post-mary-brock-near-a-sale-of-stake-in-atlanta-dream/) - In the early stages of 2021, one of the questions many WNBA fans have is what the ownership status of the Atlanta Dream will be after co-owner Kelly Loeffler, a near-pariah among players, lost her Georgia senate race to Reverend Raphael Warnock. Contrary to what the conventional belief may have been, there may actually be
- [New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces will have ‘Fan Faces’ at NWHL Lake Placid bubble](https://beyondthew.com/new-york-liberty-connecticut-sun-will-have-fan-faces-at-nwhl-lake-placid-bubble/) - When the NWHL puck drops later this month at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, the two WNBA franchises based only a hop, skip and jump (or skate) shy of upstate New York will have some noteworthy “support” in the stands. The New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun announced that both teams will have ‘Fan
- [Just Win, Baby? 5 thoughts on Raiders owner Mark Davis’ planned purchase of Las Vegas Aces](https://beyondthew.com/just-win-baby-5-thoughts-on-raiders-owner-mark-davis-planned-purchase-of-las-vegas-aces/) - Just as we were blindsided three years ago when the San Antonio Stars were sold to MGM Resorts to eventually be rebranded as the Las Vegas Aces, we were again blindsided again on Thursday, January 15 of 2021. On that day, we got the surprising news that Mark Davis, owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas
- [Column: If (a big if) there is an Atlanta Dream sale, expect it to be high-profile](https://beyondthew.com/column-if-a-big-if-there-is-an-atlanta-dream-sale-expect-it-to-be-high-profile/) - With Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler still processing things in the wake of her Georgia senate loss to Reverend Raphael Warnock, speculation has already began about a possible post-Loeffler (and Mary Brock) future for the franchise. More within the WNBA family are being asked about Loeffler and what her future with the franchise and the
- [A’ja Wilson statue spotted outside South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-statue-spotted-outside-south-carolinas-colonial-life-arena/) - Prior to achieving WNBA greatness with the Las Vegas Aces, A’ja Wilson made her mark at South Carolina and became one of the greatest players in Gamecocks history – including leading South Carolina to the 2018 national championship in he senior year. In 2019, plans were revealed to immortalize Wilson with a statue outside Colonial
- [Las Vegas Aces to be bought by Raiders owner Mark Davis](https://beyondthew.com/las-vegas-aces-sold-to-raiders-owner-mark-davis/) - A WNBA team has been sold – no, not THAT WNBA team. While the WNBA family waits and sees if Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler will or will not sell the Atlanta Dream, another transaction involving a W team has been complete. Mark Davis, the owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders has completed a
- [Seimone Augustus talks Michael Jordan comparisons, Maya Moore, Lynx dynasty on ‘Knuckleheads’ Players’ Tribune podcast](https://beyondthew.com/seimone-augustus-talks-michael-jordan-comparisons-maya-moore-lynx-dynasty-on-knuckleheads-players-tribune-podcast/) - When Seimone Augustus shocked everyone during last year’s free agency period by going from the Minnesota Lynx to its budding rival Los Angeles Sparks, it did provide a bit of familiarity for her as she is used to donning purple and gold colors. Augustus, of course, played her collegiate ball at LSU, the same school
- [Ted Leonsis to speak at Sportradar event discussing business of sports, technology](https://beyondthew.com/ted-leonsis-to-speak-at-sportradar-event-discussing-business-of-sports-technology/) - The pandemic has put the intersections between the business of sports and technology at the forefront. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talked extensively about this at the virtual CES 2021 conference in her seminar with Angela Ruggiero of Sports Innovation Lab, WWE’s Stephanie McMahon and NHL’s Gary Bettman. SportRadar is launching SportRadar Connect, an event series
- [Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, Arike Ogunbowale get NWSL fans ready for draft](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-breanna-stewart-arike-ogunbowale-get-nwsl-fans-ready-for-draft/) - On Wednesday January 13, the National Women’s Soccer League held its annual draft where several of the best women’s college soccer players witnessed their dreams come true as they prepare to ascend to the next level. The NWSL draft was aired online via Twitch and those watching the proceedings noticed a great deal of WNBA
- [Aerial Powers joins global eSports organization Team Liquid](https://beyondthew.com/aerial-powers-joins-global-esports-organization-team-liquid/) - The name Aerial Powers is one that rings bells in both the realms of basketball and gaming. In addition to being one of the signature players for the Washington Mystics, she is also well-known as a Twitch streamer (PowerzSurge) and an avid gamer that she has turned into a successful venture outside of hoops. Powers
- [Brian Agler assumes new job as athletic director for Ohio Division III school](https://beyondthew.com/brian-agler-assumes-new-job-as-athletic-director-for-ohio-division-iii-school/) - When Brian Agler departed from his previous job as head coach of the Dallas Wings, there was plenty of questions as to what would be the next act for the two-time WNBA champion coach. As of today, we have our answer … and it is well outside of the realm of the W. University President
- [Cathy Engelbert speaks at CES 2021 panel on experiences for today’s fan](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-speaks-at-ces-2021-panel-on-experiences-for-todays-fan/) - In lieu of this year’s CES 2021 conference returning to Las Vegas, this year’s conference went the digital (virtual) route as almost everything seemingly has nowadays. One of the panels focused on the sports realm and how modern technology (as well as the pandemic) has changed the viewing experiences for today’s fan. WNBA commissioner Cathy
- [Tamika Catchings named MLK award recipient by Indiana Civil Rights Commission](https://beyondthew.com/tamika-catchings-named-mlk-award-recipient-by-indiana-civil-rights-commission/) - A noteworthy attribute that has always defined Tamika Catchings, both as a player and now as an executive, is her dedication to community service and her emphasis on making a difference both on and off the basketball court. Also – inside and outside of the boardroom(s) where Catchings has already made a difference. The Indiana
- [Charles Johnson, Dallas Wings’ Sr. VP of Corporate Partnerships, takes Seattle Mariners job](https://beyondthew.com/charles-johnson-dallas-wings-sr-vp-of-corporate-partnerships-takes-seattle-mariners-job/) - A Dallas Wings executive is taking his talents from the southwest to the Pacific Northwest. Charles Johnson, who was the senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships with the Wings since 2017, is leaving his post with Dallas to take a job with the MLB’s Seattle Mariners as its Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. He was
- [Curt Miller inks four-year contract extension with Connecticut Sun](https://beyondthew.com/curt-miller-inks-four-year-contract-extension-with-connecticut-sun/) - The last few season of playoff seasons for the Connecticut Sun have led to a reward for one of the individuals at the heart of that success. BREAKING NEWS: @CurtMillerWBB extended thru 2024 ➡️ https://t.co/iwCjZIFcki pic.twitter.com/DWcClenzA1 — Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) January 12, 2021 The Sun announced today that coach Curt Miller will remain Connecticut’s coach
- [Nneka Ogwumike to be honored by Memphis Grizzlies at MLK Celebration Game](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-ogwumike-to-be-honored-by-memphis-grizzlies-at-mlk-celebration-game/) - On January 18, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Phoenix Suns at FedEx Forum for its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Game – the 19th in Grizzlies history. During the game, the Grizzlies will present three icons from the basketball realm with the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award. One of those icons
- [Interest in purchasing Atlanta Dream grows after LeBron James’ tweet](https://beyondthew.com/interest-in-purchasing-atlanta-dream-grows-after-lebron-james-tweet/) - Since LeBron James’ initial tweet on the heels of Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler’s defeat to Reverend (and Senator-elect) Raphael Warnock that he would like to buy the team from Loeffler, interest has grown in buying the team. Think I’m gone put together an ownership group for the The Dream. Whose in? #BlackVotesMatter✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/9wclgdED2w —
- [Sue Bird reflects on U.S. Capitol riots on ‘The Ladies’ Room’ podcast](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-reflects-on-u-s-capitol-riots-on-the-ladies-room-podcast/) - The videos and images this week of the events in Washington, D.C. almost seemed surreal when it happened – a riotous mob of aggrieved, pitiful individuals staging an insurrection on, of all buildings, the U.S. Capitol building. Remember, it was an original target of the September 11th, 2001 attacks, but the attempt on the landmark
- [‘Tis the Season: Astou Ndour and Pape Fall are married!](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-astou-ndour-and-pape-fall-are-married/) - The holiday season will filled with news of WNBA couples tying the knot and the momentum of marriages has carried over into the early part of 2021. The latest to enter the chat of married WNBA players? The Dallas Wings’ Astou Ndour. Looking like a 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍! 😍 Congrats to @NdouraStou on her marriage to Pape
- [Cathy Engelbert will speak at virtual CES 2021 conference](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-will-speak-at-virtual-ces-2021-conference/) - The Consumer Technology Association’s annual CES conference, which typically takes place in Las Vegas every year, is going all-digital this year in adapting to the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s conference is scheduled to take place from January 11-14 and the WNBA will once again have a presence this year as it has in previous years.
- [Indiana Fever’s Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle to host 2021 NCAA men’s tournament games](https://beyondthew.com/indiana-fevers-bankers-life-fieldhouse-hinkle-to-host-2021-ncaa-mens-tournament-games/) - The NCAA had no choice but to cancel the 2020 women’s and men’s basketball tournaments because of the … well, you know. It was an unprecedented decision because of the money March Madness itself (tickets, television revenue) brings to the NCAA. Even with the country still dealing with a raging pandemic, there was no way
- [#WVotes2021: Rev. Raphael Warnock declared winner in Georgia Senate runoff over Kelly Loeffler, Ossoff defeats Perdue](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2021-rev-raphael-warnock-declared-winner-in-georgia-senate-runoff-over-kelly-loeffler/) - The Senate tenure of Atlanta Dream co-owner looks as if it will only last one year – without winning an election. As Georgia went to the polls and then the votes were tallied (much quicker than in November), everyone saw that the Peach State was not shedding its newfound light blue dress after donning a
- [Alexis Jones talks her diet, favorite foods with Well + Good](https://beyondthew.com/alexis-jones-talks-her-diet-favorite-foods-with-well-good/) - There are a number of integral elements to being successful in a league as tough as the WNBA. In addition to a commitment to sharpening one’s basketball craft and maintaining an intense training regimen, eating the right foods is another ingredient to ensure a long career in women’s basketball’s top league. Alexis Jones (Atlanta Dream)
- [LeBron James tweets about forming ownership group for Atlanta Dream](https://beyondthew.com/lebron-james-tweets-about-forming-ownership-group-for-atlanta-dream/) - For the last two months, the eyes and ears of the political sphere were locked in on Georgia with two tight Senate races in that state that will determine if Democrats or Republicans control things in Congress’ upper chamber. As of the morning after January 5, one of the races was called – for Reverend
- [Motherland Drip: Angel McCoughtry says she’s talked to Cathy Engelbert about WNBA in Africa](https://beyondthew.com/motherland-drip-angel-mccoughtry-says-shes-talked-to-cathy-engelbert-about-wnba-in-africa/) - All of us in the WNBA family are constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to grow and expand the game. Whether they are players, fans, media, coaches or those that run W operations in New York City, broadening its reach is always a top priority. Angel McCoughtry of the Las Vegas Aces has an
- [Renee Montgomery joins Marshawn Lynch ownership group for upstart football venture](https://beyondthew.com/renee-montgomery-joins-marshawn-lynch-ownership-group-for-upstart-football-venture/) - The business portfolio of the Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery continues to expand. Her latest business move involves her going into the football realm in tandem with one of the greatest NFL players in history. Montgomery announced she has joined the Marshawn Lynch-led ownership group as part of the upstart Fan-Controlled Football League. Lynch’s team, the
- [Sabrina Ionescu’s commitment to Kobe Bryant’s legacy highlighted in new Nike commercial](https://beyondthew.com/sabrina-ionescus-commitment-to-kobe-bryants-legacy-highlighted-in-new-nike-commercial/) - When the untimely demise of Kobe and GiGi Bryant rocked the sports world (and the world) at large, it especially stunned those who had a chance to interact up close and personal with him and his family – one of whom being rising New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu. A new commercial for Nike released
- [Natasha Cloud named Outsports’ Female Hero of the Year](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-named-outsports-female-hero-of-the-year/) - In 2019, Natasha Cloud proved herself to be a force on the court for the Washington Mystics as she was one of its integral pieces that led to Washington claiming its first-ever WNBA championship in 2019. In 2020, Cloud’s impact went far beyond the realm of basketball. As recognition for her efforts outside of the
- [Brian Agler hosts third annual Holiday Hoops camp in Idaho](https://beyondthew.com/brian-agler-hosts-third-annual-holiday-hoops-camp-in-idaho/) - Even after departing from his previous post as coach of the Dallas Wings, Brian Agler apparently still remains a busy man. On the final week prior to the new year, Agler was in Lapwai in the Idaho panhandle to host his third annual Holiday Hoops Classic. KLEW-TV reported that in lieu of larger groups that
- [Basketball, Bargaining, Bubbles and Black Lives Matter: WNBA in 2020](https://beyondthew.com/basketball-bargaining-bubbles-and-black-lives-matter-wnba-in-2020/) - The year 2020 may have (finally) drawn to a close with a 2021 season (the WNBA’s 25th looming), but even with all of the negative that took place in said year, there was still plenty that the WNBA was in the midst of even with a raging pandemic, a renewed conversation around social justice and
- [Column: If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that women’s sports are the future](https://beyondthew.com/column-if-2020-taught-us-anything-its-that-womens-sports-are-the-future/) - One would be hard-pressed to find someone who is not happy that 2020 is in the rear-view mirror and we can now turn our calendars to the new year of 2021. After all, to say that 2020 was simply a bad year would be an understatement. It was a debacle and a travesty outside of
- [Becky Hammon becomes first woman to be a head coach in NBA game](https://beyondthew.com/becky-hammon-becomes-first-woman-to-be-a-head-coach-in-nba-game/) - On the last day of 2020 – a victory in a year that did not give us many victories. It is only an inevitability that Becky Hammon, currently an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs will eventually land a head coaching opportunity. She has been a candidate for jobs in the past
- [Jocelyn Willoughby launches ‘Read What You Sow’ virtual book club](https://beyondthew.com/jocelyn-willoughby-launches-read-what-you-sow-virtual-book-club/) - In 2020, the New York Liberty fielded a roster that consisted of rookies comprising roughly half of the team. One of those rookies was Jocelyn Willoughby, and after having an impactful first season for the seafoam green and black in the bubble in Florida, she has her eye now on turning the page to her
- [Fran Harris to pitch Electra Sports Drink on upcoming ‘Shark Tank’ episode](https://beyondthew.com/fran-harris-to-pitch-electra-sports-drink-on-upcoming-shark-tank-episode/) - If one notices the Electra Sports Drink while shopping around a local supermarket, dollar store, or nutrition store, know that the CEO of Electra is a former WNBA champion. Fran Harris was part of the Houston Comets’ first championship in 1997 and also led the Texas Longhorns to an undefeated mark in 1986. In a
- [Home Court: Candace Parker closes deal on $4 million Los Angeles-area modern farmhouse](https://beyondthew.com/home-court-candace-parker-closes-deal-on-san-fernando-farmhouse/) - When Los Angeles Sparks fans hear the name Candace Parker, they automatically think of her being one of the greatest players in franchise – and WNBA – history. After the Sparks were eliminated in the second round of last year’s playoffs by the Connecticut Sun, intrigue immediately began surrounding her whereabouts for the upcoming season.
- [Lauren Jackson, Val Ackerman, Yolanda Griffith among candidates for Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021](https://beyondthew.com/lauren-jackson-val-ackerman-yolanda-griffith-among-candidates-for-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2021/) - If things go according to plan, the ceremonies for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 will occur in September of said year (with enshrinements for the Class of 2020 scheduled for May). If things go according to plan, several from the women’s basketball realm could be on the list of enshrinees.
- [Sparks extend, promote Derek Fisher to general manager](https://beyondthew.com/sparks-extend-promote-derek-fisher-to-general-manager/) - The organizational shuffle within the Los Angeles Sparks continues. In addition to bringing back Latricia Trammell as assistant coach and seeing Danita Johnson leave the organization as president and COO to assume a job with MLS’ DC United, the Sparks announced that it has decided to extend the contract of coach Derek Fisher. In addition,
- [Lexie Brown shares skincare tips with New York Magazine’s The Cut](https://beyondthew.com/lexie-brown-shares-skincare-tips-with-new-york-magazines-the-cut/) - All one has to do is take one good look at Lexie Brown’s social media accounts to see how she keeps herself up – both on and off the court. With her rigorous training schedule to keep herself WNBA-ready, Brown, says a New York Magazine online article, will have daily workout sessions of two to
- [Angel McCoughtry, Te’a Cooper, Aerial Powers included in upcoming launch of training platform](https://beyondthew.com/angel-mccoughtry-tea-cooper-aerial-powers-included-in-upcoming-launch-of-training-platform/) - On New Year’s Day, Players Media Group plans to launch its new ProClass training platform and a number of familiar names from the basketball ranks will be part of its debut. Among those are three from the WNBA in Angel McCoughtry (Las Vegas Aces), Te’a Cooper (Los Angeles Sparks) and Aerial Powers (Washington Mystics). Chris
- [Report: LA Sparks’ Danita Johnson to be hired as new president of business operations at MLS’ DC United](https://beyondthew.com/report-la-sparks-danita-johnson-to-be-hired-as-new-president-of-business-operations-at-mls-dc-united/) - The Los Angeles Sparks already had a plethora of decisions to make regarding who to keep and who not to keep when the WNBA’s free agency period begins. It looks as if the Magic Johnson-led investment group that owns the Sparks will have another big find on its mind along with its laundry list of
- [Liz Cambage, Leilani Mitchell, Southside Flyers defeat Townsville Fire to win WNBL championship](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-leilani-mitchell-southside-flyers-defeat-townsville-fire-to-win-wnbl-championship/) - Ask women’s basketball fans in Australia, the United States or elsewhere and many will say that the phrase “WNBL Champion Liz Cambage” has a nice ring to it. Congrats @ecambage and the @SouthsideFlyers! @WNBL Champions 🏆#AcesAbroad ✖️ #ALLIN ♦️♠️ https://t.co/FAovIiMyjt pic.twitter.com/vhC53gKkoj — Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) December 20, 2020 After sitting out the 2020 season
- [Maya Moore named Inspiration of the Year at SI Awards](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-named-inspiration-of-the-year-at-si-awards/) - Breanna Stewart (one of the Sportspersons of the Year) was not the only WNBA luminary to be honored at the Sports Illustrated Awards. Maya Moore won the Inspiration of the Year Sports Illustrated Award for her work in fighting criminal justice. (🎥 @SInow) #WNBA pic.twitter.com/cbppgNfumE — NICK HAMILTON (@NickHamiltonLA) December 20, 2020 W royalty was
- [Obama talks WNBA, Maya Moore with Bakari Sellers on Bill Simmons’ podcast](https://beyondthew.com/obama-talks-wnba-maya-moore-with-bakari-sellers-on-bill-simmons-podcast/) - Social activism from the Florida wubble to the streets of Minneapolis, Atlanta and lots of other places defined the WNBA’s place as having an imprint on the year that was 2020. And of course, the president noticed and was pleased to see how athletes used their voices and influence to affect social change. Of course,
- [Diana Taurasi: ‘My sole objective is to be on the court and to be badass’](https://beyondthew.com/diana-taurasi-my-sole-objective-is-to-be-on-the-court-and-to-be-badass/) - One of the WNBA’s GOATs – if not THE GOAT – just said everyone who is already writing the obituary to her career to kick rocks. Diana Taurasi, it appears, has no intentions of putting her jersey away anytime soon, as she revealed in a wide-ranging interview with Katie Barnes of ESPN. I’m not stopping;
- [Jordan Brand adds Te’a Cooper, Crystal Dangerfield, Dearica Hamby, Jordin Canada, Satou Sabally](https://beyondthew.com/jordan-brand-adds-tea-cooper-crystal-dangerfield/) - The Jordan Brand continues to expand its WNBA footprint. Among the WNBA notables the Jumpman logo has inked deals with in the past include Maya Moore – as well as a pair of New York Liberty in Kia Nurse and Asia Durr. Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings also began endorsing Jordan this past year
- [Myisha Hines-Allen nominated for SI’s Breakout of the Year award](https://beyondthew.com/myisha-hines-allen-nominated-for-sis-breakout-of-the-year-award/) - With the 2020 WNBA season being isolated in the IMG Academy wubble in Florida, it prompted several veteran stalwarts of the W to sit out the season – including two of the Washington Mystics’ noteworthy vets in Elena Delle Donne and Tina Charles. This opened the door for lesser-knowns, such as the Mystics’ Myisha Hines-Allen
- [Carmax announced as official auto retailer of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/carmax-announced-as-official-auto-retailer-of-wnba/) - Is it just us … or is the WNBA rolling in sponsorship deals nowadays? Anyway … the more the merrier. And its latest deal puts the WNBA-NBA family in the driver’s seat. Carmax has announced that it is the new official auto retailer of the WNBA, NBA and Turner Sports. It is also the “presenting
- [Joe, Clara Wu Tsai announce first five recipients of Social Justice Fund grants](https://beyondthew.com/joe-clara-wu-tsai-announce-first-five-recipients-of-social-justice-fund-grants/) - Remember when Joe and Clara Wu Tsai announced a $50 million commitment over 10 years to benefit BIPOC equality and social justice initiatives? .@nyliberty owners Joe Tsai & Clara Wu Tsai have pledged $50 million to help benefit BIPOC initiatives over the next decade. pic.twitter.com/vxXcY6zlDC — YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 25, 2020 That was announced
- [Chiney Ogwumike featured in ‘She’s Connected’ video for AT&T](https://beyondthew.com/chiney-ogwumike-featured-in-shes-connected-video-for-att/) - Remember when the WNBA and the WNBPA shook hands on its historic collective bargaining agreement at the beginning of the year? We know – it feels like decades ago. One of the elements of that CBA was the launch of the WNBA’s “Changemakers” initiative which included three primary sponsors – Deloitte (which commissioner Cathy Engelbert
- [Natasha Cloud announced as one of Boardroom’s Top 5 Changemakers of 2020](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-announced-as-one-of-boardrooms-top-5-gamechangers-of-2020/) - Even though Natasha Cloud may not have taken the court at the wubble in Florida for the Washington Mystics, it was still a huge year for her. She was one of several WNBA players that sat out the season – and brought greater attention to the ills of social justice and systemic racism. Top 5
- [All Time Tara: Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer breaks Pat Summitt’s Division I coaching wins record](https://beyondthew.com/all-time-tara-stanfords-tara-vanderveer-breaks-pat-summitts-division-i-coaching-wins-record/) - HERstory. The greatest.#TaraAtTheTop pic.twitter.com/SboiWxxElN — Stanford Women’s Basketball (@StanfordWBB) December 16, 2020 It was a strong likelihood that Stanford women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer would finally reach win No. 1,099 to surpass the late, great Pat Summitt for first all-time on the Division I women’s basketball coaching wins list. It had to be a purely
- [Sports Business Journal awards 2020 Fashion Statement of the Year to WNBA hoodie](https://beyondthew.com/sports-business-journal-awards-2020-fashion-statement-of-the-year-to-wnba-hoodie/) - It has unarguably become the WNBA’s signature apparel item – and it is receiving its kudos from Charlotte-based Sports Business Journal. The sports business publication has awarded the 2020 fashion statement of the year to the orange WNBA hoodie, a glowing indication of the league’s ever expanding growth and reach. Posting pictures with said hoodie
- [Cleveland Rockers – name of former WNBA franchise – suggested by some for its MLB team](https://beyondthew.com/cleveland-rockers-name-of-former-wnba-franchise-suggested-by-some-for-its-mlb-team/) - After the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, renewed attention was brought around the country to weeding out systemic racism in every shape it takes. This included racism in its team names. For example, Washington, D.C.’s NFL team is currently nameless and is referred to as simply the Washington Football
- [NCAA likely to hold entire tournament in one location – possibly San Antonio-Austin](https://beyondthew.com/ncaa-likely-to-hold-entire-tournament-in-one-location-possibly-san-antonio-austin/) - The NCAA had already announced that the men’s basketball tournament would be confined to one locale – likely Indianapolis. In a move that is not much of a surprise, the women’s tournament will likely follow the same lead, according to the Associated Press. A report from the AP’s Doug Feinberg has revealed the NCAA will
- [Chiney Ogwumike defines 'ConqHER' with Eastbay-Adidas collaboration](https://beyondthew.com/chiney-ogwumike-defines-conqher-with-eastbay-adidas-collaboration/) - Scour the internet – or your handheld dictionary for the phrase “boss lady.” It is somewhere in the first tenth of the way scrolling through Webster’s pages. When looking at the definition, one may notice a picture – that of Chiney Ogwumike’s. An All-Star on the court, a businesswoman and an activist off the court
- [Sue Bird, Stephen Curry surprise Seattle COVID-19 physician with generous gift](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-stephen-curry-surprise-seattle-covid-19-physician-with-generous-gift/) - The year 2020 may be remembered as a lost year for everyone because of the coronavirus pandemic. While it has resulted in unparalleled pain and suffering for so many, it has also brought out the best in plenty of us as well. Sue Bird and Stephen Curry, as we all know, are not simply winners
- [Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer moves within one win of NCAA record](https://beyondthew.com/stanfords-tara-vanderveer-moves-within-one-win-of-ncaa-record/) - The 1,098 is great for longtime Stanford Cardinal coach Tara VanDerveer. But 1,099 will be completely divine. And 1,100 will feel like heaven(hundred) on Earth. 1,098 and counting ✅#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/HbkcctpFBy — Stanford Women’s Basketball (@StanfordWBB) December 14, 2020 Celebrating an unmatched legacy 👏#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/GvB3curQF1 — Stanford Women’s Basketball (@StanfordWBB) December 14, 2020 Carrying Pat's legacy
- [Maya Moore, Atlanta Dream honored on BET’s 100 Entertainers and Innovators 2020 list](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-atlanta-dream-honored-on-bets-100-entertainers-and-innovators-2020-list/) - One knows that they have had a memorable 2020 when they find their name on several “Best of 2020” lists in a year where “best” may not always be the most apt description of said year. But that is what happens when you are Maya Moore. She wins at basketball and as she demonstrated in
- [Column: Kelly Loeffler has been compared to Donald Sterling – could she also be … James Dolan?](https://beyondthew.com/column-kelly-loeffler-has-been-compared-to-donald-sterling-could-she-also-be-james-dolan/) - Prior to the entirety of the WNBA descending upon the wubble at the IMG Academy in Florida, one of its owners decided she wanted to be famous. That owner of course was Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream and who was appointed to a vacant Georgia senate seat by its governor Brian Kemp. Loeffler
- [Dallas Wings introduce Vickie Johnson as new coach](https://beyondthew.com/dallas-wings-introduce-vickie-johnson-as-new-coach/) - What was originally reported in an Athletic piece was made official on Thursday afternoon as the Dallas Wings held a virtual press conference to formally announce its new head coach – Vickie Johnson – to Big D. Johnson is familiar with being a WNBA head coach in the state of Texas as she once was
- [Tiffany Mitchell launches non-profit to help single parents](https://beyondthew.com/tiffany-mitchell-launches-non-profit-to-help-single-parents/) - Being effective in the community is as every bit as important to WNBA players as being effective on the court. Tiffany Mitchell is one of those. A star on the rise with the Indiana Fever, she is a name that we will surely hear about for many of the coming years. The South Carolina alum
- [WNBA players stand with Florida high-schoolers who work Black Lives Matter shirts during warm-ups](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-players-stand-with-florida-high-schoolers-who-work-black-lives-matter-shirts-during-warm-ups/) - One thing that has become well-established over many years is while other leagues talk the talk about standing up for what is right, WNBA players actually walk the walk. The latest example takes us to Palm Beach County, Florida where American Heritage-Delray School is located. Apparently, there have been issues with racism on campus and
- [Column: Early prediction – 2021 WNBA season will be played at home arenas](https://beyondthew.com/column-early-prediction-2021-wnba-season-will-be-played-at-home-arenas/) - It is always never too farfetched to look into the future. We are still some months away from the (likely) start of the 2021 WNBA season. Given last year’s 2020 campaign was contested at the IMG/Feld Entertainment wubble in the suburbs of Tampa, Florida, talk in the WNBA family has certainly centered on if there
- [WNBA players take part in Carmelo Anthony’s ‘Through the Lens’ program](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-players-take-part-in-carmelo-anthonys-through-the-lens-program/) - Even with all of the basketball information and access that is readily available right at our fingertips nowadays, there is still plenty that goes on in the offices of the WNBA and NBA that we may never know. Players, such as Carmelo Anthony, know everything. He particularly does because he has spent much of his
- [Renee Montgomery named to Bloomberg 50 2020 list; will be part of Atlanta Hawks broadcast team for Fox Sports Southeast](https://beyondthew.com/renee-montgomery-named-to-bloomberg-50-2020-list/) - When Renee Montgomery decided to sit out the 2020 WNBA season and not venture to the IMG Academy wubble in Bradenton, she tweeted that it was because of bringing attention to social justice issues. She was correct. She not only became a powerful voice for Black Lives Matter, Montgomery urged as many people as possible
- [What did they say? Liberty, Wings, Dream, Fever react to draft lottery results](https://beyondthew.com/what-did-they-say-liberty-wings-dream-fever-react-to-draft-lottery-results/) - With a 44.2% chance at landing the first overall pick, the New York Liberty were sitting in the pole position in the days leading up to the WNBA’s draft lottery. Lo and behold when the results were announced during halftime of ESPN’s telecast of DePaul vs. Louisville. It’s official! 🙌🗽 2021 season tickets are on
- [Breanna Stewart named a 2020 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year for activism](https://beyondthew.com/breanna-stewart-named-a-2020-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year-for-activism/) - One thing about the 2020 season is that the wubble (WNBA bubble) in Bradenton, Florida was not only an outlet for the players of the WNBA to complete a season under the most unusual of circumstances. It was also a season in which the W took its activist message to new heights. Even though players
- [Davenport family asks for postponement of Friday hearing vs. AHSAA](https://beyondthew.com/davenport-family-asks-for-postponement-of-friday-hearing-vs-ahsaa/) - The Maori Davenport saga, already one with its fair share of twists and turns, just took yet another one. The family of the Charles Henderson High School star basketball player – including her mother, Tara Davenport, has filed a motion for a Friday hearing in their lawsuit against the Alabama High School Athletic Association. That
- [AHSAA files motion to have Maori Davenport case moved or dismissed in response to lawsuit](https://beyondthew.com/ahsaa-files-motion-to-have-maori-davenport-case-moved-or-dismissed-in-response-to-lawsuit/) - The Alabama High School Athletic Association has made its moves in response to a lawsuit filed earlier this month by Maori Davenport’s family in Pike County Circuit Court. The AHSAA has asked that the case either be moved to Montgomery County Circuit Court or dismissed altogether. Lawyers for the AHSAA have also asked that Charles
- [Jan. 22 hearing date set for Maori Davenport, AHSAA](https://beyondthew.com/jan-22-hearing-date-set-for-maori-davenport-ahsaa/) - The next stage of the ongoing saga involving Charles Henderson High School girls basketball’s Maori Davenport will occur in a Troy courthouse on Tuesday, January 22. Pike County Circuit Judge Henry “Sonny” Reagan set a hearing for that day at 1:30 p.m. at Pike County Courhouse. The announcement comes on the heels of a temporary
- [Maori Davenport decision leads to AHSAA oversight bill in Alabama state legislature](https://beyondthew.com/maori-davenport-decision-leads-to-ahsaa-oversight-bill-in-alabama-state-legislature/) - The list of people that are pleased about the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s decision regarding Maori Davenport’s eligibility is not a long one. Nowhere on the list will one see a group of Alabama state legislators, which are taking action in response to the AHSAA’s controversial edict. State representative Kyle South announced that he
- [Column: Maori Davenport story proves the kids are alright – not so much the adults](https://beyondthew.com/column-maori-davenport-story-proves-the-kids-are-alright-not-so-much-the-adults/) - As we go and grow through life, we learn a multitude of indelible and valuable lessons from our elders. Whether they are our parents, older siblings, uncles, friends, professors, business colleagues, we look to these adults to be wiser than us young people who are just now starting to figure out what life is all
- [WNBA Draft Lottery: Liberty to pick first for second consecutive year](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-lottery-liberty-to-pick-first-for-second-consecutive-year/) - Fans of a certain other New York City team are looking at the New York Liberty wishing they were as fortunate with draft lotteries as the Lib has been as of late. The irony is that team used to share its Midtown Manhattan arena with the Liberty. When this year’s draft lottery results were announced
- [Lauren Jackson inducted into Sports Australia Hall of Fame](https://beyondthew.com/lauren-jackson-inducted-into-sports-australia-hall-of-fame/) - One of the greatest players in Seattle Storm and Australian basketball history – Lauren Jackson – was to be inducted this year into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame with two WNBA all-time greats in Swin Cash and Tamika Catchings. That induction was, of course, delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It had to still
- [Report: Vickie Johnson to be new coach of Dallas Wings](https://beyondthew.com/report-vickie-johnson-to-be-new-coach-of-dallas-wings/) - One of the lingering, but less-often talked about elements to this WNBA offseason was the Dallas Wings’ coaching status. The lone team (so far) with a coaching vacancy, the Wings and Brian Agler parted ways after the season despite a breakout year for Arike Ogunbowale which had the young Dallas star in this past year’s
- [Washington Post: WNBA influenced Warnock-Loeffler race in Georgia](https://beyondthew.com/washington-post-wnba-influenced-warnock-loeffler-race-in-georgia/) - One cannot look at the Georgia senate runoff between Reverend Raphael Warnock and Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler without looking at how WNBA players turned the tide of the race. A new analysis by the Washington Post shows that the W played a role in turning the race in Warnock’s favor. Angele Delevoye did an
- [Signage arrives at Seattle Storm’s Climate Pledge Arena](https://beyondthew.com/signage-arrives-at-seattle-storms-climate-pledge-arena/) - Onlookers that stroll, drive or take a train ride past Seattle’s primary indoor entertainment venue located in its Lower Queen Anne neighborhood will know for sure the building has a new name instead of its previous identity. The artist formerly known as KeyArena, now Climate Pledge Arena, recently had its signage arrive at the building
- [Where are they now? Anriel Howard signs with WWE, joins Performance Center](https://beyondthew.com/where-are-they-now-anriel-howard-signs-with-wwe-joins-performance-center/) - After being drafted by the Seattle Storm in the 2019 WNBA draft, we have not heard much of Anriel Howard since she was drafted. Until now – because Howard has decided to give it a try in the wrestling ring. Howard has apparently signed a contract with WWE and recently reported to its Performance Center
- [No. 8 NC State earns upset at top-ranked South Carolina](https://beyondthew.com/no-8-nc-state-earns-upset-at-top-ranked-south-carolina/) - The 2020-21 NCAA women’s basketball season is young, but that young season early included a matchup of two of the premier teams currently in the collegiate ranks in No. 1 South Carolina and No. 8 North Carolina State. When all was said and done for this game, it was not the result many outside of
- [WNBA announces Phil Cook as new Chief Marketing Officer](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-phil-cook-as-new-chief-marketing-officer/) - Another day of a first for the WNBA occurred on December 3rd in what has been a busy news week overall for women’s basketball. The league announced that day it has tapped Phil Cook, a veteran in the sports industry to be its first ever Chief Marketing Officer. The #WNBA is excited to announce that
- [WNBA announces draft lottery for Dec. 4 on ESPN at halftime of Louisville vs. DePaul](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-draft-lottery-for-dec-4-on-espn-at-halftime-of-louisville-vs-depaul/) - Ahh….there’s some WNBA news that we have been craving for as of late during this offseason period where it appeared as if we had entered a W news desert. What was first reported by Winsidr has now been announced by the league itself – the 2021 WNBA draft lottery will occur at halftime of the
- [A’ja Wilson, Chiney Ogwumike, Natasha Cloud make Forbes 30 under 30 2021 list](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-chiney-ogwumike-natasha-cloud-make-forbes-30-under-30-2021-list/) - We cannot help but swoon at all of the WNBA representation that appeared on this year’s Forbes 30 under 30 list! Excited to be apart of the @ForbesUnder30 2021 class alongside: @_ajawilson22 @malika_andrews, @ariivory @chiney @T_Cloud4 @ShamsCharania @BenSimmons25 and more!!! https://t.co/1CYVnMQLGO — Khristina Williams (Founder, Girls Talk Sports TV) (@Khristina2334) December 1, 2020 Aint He?!!!
- [Kahleah Copper announced as assistant coach at Purdue Northwest](https://beyondthew.com/kahleah-copper-announced-as-assistant-coach-at-purdue-northwest/) - A short drive or Metra South Shore Line trip from the Chicago Loop will find one at Hammond, Indiana – virtually a stone’s throw from the Illinois-Indiana state line and also the home of Purdue Northwest University. As Kahleah Copper is one of the rising stars for the Chicago Sky, it is only fitting that
- [‘Tis the Season: Tianna Hawkins announces engagement!](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-tianna-hawkins-announces-engagement/) - Has this been the (holiday) season for love or what? Not too long ago, the couple considered the first family of women’s sports – Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their engagement via Instagram. A few days ago, new Philadelphia 76ers signee Dwight Howard announced in an interview that he got secretly married to his
- [Bank $hot: Breanna Stewart invests in NYC-based employer mental health provider](https://beyondthew.com/bank-hot-breanna-stewart-invests-in-nyc-based-employer-mental-health-provider/) - If it is something Breanna Stewart touches, there is good chance it may turn to gold. Or gold and green with a hint of UConn blue. Stewart has not even hit 30 years old yet and already her WNBA resume is as impressive as anyone’s. Already two championships and two Finals MVPs and she appears
- [Fox Sports RSNs to rebrand under Bally Sports name in 2021](https://beyondthew.com/fox-sports-rsns-to-rebrand-under-bally-sports-name-in-2021/) - When fans of several WNBA teams watch their teams ball out in 2021, they will be doing so on networks that no longer carry the “Fox Sports” name. For those that do not know, the Fox Sports regional sports channels are no longer owned and operated by 21st Century Fox proper. They sold those RSNs
- [Kara Lawson adds Jessica Breland to staff at Duke](https://beyondthew.com/kara-lawson-adds-jessica-breland-to-staff-at-duke/) - Even with no season, as we know, WNBA players stay busy in the offseason – and not only with partaking in overseas hoops. As we love to spotlight here at Beyond The W, many have business ventures they are partaking in, modeling opportunities they are pursuing or are taking jobs as coaches or executives with
- [Ryan Ruocco joins ESPN’s main team for NCAA women’s hoops](https://beyondthew.com/ryan-ruocco-joins-espns-main-team-for-ncaa-womens-hoops/) - Among the many things we look forward to over the course of any WNBA season is the voice of the incomparable Ryan Ruocco at the mic for W contests on the ESPN/ABC family of channels. The WNBA has many voices of course, but he is, without question one of its flagship voices. That flagship voice
- [Thanksgiving Column: 5 things WNBA fans can be thankful for in 2020](https://beyondthew.com/thanksgiving-column-5-things-wnba-fans-can-be-thankful-for-in-2020/) - Because of the coronavirus pandemic and the fundamental changes it has made to how people live their lives, we are learning a hard lesson in appreciating things that we previously took for granted in our pre-COVID lives. Sports are, of course, one of these. Sports are also something that has been adversely affected by the
- [Elena Delle Donne, wife Amanda auction ‘Demand Justice’ hoop with proceeds benefitting NAACP](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-wife-amanda-auction-demand-justice-hoop-with-proceeds-benefitting-naacp/) - If one were to check the website DeldonDesigns.com, one may notice an auction at the top of the page for a handmade ‘Demand Justice’ basketball hoop. This is only the latest way in which the Washington Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne and her wife Amanda are hoping to bring awareness to atrocity that is systemic racism.
- [Cheyenne Parker to appear on BET’s ‘Smoke: Marijuana + Black America’ documentary](https://beyondthew.com/cheyenne-parker-to-appear-on-bets-smoke-marijuana-black-america-documentary/) - On Wednesday evening at 10 p.m., BET will air a documentary entitled “Smoke: Marijuana + Black America” that takes a deep look into how marijuana has had a major effect on the Black community and on America as a whole. Narrated by and executive produced by Nas, It examines how much of a cultural symbol
- [Alexis Jones joins Los Angeles-based Queens Gaming Collective](https://beyondthew.com/alexis-jones-joins-los-angeles-based-queens-gaming-collective/) - A newly-created organization that aims at “leveling the playing field for women in gaming like you’ve never seen before” has one of the WNBA’s youngest and brightest among its newly established ranks. Alexis Jones was announced today as part of the company – a brand new gaming lifestyle brand aimed a women that seeks to
- [Column: Let’s look forward to WNBA visits at the White House again](https://beyondthew.com/column-lets-look-forward-to-wnba-visits-at-the-white-house-again/) - On January 21, 2021, we will officially be rid of the…mess…that was the last four years and inaugurate a new president and vice president that will surely restore the White House to some modicum of decency, class and empathy that we are used to from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But also when Joe Biden and Kamala
- [Phoenix Mercury’s Talking Stick Resort Arena to get a new name](https://beyondthew.com/phoenix-mercurys-talking-stick-resort-arena-to-get-a-new-name/) - If it were not for coronavirus, the Phoenix Mercury would have played this past season’s home games at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum as its primary home court, Talking Stick Resort Arena is undergoing renovations. When those renovations are complete, the Mercury will return to the venue that serves as the home court for its team
- [Cathy Engelbert honored by AdWeek as one of the most powerful women in sports](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-honored-by-adweek-as-one-of-the-most-powerful-women-in-sports/) - Lists that spotlight powerful women, whether they are in sports or anyplace, always make us smile for two reasons. One – they display that women too can make boss moves just as good (or even better) than any man. Two – they send a message to young girls that they too can ascend to those
- [Teresa Weatherspoon promoted to New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach](https://beyondthew.com/teresa-weatherspoon-promoted-to-new-orleans-pelicans-assistant-coach/) - With the New Orleans Pelicans set to begin a new era under a new coach in Stan Van Gundy, it was to surely come with a reset for the coaching staff. That reset will include the promotion of Teresa Weatherspoon, who played all but one season of her WNBA career with the New York Liberty,
- [#WVotes2020: Raphael Warnock-Kelly Loeffler Georgia senate race heading to runoff](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-raphael-warnock-kelly-loeffler-georgia-senate-race-heading-to-runoff/) - Even though the presidential race has been decided, election season is far from over – especially if one is living in the state home to the Atlanta Dream. One of the closely watched Senate races happened to be in Georgia – between Dream co-owner, Georgia senator and staunch Black Lives Matter opponent Kelly Loeffler and
- [‘Tis the Season: Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are getting married!](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-sue-bird-and-megan-rapinoe-are-getting-married/) - Sue Bird just wins at everything. And we are here for all of it. After this season in the wubble in which the Seattle Storm became WNBA champions for the fourth time in its history, Bird and Megan Rapinoe continued their winning ways with a little pop of the question … ‼️ OMG ‼️@S10Bird and
- [A’ja Wilson makes guest appearance on NPR’s ‘Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!’](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-makes-guest-appearance-on-nprs-wait-wait-dont-tell-me/) - Flipping through your radio dials this weekend, wander a bit to the left to 92.1 and notice a familiar WNBA voice coming through your speakers? You probably did – that voice was Las Vegas Aces superstar and reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson who was this week’s guest on the NPR comedy quiz show “Wait Wait
- [Nneka, Chiney Ogwumike serve as poll workers at Houston’s Toyota Center](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-chiney-ogwumike-serve-as-poll-workers-at-houstons-toyota-center/) - Whether it is Houston or Los Angeles, the Ogwumikes know how to put on for their city. The 2020 election saw record turnout at the polls – and one of the focal points of said election was Houston, Texas. In spite of continued efforts by the Lone Star State’s governor to restrict access to the
- [Sabrina Ionescu undergoes successful surgery for ankle injury](https://beyondthew.com/sabrina-ionescu-undergoes-successful-surgery-for-ankle-injury/) - One of the biggest lowlights of the 2020 WNBA season was when Sabrina Ionescu rolled her ankle in a game against the Atlanta Dream, sidelining her for the remainder of the season. What made it even worse – it was only Ionescu’s third game donning New York Liberty black and seafoam. The Liberty announced that
- [NBA 2k21 expands its slate of WNBA-related content](https://beyondthew.com/nba-2k21-expands-its-slate-of-wnba-related-content/) - After the last edition’s initial rollout of WNBA offerings in NBA 2K20, there will be even more W content coming our way for 2K21. In a blog post, Felicia Steenhouse, 2K21’s senior producer announced that NBA 2K21 would include a franchise mode, a MyPlayer experience and a new 3v3 multiplayer online mode. Big Next Gen
- [Where are they now? Former WNBA president Laurel Richie named to Hasbro’s Board of Directors](https://beyondthew.com/where-are-they-now-former-wnba-president-laurel-richie-named-to-hasbros-board-of-directors/) - Even in life after the WNBA, business still is .. well, busy for one of the W’s former commissioners…er…league presidents. Laurel Richie, who was the WNBA’s president from 2011-15 recently was announced as a member of the Board of Directors of Hasbro. Prior to ascending to the W’s ranks, she was the chief marketing officer
- [#WVotes2020: Seattle Storm endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-seattle-storm-endorse-joe-biden-and-kamala-harris/) - VOTE. It is not every day when you see whole teams endorse candidates for political office. Team owners will donate money to candidates (as the Washington Mystics’ Ted Leonsis has done for Democrats and the Atlanta Dream’s Kelly Loeffler has done for Republicans) – and those are endorsements by proxy – but this is rare.
- [Candace Parker announced as investor in LA’s NWSL team](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-announced-as-investor-in-las-nwsl-team/) - It will not be long before NWSL soccer will be on its way to the City of Angels. The team – which officially announced itself as Angel City FC – has received financial assistance from a litany of noteworthy celebrities. One of those noteworthy celebrities – the Los Angeles Sparks’ Candace Parker. She and her
- [#WVotes2020: Sparks co-owner Magic Johnson campaigns for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in Michigan](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-sparks-co-owner-magic-johnson-campaigns-for-joe-biden-and-kamala-harris-in-michigan/) - VOTE. We have only 16 days to do so and every political campaign – including the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris presidential ticket are hoping to maximize turnout across the country in hopes we are referring to Biden and Harris as “president-elect” and “vice president-elect” the evening of November 3rd and morning of November 4th. Among those
- [Sue Bird keeps it real on comparisons between WNBA and soccer players](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-keeps-it-real-on-comparisons-between-wnba-and-soccer-players/) - The “first family” of women’s sports is arguably Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe – both champions in their respective sports of basketball and soccer. Both are also white women. While this may be the case, Bird is well-aware of the racial complexities of both sports as soccer is mostly played in the United States by
- [Yelena Leuchanka released from prison in Belarus](https://beyondthew.com/yelena-leuchanka-released-from-prison-in-belarus/) - After being arrested at an airport in Belarus, former WNBA player Yelena Leuchanka was freed from prison this past Thursday. Leuchanka was serving a 15-day prison service for what was termed as violating edicts on public gatherings. What she was really arrested for was protesting the election of the country’s “president” who was re-elected to
- [#RealRecognizeReal: Lakers’ Avery Bradley donated over $30,000 in supplies to Wubble for WNBA moms](https://beyondthew.com/realrecognizereal-lakers-avery-bradley-donated-over-30000-in-supplies-to-wubble-for-wnba-mothers/) - Good karma apparently happens when you do right by the WNBA. A few days after the Seattle Storm claimed its fourth WNBA championship in the IMG Wubble in Bradenton/Palmetto, the Los Angeles Lakers burst the NBA’s bubble in Disney World by defeating the Miami Heat in six games for the NBA championship. We all know
- [WNBA teams up with Glossier for new 'Body Hero' ad campaign](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-teams-up-with-glossier-for-new-body-hero-ad-campaign/) - A few years ago, New York-based cosmetics brand Glossier launched its “Body Hero” campaign and teamed up with several notable women of high stature – including the WNBA family’s very own Swin Cash. https://www.instagram.com/p/BY_6Itih-ab/?utm_source=ig_embed Obviously, both the W and the brand were onto something good with that partnership and have decided to go all in
- [#WVotes2020: Mystics team up with other Washington teams for voter registration event at DC ESA](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-mystics-team-up-with-other-washington-teams-for-voter-registration-event-at-dc-esa/) - VOTE. As of today, according to Elect Project, nearly 18 million votes have ALREADY been cast in this year’s election – and those numbers (already astronomical) cannot possibly be high enough. The last day to register for the election in Washington, DC was October 13 and the District’s sports teams – including the 2019 WNBA
- [Dallas Wings part ways with coach Brian Agler after two seasons](https://beyondthew.com/dallas-wings-part-ways-with-coach-brian-agler-after-two-seasons/) - Who had “Dallas Wings coaching change” on their WNBA 2020-21 offseason bingo card? Well…whoever had it is a winner following huge news coming out of Arlington that the Wings were indeed parting ways with coach Brian Agler after two seasons in Big D. 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | The Dallas Wings and Brian Agler have mutually agreed to
- [Ford Models signs Esports deal with Aerial Powers](https://beyondthew.com/ford-models-signs-esports-deal-with-aerial-powers/) - It is nothing new to hear about WNBA players signing deals with modeling agencies. It is, however, unique for a WNBA player to sign a deal with a modeling agency with an esports element. Ford Models, which has offices in the international fashion hubs of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris and Sao Paulo
- [A’ja Wilson, Swin Cash, Bria Hartley team up with Gabrielle Union for Secret’s #RaiseItUp initiative](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-swin-cash-bria-hartley-team-up-with-gabrielle-union-for-secrets-raiseitup-initiative/) - What happens when a past WNBA great, a two current WNBA greats and a well-known Black woman celebrity team up together with Secret Deodorant? A much-meaning campaign aimed at women affected by the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGnvVTBZ8I/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDQ5-LBLJW/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDcHRmpeTV/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-B6FTnQe5/ The WNBA greats in question are Swin Cash, A’ja Wilson, Bria Hartley and the Black woman
- [WNBA receives Wilma Rudolph Award at Salute to Women in Sports](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-receives-wilma-rudolph-award-at-salute-to-women-in-sports/) - The 2020 WNBA season was not only about the competition we saw on the court – not at all. It was about furthering the conversation around police brutality and racial injustice. From painting “Black Lives Matter” on both courts to wearing Breonna Taylor’s name on the backs of their jerseys to protesting the shooting of
- [Tampa Bay, Phoenix announced as NCAA Women’s Final Four sites for 2025, 2026](https://beyondthew.com/tampa-bay-phoenix-announced-as-ncaa-womens-final-four-sites-for-2025-2026/) - San Antonio (2021), Minneapolis (2022), Dallas (2023) and Cleveland (2024) will soon be joined by two other cities on the NCAA Women’s Final Four “Where to, W?” list. The NCAA announced the 2025 and 2026 sites for the Women’s Final Four and decided to reward a couple of warm weather cities for the honors. The
- [WNBL prepares to host season in three Queensland bubbles](https://beyondthew.com/wnbl-prepares-to-host-season-in-three-queensland-bubbles/) - Given how Australia has handled the coronavirus pandemic as opposed to … (grrr…) The United States … they may not necessarily have to host the upcoming season in a bubble like North American sports leagues have done. But with coronavirus still raging across the world, Australia’s WNBL is taking no chances. And rightly so. The
- [WNBA inks new workflow solutions deal with ServiceNow](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-inks-new-workflow-solutions-deal-with-servicenow/) - One thing about the coronavirus pandemic – it has greatly affected the economy at large, but it has not stopped the WNBA from inking new partnerships. From the DoorDash deal it inked during the course of the season in the Wubble to the recent announcement that several players will be Body Heroes for Glossier, the
- [6 storylines to watch out for as WNBA offseason begins](https://beyondthew.com/5-storylines-to-watch-out-for-as-wnba-offseason-begins/) - The 2020 WNBA season, somehow and some way, is in the books and was completed with the Seattle Storm winning its fourth championship in franchise history. The Storm are now tied with the Houston Comets and Minnesota Lynx for the most crowns all-time in the WNBA. We know the storylines that usually proceed a WNBA
- [Seattle Storm celebrate 2020 championship with virtual rally, flag raising at Space Needle](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-storm-celebrate-2020-championship-with-virtual-rally-flag-raising-at-space-needle/) - Seattle is a basketball city that bleeds green and gold. The Emerald City proved this during the years of the Seattle Supersonics and it has continued into the success of the Seattle Storm. Even though the celebrations have been a bit more muted due to Mr. Covid, a championship is still a championship. And the
- [ESPN: WNBA Finals ratings increased 15% over 2019](https://beyondthew.com/espn-wnba-finals-ratings-increased-15-over-2019/) - For all of the continued talk that “no one” watches the WNBA, the fact that the ratings for WNBA games continued to go in one direction – up – displays that somebody is watching. Or, there are simply lots of people out there who are named “no one.” According to an ESPN press release, the
- [Liberty’s Jocelyn Willoughby to appear at Fall Benefit for Write on Sports in October](https://beyondthew.com/libertys-jocelyn-willoughby-to-appear-at-fall-benefit-for-write-on-sports-in-october/) - Encouraging literacy and the ability to write among our youth is among one of the most important skills one can have as they advance into their teenage and adult years. If one happens to be a sports fan – as many kids are, what better way to sharpen one’s skills as a writer than writing
- [Cathy Engelbert to take part in October ‘Team Up For Change’ summit on Oct. 21](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-to-take-part-in-october-team-up-for-change-summit-on-oct-21/) - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will be part of an upcoming virtual ‘Team Up For Change’ summit that will include several other WNBA and NBA teams. According to a release, there will be a three-hour live stream on October 21 and will feature speakers from the Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever and
- [Agent: Cappie Pondexter found safe after worries of her whereabouts](https://beyondthew.com/agent-cappie-pondexter-found-safe-after-worries-of-her-whereabouts/) - A scary situation unfolded after an initial tweet was put out indicating that Cappie Pondexter, who retired from the WNBA in 2019, had gone missing for several days. Pondexter’s career spanned several teams – including the Chicago Sky, New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury – where she won two WNBA championships. According
- [Seattle Storm announce virtual rally to celebrate 2020 championship](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-storm-announce-virtual-rally-to-celebrate-2020-championship/) - In lieu of an actual parade through downtown Seattle (as was the case in 2018), the Seattle Storm are taking to the virtual realm to honor its team after winning its latest bit of hardware. The 2020 WNBA champion Storm have announced a virtual rally set for Friday in celebration of the franchise’s fourth crown.
- [WNBA Finals: Seattle Storm win fourth championship, Breanna Stewart earns second Finals MVP](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-seattle-storm-win-fourth-championship-breanna-stewart-earns-second-finals-mvp/) - DynaSty. ⛈️ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 4️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 ⛈️ 🏆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐖𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! 🏆#StrongerThanEver #WeRepSe4ttle pic.twitter.com/sP3gFBfnXJ — WNBA Champs (@seattlestorm) October 7, 2020 🧹🧹🧹#StrongerThanEver #WeRepSe4ttle pic.twitter.com/vG37kTp9G1 — WNBA Champs (@seattlestorm) October 7, 2020 🏆🏆🏆🏆#StrongerThanEver #WeRepSe4ttle pic.twitter.com/Y0yHu9pnXO — WNBA Champs (@seattlestorm) October 7, 2020 ⛈️ 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 ⛈️#WeRepSe4ttle pic.twitter.com/wOamNgzDwH — WNBA Champs (@seattlestorm) October 7, 2020 The
- [Column: Sue Bird belongs on Mount Rushmore of Seattle sports](https://beyondthew.com/column-sue-bird-is-an-all-time-seattle-sports-great/) - Put some respect … in fact, put ALL the respect on the name of Sue Bird – Seattle sports icon … and Long Island’s very own. After closing out the wubble with its fourth WNBA championship, the Seattle Storm have tied the Minnesota Lynx and Houston Comets for the most titles in W history. And
- [Column: Cathy Engelbert’s WNBA wubble was a success – women come through again](https://beyondthew.com/column-cathy-engelberts-wnba-wubble-was-a-success-women-come-through-again/) - The 2020 WNBA season has concluded with the Seattle Storm re-establishing itself as the premier team to beat in the league. But – when the coronavirus pandemic began, it was very much up in the air if there would even be a WNBA season. We all had our doubts from the logistical challenges of overseas
- [WNBA well-repped on Sports Illustrated’s list of powerful women](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-well-repped-on-sports-illustrateds-list-of-powerful-women/) - Not too long ago, SI released a list of some of the most powerful women in sports and there was more than plenty of WNBA on that list. Sports Illustrated’s list read like a who’s who of women’s sports luminaries. When you are on a list that includes Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, Simone Manuel,
- [Maya Moore to be inducted in Georgia Sports Hall of Fame](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-to-be-inducted-in-georgia-sports-hall-of-fame/) - The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame knows greatness when it sees it. Maya Moore has not played basketball in two years but is still receiving her much-deserved kudos for her accomplishments. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Moore has been selected as one of several inductees into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. We've got BIG
- [WNBA Finals Game 2: Storm set assist record, lead 2-0 in series with Aces](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-game-2-storm-set-assist-record-lead-2-0-in-series-with-aces/) - If the Seattle Storm have its way on Tuesday night, that will be the evening where we as WNBA fans will be bidding farewell to the wubble. In Game 1, it was Sue Bird setting a personal record for most assists in a single WNBA Finals contest. For Game 2, the entire Storm team decided
- [WNBA announces All-First and Second Teams for 2020](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-all-first-and-second-teams-for-2020/) - The W’s wubble season of 2020 is coming to a close, but not before it still had a few more awards to give out to commemorate a number of its players that made plenty of waves in said wubble. Of course, what is a WNBA All-First Team without the woman who was named the WNBA’s
- [WNBA Finals Game 1: Breanna Stewart’s 37 points, 15 rebounds lead Storm to 1-0 lead over Aces](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-finals-game-1-breanna-stewarts-37-points-15-rebounds-lead-storm-to-1-0-lead-over-aces/) - Despite being the No. 2 seed to the Las Vegas Aces’ No. 1, the Seattle Storm were still tabbed as the odds-on-favorite to claim the WNBA championship for 2020 when all was said and done. In Game 1, the Storm looked like the odds-on-favorites they are. 🐍 𝓖𝓞𝓛𝓓 𝓜𝓐𝓜𝓑𝓐 🐍@jewellloyd#StrongerThanEver x @Symetra pic.twitter.com/pBIioPFmHz — Seattle
- [Sue Bird, Seattle Storm top WNBA jersey, merchandise sales for 2020](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-seattle-storm-top-wnba-jersey-merchandise-sales-for-2020/) - Green and gold equaled plenty of green for our orange-logoed WNBA in its wubble year of 2020. This season proved that established veteran names still maintain plenty of staying power as Sue Bird’s No. 10 Seattle Storm jersey proved to be the top seller for the year. Second was Diana Taurasi’s Phoenix Mercury wear and
- [Cathy Engelbert: WNBA viewership up 68%, no positive COVID tests, All-Star Game planned for 2021](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-wnba-viewership-up-68-no-positive-covid-tests-all-star-game-planned-for-2021/) - Typically, the WNBA commissioner gives her State of the League address around the All-Star Game, but 2020 was not set to be an All-Star year even before the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to sequester itself at the IMG wubble in Florida. So, Cathy Engelbert gave her state of the league address from the wubble
- [Tianna Hawkins, John Wall deliver $10K check to breast cancer survivor](https://beyondthew.com/tianna-hawkins-john-wall-deliver-10k-check-to-breast-cancer-survivor/) - With bubble/wubble life for our fave basketball players wrapping up, many WNBA players are taking their talents overseas to begin their seasons with their international teams where they earn more money (for now) than in the WNBA. Others are also putting more time into philanthropic efforts – a common thread among the W’s ecosystem. Enter
- [Yelena Leuchanka arrested at Belarus airport over protests](https://beyondthew.com/yelena-leuchanka-arrested-at-belarus-airport-over-protests/) - Basketball and international politics had one of its most notable interactions recently when the Boston Celtics’ Enes Kanter became an outspoken critic of the Turkish government. Turkey put out a warrant for his arrest, at one point he was unable to be in contact with his family and Ankara accused Kanter of being a terrorist
- [2020 WNBA Finals Preview: Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces](https://beyondthew.com/2020-wnba-finals-preview-seattle-storm-vs-las-vegas-aces/) - March feels like it was so long ago … and it was at that point of the year that because of the coronavirus pandemic, we did not even know if there would even be a 2020 WNBA season. But after moving all 12 teams to the IMG wubble in Florida and in the midst of
- [‘I’m so proud of my six-foot-eight body and everything I can do with it.’ – Liz Cambage in Playboy](https://beyondthew.com/im-so-proud-of-my-six-foot-eight-body-and-everything-i-can-do-with-it-liz-cambage-in-playboy/) - Just because Liz Cambage was unable to make it to the Florida wubble for the 2020 WNBA season does not mean her plate has not been full during this year of Mr. Covid. She has stayed in training mode if you follow her Instagram, she has rallied at Black Lives Matter protests in Australia and
- [Under Armour debuts ‘Breakthru’ women’s basketball sneaker](https://beyondthew.com/under-armour-debuts-breakthru-womens-basketball-sneaker/) - Any sportswear brand that looks to make money and remain successful understands that the women’s market is extremely lucrative – and that ignoring this market is a quick way to fumble the bag. Brands such as Nike (Jordan Brand), Puma and others have recognized this. Baltimore-based Under Armour appears to have received the memo as
- [Semifinals: Aces mount furious comeback over Sun, advance to WNBA Finals with Storm](https://beyondthew.com/semifinals-aces-mount-furious-comeback-over-sun-advance-to-wnba-finals-with-storm/) - Game 5 of the WNBA’s semifinals between the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun looked like a Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals. And in spite of a promising start for the Sun, the Aces proved to be three points better than Connecticut on Tuesday night as the Aces bested the Sun by a final
- [Nneka Ogwumike announced as recipient of Kim Perrot award](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-ogwumike-announced-as-recipient-of-kim-perrot-award/) - For a league as progressive as the WNBA, recognizing its talent for what it does away from the court can be just as important as what it does on the court. This makes the recipient of the Kim Perrot Award for Sportsmanship a very noteworthy honor within the W. And this year’s winner of said
- [WNBA All-Defensive teams announced … with no Candace Parker](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-all-defensive-teams-announced-with-no-candace-parker/) - As we know, playoff season in the WNBA also means awards season. And even with the unique circumstances of playing the season in the wubble this year, there were still plenty of worthwhile performances that were award-worthy. Plenty of those came on the defensive end of the floor. Just as there are names throughout the
- [#WVotes2020: Hoopers Vote initiative spearheaded by WNBA players](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-hoopers-vote-initiative-spearheaded-by-wnba-players/) - VOTE. We have less than 40 days until our votes will be counted in what is unquestionably the most important election in our lifetimes. So it is imperative to ensure as many people as possible find their ways to the polls. Whether it has been on the court at the wubble or on social media,
- [Semifinals: Storm clinch WNBA Finals berth, Aces force Game 5 with Sun](https://beyondthew.com/semifinals-storm-clinch-wnba-finals-berth-aces-force-game-5-with-sun/) - From the first opening tip in the wubble, the Seattle Storm have looked like a team that is on a mission – take back what they believe is rightfully theirs. Without Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart last season, the Storm still made the playoffs but were mired at the sixth seed and were bounced out
- [Dawn Staley featured on LeBron James-produced Netflix documentary](https://beyondthew.com/dawn-staley-featured-on-lebron-james-produced-netflix-documentary/) - The next time you are feeling the vibes to “Netflix and Chill,” make this latest documentary about one of women’s sports’ most notable names in one’s itinerary. Netflix has a documentary called, “The Playbook” which has dedicated five episodes to highlighting the career of Dawn Staley – Philadelphia basketball icon, former Temple coach, current South
- [Chennedy Carter, Crystal Dangerfield headline WNBA 2020 All-Rookie team](https://beyondthew.com/chennedy-carter-crystal-dangerfield-headline-wnba-2020-all-rookie-team/) - Even amongst the unusual circumstances of the wubble, our 12 WNBA teams still gave us the best efforts they had. With so many veterans sitting out the season due to Covid-19 concerns and travel issues, it opened up roster spots for more youngsters looking to make an early mark on the W’s landscape. Five of
- [Candace Parker wins Defensive Player of the Year, Betnijah Laney is Most Improved Player](https://beyondthew.com/candace-parker-wins-defensive-player-of-the-year-betnijah-laney-is-most-improved-player/) - In addition to it being the postseason (and it thankfully always being social justice season within the WNBA), it has also been awards season. From A’ja Wilson winning the MVP award, Cheryl Reeve being named Coach of the Year to Crystal Dangerfield winning Rookie of the Year, lots of news has been made commemorating coaches
- [Semifinals: Alyssa Thomas wills Sun to Game 3 win over Aces, Storm go up 2-0 on Lynx](https://beyondthew.com/semifinals-alyssa-thomas-wills-sun-to-game-3-win-over-aces-storm-go-up-2-0-on-lynx/) - If you are a Connecticut Sun fan, you probably would like to forget what happened in Game 2 of the team’s semifinal contest with the Las Vegas Aces. Late turnovers, a shoulder injury to Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson looking like the league MVP she is all equaled the Aces evening up its semifinal tilt
- [#WVotes2020: Calls growing for Mystics’ DC Entertainment and Sports Arena to serve as voting ‘supercenter’](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-calls-growing-for-mystics-dc-entertainment-and-sports-arena-to-serve-as-voting-supercenter/) - VOTE. As we get closer to the big day of November 3rd, it has never been more important to ensure every single eligible voter has fair and equal access to the ballot. Because of increased mail-in votes, turnout for this election is expected to be sky-high – more than likely surpassing the meager 60% turnout
- [WNBA community reacts to grand jury announcement in Breonna Taylor case](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-community-reacts-to-grand-jury-announcement-in-breonna-taylor-case/) - Wednesday, September 23 was a sadly historic day. For over 100 days, since the police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, the calls have been loud and often for the three officers involved in her murder to be arrested and indicted. That day – the announcement came. No murder charges and virtually no indictments related
- [Chelsea Clinton joining Liberty CEO Keia Clarke for Oct. 1 virtual ‘She Persisted’ event](https://beyondthew.com/chelsea-clinton-joining-liberty-ceo-keia-clarke-for-oct-1-virtual-she-persisted-event/) - Lib Loyal already experiencing withdrawals? How about this? Greenlight Bookstore, based in Brooklyn, will hold a virtual event on October 1st featuring former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke. The event is to celebrate the launch of Clinton’s “She Persisted In Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game.” Libs Fam,
- [Semifinals: Alysha Clark wins Game 1 for Storm, Aces tie series with Sun at 1-1](https://beyondthew.com/semifinals-alysha-clark-wins-game-1-for-storm-aces-tie-series-with-sun-at-1-1/) - It may have taken a couple of days for the second semifinals series (Seattle Storm vs. Minnesota Lynx) to finally get going. But when it did, it was a treat for WNBA fans. The WNBA moved Game 1 up from Sunday to Tuesday out of concerns related to inconclusive Covid-19 testing, but it was then
- [Kia Nurse joins TSN as analyst for hoops coverage](https://beyondthew.com/kia-nurse-joins-tsn-as-analyst-for-hoops-coverage/) - Renee Montgomery, Candace Parker and Chiney Ogwumike are just a few of our biggest and brightest from the WNBA that have crossed over into the media ranks in simply the last few months. Today, that space got a bit bigger, but this time, on the northern end of the Canada-United States border. Canadian Hoops Star
- [Semifinals: Jasmine Thomas leads Sun to Game 1 win; Storm-Lynx postponed to Tuesday due to COVID test](https://beyondthew.com/semifinals-jasmine-thomas-leads-sun-to-game-1-win-storm-lynx-postponed-to-tuesday-due-to-covid-test/) - Of the four teams that advanced to this year’s WNBA semifinals, two advanced to those same semis last year. Ironically, those two teams happen to be playing each other this year in the semis – the Connecticut Sun and Las Vegas Aces. And once again, the Sun are using the #disrespeCT of doubters to its
- [WNBA honors the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg prior to Game 1 of Sun-Aces](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-honors-the-late-ruth-bader-ginsburg-prior-to-game-1-of-sun-aces/) - The year 2020 has taken another icon from us. Longtime United States Supreme Court justice and champion for civil and women’s rights, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, passed away this weekend. Ginsburg was 87 years of age at the time of her death. Prior to Game 1 of one of the two WNBA semifinals series featuring the
- [Dearica Hamby wins sixth woman of the year, Dan Padover named executive of the year](https://beyondthew.com/dearica-hamby-wins-sixth-woman-of-the-year-dan-padover-named-executive-of-the-year/) - As if A’ja Wilson winning the MVP award was not enough, the Las Vegas Aces are simply showing out and showing off on the topic of awards from the 2020 wubble. The W’s top seed added to its trophy case when the Sixth Woman of the Year and Executive of the Year awards were announced.
- [2020 Wubble Playoffs: Aces, Storm, Lynx, Sun to semifinals](https://beyondthew.com/2020-wubble-playoffs-aces-storm-lynx-sun-to-semifinals/) - It was improbable that we would reach this point in the season simply a few short months ago – but we have completed a season and are now about to reach the apex of said season. Every recent WNBA season has started with 12 teams in pursuit of one championship. Four of those teams now
- [A’ja Wilson wins MVP, Crystal Dangerfield gets Rookie of the Year, Cheryl Reeve is 3x Coach of the Year](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-wins-mvp-crystal-dangerfield-gets-rookie-of-the-year-cheryl-reeve-is-3x-coach-of-the-year/) - With the WNBA’s regular season in the books, it was time to hand out some awards to some well-deserving players and coaches. Regardless of if the 2020 season were to be played in a wubble or at home arenas, A’ja Wilson was a preseason pick by many Wundits to claim this year’s MVP award given
- [‘Tis The Season: Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons announce they are MARRIED!](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-maya-moore-and-jonathan-irons-announce-they-are-married/) - At long last, 2020 finally gave us a feel-good story. Everyone, both inside and outside of the WNBA ecosystem we are part of knew the story of how Jonathan Irons was wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit – and was sentenced to 50 years in prison because of it. Everyone, both inside
- [2020 Wubble Playoffs: Shay Peddy hits buzzer-beater lifting Mercury over Mystics, Sun eliminate Sky](https://beyondthew.com/2020-wubble-playoffs-shay-peddy-hits-buzzer-beater-lifting-mercury-over-mystics-sun-eliminate-sky/) - Wubble. Ball. Is. Different. When looking at the Phoenix Mercury’s roster, two names stick out as the ones you most likely want with the ball in their hands in the final seconds to get your team to win. There is, of course, Diana Taurasi and there is also Skylar Diggins-Smith. Brittney Griner is another name,
- [Atlanta Dream’s Betnijah Laney signs with Distinction Agency](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dreams-betnijah-laney-signs-with-distinction-agency/) - Prior to when the 2020 season tipped off at the Florida wubble, the Miami-based Distinction Agency announced it had signed Indiana Fever veteran Erica Wheeler to a marketing contract. The firm has marketing arrangements with both Wheeler as well as with Tiffany Bias. Distinction can now add another from the WNBA ranks to its list
- [Aces clinch #1 overall seed in playoffs, defending champion Mystics earn 8th berth](https://beyondthew.com/aces-clinch-1-overall-seed-in-playoffs-defending-champion-mystics-earn-8th-berth/) - With the wubble regular season in the books and the postseason on the horizon, it is now all about contending for the 2020 WNBA championship. After Sunday’s slate of games, the playoff picture at the outset is officially set in stone. It became much clearer after a nationally-televised contest on ABC between the top two
- [Arike Ogunbowale launches clothing line on website](https://beyondthew.com/arike-ogunbowale-launches-clothing-line-on-website/) - If the last two years have not told one anything, it should tell you that Arike Ogunbowale is coming for the takeover. SHE CALLED IT. @Arike_O #ArikeMVP pic.twitter.com/YrcKT3YHMQ — Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 13, 2020 Her brand became well-established in women’s basketball circles through her time at Notre Dame when she became a household name
- [WNBA announces all postseason games to air on ESPN networks](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-all-postseason-games-to-air-on-espn-networks/) - In the case of this year’s WNBA playoffs, fans will not have any problems tuning in to watch this year’s wubble tournament. ESPN and the WNBA announced that every postseason contest this year will be televised on the Worldwide Leader’s family of networks – that include ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC as well as the
- [Becky Hammon under consideration for Indiana Pacers coaching job](https://beyondthew.com/becky-hammon-under-consideration-for-indiana-pacers-coaching-job/) - If Becky Hammon is not a worthwhile candidate for head coaching positions in the NBA … then why is she still being under consideration for NBA jobs? After the Indiana Pacers were dispatched from the Disney bubble in the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Eastern Conference Finals-bound Miami Heat, the Pacers parted
- [Black Lives Matter protestors make presence known at Kelly Loeffler event in Georgia](https://beyondthew.com/black-lives-matter-protestors-make-presence-known-at-kelly-loeffler-event-in-georgia/) - It is no surprise that when Kelly Loeffler, Atlanta Dream co-owner and U.S. Senator from Georgia, began voicing her opinion to Black Lives Matter, WNBA players would express their displeasure early and often. Since making controversial comments prior to the start of the 2020 season, players and fans have made it well-known that they want
- [Report: Cleveland Browns’ Jimmy Haslam expressing interest in buying Minnesota Lynx, Timberwolves](https://beyondthew.com/report-cleveland-browns-jimmy-haslam-expressing-interest-in-buying-minnesota-lynx-timberwolves/) - Remember all the smoke we had for Kelly Loeffler when she tried to go in on the Black Lives Matter movement earlier in the summer? WNBA … do not make us have to reserve some of that same smoke for a certain owner of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. According to Sportico, the Browns’ owner is
- [WNBA teams join Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings for ‘Team Up for Change’](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-teams-join-milwaukee-bucks-sacramento-kings-for-team-up-for-change/) - This year’s “Team Up For Change” initiative spearheaded by the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks has additional meaning this year given the Milwaukee suburb of Kenosha had every eye in the country fixated on it in the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake by police. In this year’s installment of the initiative, three WNBA
- [#WVotes2020: Barclays, Staples, Fieldhouse to become polling locations for November election](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-some-wnba-arenas-to-become-polling-locations-for-election/) - VOTE. And it appears, thanks to a recent agreement that the NBPA brokered with the NBA, that some polling locations may very well be WNBA arenas. As everyone knows, the shooting of Jacob Blake prompted plenty of symbolic action from the sporting realm – including a postponement of an NBA playoff game between the Milwaukee
- [Courtney Vandersloot sets single-game record for assists with 18](https://beyondthew.com/courtney-vandersloot-sets-single-game-record-for-assists-with-18/) - The 2020 WNBA season has had its fair share of highlights and lowlights, but when this season is over, one of the things we will remember about this season was how Courtney Vandersloot made history in the Wubble. Courtney Vandersloot just set a new WNBA record with 18 assists in a game. Tough 💪 (via
- [Mohegan Sun Arena – home of Connecticut Sun – to host Big East Women’s Tournament](https://beyondthew.com/mohegan-sun-arena-home-of-connecticut-sun-to-host-big-east-womens-tournament/) - UConn rejoining the Big East is apparently paying major dividends for the conference as it allows it to host one of its signature tournaments once again in the Constitution/Nutmeg State. The Big East announced recently that the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville – the home court of the Connecticut Sun – will be the new
- [Report: Dawn Staley open to talks with 76ers about coaching job](https://beyondthew.com/report-dawn-staley-open-to-talks-with-76ers-about-coaching-job/) - After the Philadelphia 76ers were unceremoniously swept out of the NBA playoffs by the Boston Celtics, the Sixers “Process” took a major hit when the organization fired Brett Brown as head coach. Could the Sixers go full Philly with their next coaching hire? According to a report from Mike Uva of WACH-TV Fox 57 in
- [Storm, Aces, Sparks become first teams to clinch playoff berths](https://beyondthew.com/storm-aces-sparks-become-first-teams-to-clinch-playoff-berths/) - It is hard to believe, still. But we are more than halfway through this most unusual of WNBA seasons – and while it feels like one that has simply come and gone, we are starting to catch a glimpse of what the playoff picture is resembling. As of today, three teams in the WNBA have
- [Black Lives Matter: WNBA postpones Wednesday, Thursday games in protest of Jacob Blake shooting](https://beyondthew.com/black-lives-matter-wnba-postpones-wednesdays-games-in-protest-of-jacob-blake-shooting/) - In 2016, in the wake of the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police, it was WNBA players – particularly those from the Minnesota Lynx, Indiana Fever and New York Liberty that led the way in on-court demonstrations which furthered the conversation towards change. Now, after another senseless police shooting of an unarmed
- [Layshia Clarendon takes part in Liberty UNITY panel; Tsais pledge $50 million for social justice initiatives](https://beyondthew.com/layshia-clarendon-to-take-part-in-liberty-unity-panel-emphasizing-sayhername/) - With a renewed focus on the plight of Black women being the victims of police brutality, it was only appropriate that #SayHerName be the focus of this year’s New York Liberty UNITY panel prior to its annual UNITY game. The Liberty were scheduled to play the Dallas Wings on Thursday Aug. 27 for this year's
- [Diana Taurasi scores 34 points while paying tribute to Kobe Bryant](https://beyondthew.com/diana-taurasi-scores-34-points-while-paying-tribute-to-kobe-bryant/) - On August 23rd the entire sports world, including the WNBA paid tributes to the late, great Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 42nd birthday. He, his daughter Gianna and several others died earlier this year in a helicopter crash in California. Diana Taurasi was one of the many within the WNBA that paid
- [Report: Glen Taylor in ‘advanced talks’ with Daniel Straus investment group to purchase Lynx, Timberwolves](https://beyondthew.com/report-glen-taylor-in-advanced-talks-with-daniel-straus-investment-group-to-purchase-lynx-timberwolves/) - No need to worry, Minnesota Lynx fans. The indications are that the Minnesota Lynx will remain the Minnesota Lynx. Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic are reporting that a group led by Daniel E. Straus, the former minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, are in advanced talks to purchase the Lynx and the
- [DoorDash becomes official on-demand delivery platform of WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/doordash-becomes-official-on-demand-delivery-platform-of-wnba/) - A few years ago, advertisements for DoorDash began appearing at NBA games – most notably for the Golden State Warriors, notably in the backyard of DoorDash in the Bay Area. In the coming years, we will be seeing a lot more of the Palo Alto-based DoorDash at basketball games as the company announced it will
- [Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve addresses John Focke controversy](https://beyondthew.com/lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-addresses-john-focke-controversy/) - The name John Focke is very familiar to WNBA fans – particularly fans of the Minnesota Lynx. Focke was the long-time radio voice of Minnesota Lynx games on 106.1 Bob FM in the Twin Cities before he departed from Minnesota and went south to Charlotte to become the new play-by-play voice of Hornets games on
- [Brittany Brewer pens letter addressing allegations against Texas Tech](https://beyondthew.com/brittany-brewer-pens-letter-addressing-allegations-against-texas-tech/) - Lubbock, Texas has been rocked by allegations involving the Texas Tech women’s basketball program. USA Today spoke to several players that played under Marlene Stollings at Texas Tech and detailed extensive abuse within the program. Allegations include forcing players to maintain an elevated heart rate, hostility towards international players, being reprimanded by coaches for displaying
- [Liz Cambage to make WNBL return with Southside Flyers](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-to-make-wnbl-return-with-southside-flyers/) - Because of the atrocity that is Mr. Covid, Liz Cambage is one of many WNBA notables that were unable to make it to Florida’s wubble for the 2020 season – even though her W team, the Las Vegas Aces, has emerged as one of the top teams this year and A’ja Wilson has emerged as
- [Sue Bird talks WNBA, injuries, Black Lives Matter, sneakers with Showtime’s Desus & Mero](https://beyondthew.com/sue-bird-talks-wnba-injuries-black-lives-matter-sneakers-with-showtimes-desus-mero/) - Desus & Mero meets A Touch More. The Bronx meets Long Island. Sue Bird took a break from making absolute mincemeat of WNBA opponents with her Seattle Storm to chat with Desus Nice and The Kid Mero for a wide-ranging interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=968&v=7sf2YMFecHc&feature=emb_title The future Women’s Basketball and Naismith Hall of Famer (and three-time WNBA champion)
- [#WVotes2020: WNBA teams participating in 'Rally the Vote,' 'Unite the Vote' initiatives](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-wnba-teams-participating-in-rally-the-vote-unite-the-vote-initiatives/) - VOTE. If it is one thing we know, the act of voting has never been more important than it is now in this most crucial of election seasons. In addition to players themselves looking to get out this message, WNBA teams are also doing the same. Several teams – such as the Chicago Sky, Indiana
- [Cathy Engelbert to keynote virtual event for Variety Sports & Entertainment](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-to-keynote-virtual-event-for-variety-sports-entertainment/) - Variety announced that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will be one of three keynote speakers at its Sports & Entertainment virtual conversations that will air on August 28. Engelbert, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers were announced as the keynote speakers. The conversations will occur at Variety’s Streaming
- [#WVotes2020: WNBA players wearing T-shirts backing Raphael Warnock – a challenger to Kelly Loeffler’s Senate seat](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-wnba-players-wearing-t-shirts-backing-raphael-warnock-a-challenger-to-kelly-loefflers-senate-seat/) - VOTE. We are @wnba players, but like the late, great John Lewis said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision. @ReverendWarnock has spent his life fighting for the people and we need him in Washington. Join the movement for a better Georgia at https://t.co/hC8iF9urak pic.twitter.com/mvN5e9m4oO — Elizabeth Williams (@E_Williams_1) August 4, 2020 Don't boo...VOTE
- [#WVotes2020: WNBA social media reactions to Joe Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris as runningmate](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-wnba-social-media-reactions-to-joe-bidens-selection-of-kamala-harris-as-runningmate/) - VOTE. As we all know, WNBA players are among the most socially conscious athletes in sports – and the WNBA community as a whole is among the most socially conscious communities there is. Given this, one knows many within the W were glued to the ongoing build-up to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s selection for
- [Pac-12 sports cancellations to affect women’s basketball schedule](https://beyondthew.com/pac-12-sports-cancellations-to-affect-womens-basketball-schedule/) - The chatter of the sports world so far this week has been how Power 5 conferences that are within the NCAA may or may not decide to play fall sports this season – such as volleyball, women’s soccer and – of course – football. In addition to football cancellations involving the MAC, the Big South
- [WNBA announces 10 regular season games to be live-streamed via Twitter](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-10-regular-season-games-to-be-live-streamed-via-twitter/) - In previous seasons, part of the WNBA’s efforts to broaden its reach have included the livestreaming of select games via Twitter – in addition to its existing partnerships with the ESPN/ABC family of networks, CBS Sports Network and NBA TV, of course. Even with this season being secluded in the Florida wubble of the Tampa-St.
- [Renee Montgomery debuts ‘WNBA Weekly’ show on NBA TV](https://beyondthew.com/renee-montgomery-debuts-wnba-weekly-show-on-nba-tv/) - While we give queens like Chiney Ogwumike her flowers for making waves as a media personality in addition to her WNBA career, the Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery is becoming a force in front of the camera as much as she is on the court. She decided to sit out the 2020 WNBA season at the
- [Swin Cash announced as part of USA Basketball Foundation Board of Directors](https://beyondthew.com/swin-cash-announced-as-part-of-usa-basketball-foundation-board-of-directors/) - WNBA all-time great and current New Orleans Pelicans vice president of basketball operations Swin Cash can add another bullet point by her already extensive resume. The USA Basketball Foundation, which was established in 2019, announced that she will be one of five members of its five-person board of directors. USA Basketball Foundation board members serve
- [Column: Sabrina Ionescu’s setback only sets her – and the Liberty – up for a bigger comeback](https://beyondthew.com/column-sabrina-ionescus-setback-only-sets-her-and-the-liberty-up-for-a-bigger-comeback/) - Even with this most unusual of WNBA seasons taking place in the most unusual of circumstances, no one could have predicted that its latest of young stars will possibly not play for the remainder of the season. That young star is, of course, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty. In only her third game
- [‘Tis the Season: Tamera Young announces engagement to Mimi Faust of 'Love and Hip Hop Atlanta'](https://beyondthew.com/tis-the-season-tamera-young-announces-engagement-to-mimi-faust-of-love-and-hip-hop-atlanta/) - While the coronavirus pandemic has taken away many things we hold dear, love still springs eternal even in unusual times. Ask Tamera Young. While not currently playing for a team, she shared news of her latest victory on her Instagram account with the announcement that she and her longtime girlfriend, Mimi Faust, are now engaged.
- [Minnesota Lynx, Timberwolves on the market?](https://beyondthew.com/minnesota-lynx-timberwolves-on-the-market/) - In recent years, the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty have undergone ownership changes with that of the Aces also coming in tandem with a relocation from San Antonio to Sin City. The Liberty’s ownership change from James Dolan and MSG to Joe Tsai and BSE also came with a much-hoped for relocation of
- [Sylvia Fowles becomes WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder](https://beyondthew.com/sylvia-fowles-becomes-wnbas-all-time-leading-rebounder/) - Sweet Syl probably envisioned herself accomplishing this milestone moment in her career in front of thousands of cheering fans at Target Center in Minneapolis as opposed to the secluded wubble in Florida. Nonetheless, Sylvia Fowles made history in the Minnesota Lynx’s contest with the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night when she hauled in her seventh
- [A’ja Wilson, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Angel McCoughtry playlists part of LeBron James’ Uninterrupted Radio](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-skylar-diggins-smith-angel-mccoughtry-playlists-part-of-lebron-james-uninterrupted-radio/) - What do you get when a bunch of WNBA and NBA players curate their playlists together in collaboration with one of the nation’s leading media companies? An entire radio station with said curated playlists with basketball having returned. Sirius XM’s Pandora announced the launch of Uninterrupted Radio, a collaboration between Sirius XM and Uninterrupted (LeBron
- [Tropical Storm Isaias forecasted to be headed to Florida](https://beyondthew.com/tropical-storm-isaias-forecasted-to-be-headed-to-florida/) - While the 2020 WNBA season has got off to a roaring start at the Florida wubble, everyone on our minds at the IMG Academy may need to be on the lookout for a possible looming problem that has nothing to do with the coronavirus. A tropical system bringing heavy rain to the Caribbean could soon
- [WNBA Wubble Edition: Opening Weekend Recap](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-wubble-edition-opening-weekend-recap/) - Were we treated to some scintillating basketball from the Florida wubble? Or were we treated to some scintillating basketball inside the wubble? Of course we were. The 2020 WNBA season began with a bang from the two courts in the Tampa-St. Petersburg suburbs. And while it still was a surreal environment in which sports were
- [Column: WNBA will be proven to be on right side of history](https://beyondthew.com/column-wnba-will-be-proven-to-be-on-right-side-of-history/) - In this most atypical of WNBA seasons, it is entirely unusual even in our modern sporting climate for a league’s opening day – or in this case an opening week to be devoted to something bigger than the final score. But the WNBA has never been a typical sports league. With the vast majority of
- [#WVotes2020: Michelle Obama addresses WNBA, NBA players about significance of voting](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-michelle-obama-addresses-wnba-nba-players-about-significance-of-voting/) - VOTE. That was the primary message that NBA and WNBA players in their respective Florida bubbles received when they were greeted by a very special guest – the forever FLOTUS herself. According to Chris Paul, the NBPA booked Michelle Obama as a guest speaker for a Sunday conference call. He said that it was the
- [Kyrie Irving to donate $1.5 million to WNBA players sitting out season](https://beyondthew.com/kyrie-irving-to-donate-1-5-million-to-wnba-players-sitting-out-season/) - Sports fans have their collective opinions about Kyrie Irving. Whether it was his “flat earth” comments from a few years ago, or his pushing earlier this year that there probably should not be an NBA season, the current Brooklyn Net and former Cleveland Cavalier is one to let his opinions known. He is also one
- [ESPN adds 13 more WNBA games to 2020 schedule](https://beyondthew.com/espn-adds-13-more-wnba-games-to-2020-schedule/) - Trolls – answer us a question? If “nobody” watches the WNBA as you so vociferously claim, then why would ESPN add more of its 2020 season to its sports schedule? Keep trying … keep trying … ESPN already plenty of the W to show prior to its latest announcement, but it has concluded that putting
- [David Stern to be posthumously inducted into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame](https://beyondthew.com/david-stern-to-be-posthumously-inducted-into-womens-basketball-hall-of-fame/) - Among sports fans, simply hearing the name “David Stern” is one to conjure up a number of emotions. Regardless of if one loved him or hated him, one cannot deny the impact that he had on the NBA, which included growing the league into an international sport. He also had a major impact on women’s
- [Under Armour inks endorsement deals with Ty Harris, Bella Alarie, Kaila Charles](https://beyondthew.com/under-armour-inks-endorsement-deals-with-ty-harris-bella-alarie-kaila-charles/) - Yes, making it to the WNBA is cool, but do you know the feeling of not only making it into the W, but upon arrival inking one of your first endorsement deals? That is what three of the WNBA’s rookies realized when Under Armour came to them and wanted to talk dollars and cents. The
- [WNBA Wubble Edition: 2020 season preview – at last a Seattle-Phoenix Finals?](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-wubble-edition-2020-season-preview-at-last-a-seattle-phoenix-finals/) - Since joining Beyond The W in 2016, I have rarely if ever written season preview pieces because we tailor our site to focus more on highlighting the women of the W as cultural icons which they are. But given the unusual nature of this season – which tips off in a few days – I
- [Keia Clarke promoted to CEO of New York Liberty](https://beyondthew.com/keia-clarke-promoted-to-ceo-of-new-york-liberty/) - Among the many things we stan within the WNBA community are a #BossLady and #BlackGirlMagic. There have been many names throughout the history of the New York Liberty, the W’s flagship franchise, that are synonymous with said franchise. Rebecca Lobo, Teresa Weatherspoon, Tina Charles and now Sabrina Ionescu. From a front office perspective, Keia Clarke
- [A’ja Wilson reflects on Rep. John Lewis’ passing](https://beyondthew.com/aja-wilson-reflects-on-rep-john-lewis-passing/) - A few days ago, we lost a civil rights icon when Georgia Representative John Lewis, after a battle with pancreatic cancer, died at the age of 80. For his entire life, Lewis had been known for causing “Good Trouble” in advancing civil rights initiatives. He was part of the 1963 March on Washington, was brutalized
- [Angel McCoughtry: Atlanta Dream’s Kelly Loeffler playing the political game](https://beyondthew.com/angel-mccoughtry-atlanta-dreams-kelly-loeffler-playing-the-political-game/) - As a former member of the Atlanta Dream, Angel McCoughtry knows all about Kelly Loeffler – one of the team’s co-owners and current controversial United States Senator from Georgia. Loeffler has been much maligned for comments she has made in recent weeks regarding open carry by Black Americans and her disagreement with the WNBA using
- [Washington Mystics’ Tina Charles medical exemption approved, pens Players' Tribune piece on social change](https://beyondthew.com/washington-mystics-tina-charles-medical-exemption-approved-pens-players-tribune-piece-on-social-change/) - On the heels of reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne’s medical opt-out request being denied (then the team announcing it would pay Delle Donne’s full salary), another noteworthy (and new) Washington Mystic will also not be bubble-bound for the 2020 season. Tina Charles, who was acquired by the Mystics in a three-team trade in April
- [WNBA announces 2020 schedule in Florida, Storm vs. Liberty on ESPN July 25](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-2020-schedule-in-florida-storm-vs-liberty-on-espn-july-25/) - While this WNBA season will be unlike any season we have ever seen for the most unfortunate of reasons, the league based on a few pictures shared by some social media accounts appears to be prepared to take to what will be a very aesthetically pleasing court (or courts). 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄. 🤩#RISE pic.twitter.com/aZXWwnm0dJ — Dallas
- [Elena Delle Donne says medical opt-out request denied](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-says-medical-opt-out-request-denied/) - According to Elena Delle Donne, the reigning league MVP for the Washington Mystics had her request denied to opt out of the 2020 season due to medical concerns. In a statement she released to ESPN, the panel of doctors appointed by the WNBA said she is not at high-risk and should be allowed to play
- [Kara Lawson hired at women’s basketball coach at Duke](https://beyondthew.com/kara-lawson-hired-at-womens-basketball-coach-at-duke/) - At the school known far and wide for “Coach K,” another “Coach K” is joining the ranks in Durham. OFFICIAL. Welcome to Duke, Kara Lawson! pic.twitter.com/0IIV5WprPD — Duke Women’s Basketball (@DukeWBB) July 11, 2020 Following a stint under Brad Stevens as assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, Kara Lawson will travel south on I-95 (and
- [Column: Kelly Loeffler should go – but who should replace her?](https://beyondthew.com/column-kelly-loeffler-should-go-but-who-should-replace-her/) - Shoutouts to everyone out there that had “Kelly Loeffler becoming the most loathed name in WNBA circles” on their 2020 W bingo cards. I can’t believe I ever stepped foot in Kelly’s house and shared a meal with her. It’s actually really hurtful to see her true colors. I had no idea while I played
- [Chiney Ogwumike lands drive-time show on ESPN Radio](https://beyondthew.com/chiney-ogwumike-lands-drive-time-show-on-espn-radio/) - The younger sister of the WNBA’s first family continues to make move after move after move. In addition to excelling on the court throughout her WNBA career – whether it is with the Connecticut Sun or now with the Los Angeles Sparks (alongside her sister Nneka), she has excelled as a media personality. This has
- [Wubble Trouble? WNBA players detail conditions in Florida](https://beyondthew.com/wubble-trouble-wnba-players-detail-conditions-in-florida/) - The WNBA’s plans to have its season take place in Florida at the IMG Academy were already much-maligned by many – especially with Florida’s coronavirus case load becoming among the highest in the nation with no signs of abating thanks to a botched response by governor Ron DeSantis. But he has deemed sports “essential” in
- [Breonna Taylor’s name to be featured on WNBA jerseys](https://beyondthew.com/breonna-taylors-name-to-be-featured-on-wnba-jerseys/) - While this WNBA season will be unusual for obvious reasons, it will still be one where attention to social justice will be at the forefront. In addition to featuring the message of Black Lives Matter on jerseys, the WNBA and its union will put particular focus on women killed at the hands of police or
- [Column: Maya Moore embodies why athletes should never ‘stick to sports’](https://beyondthew.com/column-maya-moore-embodies-why-athletes-should-never-stick-to-sports/) - When Maya Moore announced she was taking off the 2019 and 2020 seasons to take on other pursuits, she could have easily decided to put away her Minnesota Lynx jersey and walk away from the game. To say that Moore’s career is a decorated one is an understatement. Two-time NCAA national champion with UConn. Four-time
- [Maya Moore: Jonathan Irons freed from Missouri prison](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-jonathan-irons-freed-from-missouri-prison/) - Justice. WNBA star Maya Moore sat out the entire season last year and helped overturn the conviction of Jonathan Irons, who was serving a 50-year prison sentence. He was finally released today. (via @MooreMaya) pic.twitter.com/fUWEEFP1nz — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2020 For Black people in the United States, justice seems difficult to come by.
- [Report: WNBA planning to paint ‘Black Lives Matter’ on IMG Academy courts](https://beyondthew.com/report-wnba-planning-to-paint-black-lives-matter-on-img-academy-courts/) - If one thing is definitely true about the WNBA as well as its big brother league – the NBA – they are very open to player feedback because both understand that they have zero product without said players. While we can debate the safety and logistical pitfalls that could give the W a less-than-ideal time
- [Washington Mystics, Jostens unveil 2019 championship rings](https://beyondthew.com/washington-mystics-jostens-unveil-2019-championship-rings/) - Red, white, blue and silver. As the reigning WNBA champions, the Washington Mystics needed a championship ring that was fitting of its newfound status – especially since it is the first championship in the organization’s history. Low and behold … the Mystics, thanks to Jostens, were crafted a ring fitting of said newfound status. 🎶
- [Indiana Fever’s Erica Wheeler becomes brand ambassador for Fitlight](https://beyondthew.com/indiana-fevers-erica-wheeler-becomes-brand-ambassador-for-fitlight/) - The delay of the 2020 WNBA season due to the coronavirus is not stopping the Indiana Fever’s reigning All-Star Game MVP Erica Wheeler from making major money moves. On the heels of her inking a deal with a Miami-based marketing agency, Wheeler has been announced as an official brand ambassador for Fitlight – also with
- [Atlanta Dream’s Kelly Loeffler in hot water after comments regarding open carry by Black Americans](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dreams-kelly-loeffler-in-hot-water-after-comments-regarding-open-carry-by-black-americans/) - Ever since Atlanta Dream owner and current senator out of Georgia Kelly Loeffler crossed over from the sporting realm into more political prominence, she has found herself under scrutiny by the WNBA community. Her tweets and comments (as well as her reported stock deals amid the coronavirus outbreak) has called for many WNBA backers on
- [Seattle Storm coach Dan Hughes to miss 2020 season](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-storm-coach-dan-hughes-to-miss-2020-season/) - Last year, Seattle Storm coach Dan Hughes missed a portion of the 2019 season as he was battling cancer. This week, it was announced that he will miss this season due to concerns regarding the coronavirus. The WNBA and his physician determined that he is at high-risk for severe illness related to Covid-19 and should
- [Converse to pay Natasha Cloud’s salary while she sits out 2020 WNBA season](https://beyondthew.com/converse-to-pay-natasha-clouds-salary-while-she-sits-out-2020-wnba-season/) - This is what we mean when we talk about if companies decide to step up or not. Actions always will speak louder than words. With Natasha Cloud deciding to sit out the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice issues, she effectively forfeited her salary for this season. The Washington Mystics star recently announced
- [Former LA Sparks GM Penny Toler speaks on lawsuit, allegations](https://beyondthew.com/former-la-sparks-gm-penny-toler-speaks-on-lawsuit-allegations/) - With everything happening in the WNBA nowadays, we almost forgot that one of its major-market teams is embroiled in a lawsuit – the details of which look like a classic script for an intriguing Black television drama. Former Los Angeles Sparks general manager Penny Toler recently spoke to Forbes about her lawsuit against the team.
- [The Greenhouse that Sue Built: Seattle Storm’s new venue to be called Climate Pledge Arena](https://beyondthew.com/the-greenhouse-that-sue-built-seattle-storms-new-venue-to-be-called-climate-pledge-arena/) - When the Seattle Storm return to the venue formerly known as KeyArena, it will be have a message that will emphasize a different type of green as opposed to the green in the Storm’s logo. Jeff Bezos and Amazon, which won the naming rights to the new arena, made a major announcement on his Instagram
- [Angel McCoughtry starts #SayTheirNames WNBA jersey petition](https://beyondthew.com/angel-mccoughtry-starts-saytheirnames-wnba-jersey-petition/) - Even with several noteworthy players announcing their intent to not play this year, all indications are (unless something changes between now and late July) that there will be a WNBA season and it will be sequestered at Florida’s IMG Academy. This despite a rising virus case load in the Bradenton area and Florida as a
- [Column: Cathy Engelbert, WNBA need to reconsider its Florida summer getaway](https://beyondthew.com/column-cathy-engelbert-wnba-need-to-reconsider-its-florida-summer-getaway/) - In typical times, the idea of traveling to Florida in the summertime seems like an occasion anyone would look forward to. From the theme parks of Orlando to the sun, sand, surf and beaches of its coasts to the nightclubs and diversity of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason
- [Seattle arena construction delayed due to coronavirus, could affect Storm in 2021](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-arena-construction-delayed-due-to-coronavirus-could-affect-storm-in-2021/) - Another coronavirus-induced delay in arena construction that was to be expected. *Le Sigh* This time it is in Seattle, where work on a new sports venue that was to replace KeyArena was slated to be done sometime in the summer of next season, but has been delayed because of the pandemic. Because of this, it
- [Indiana Fever’s Erica Wheeler inks deal with Miami marketing agency](https://beyondthew.com/indiana-fevers-erica-wheeler-inks-deal-with-miami-marketing-agency/) - As a veteran in the WNBA, Erica Wheeler’s brand is already well-established within basketball circles. That brand soared to new heights after her performance in last year’s All-Star Game that earned the Indiana Fever guard All-Star MVP honors. As her latest move displays, she is also very committed to ensuring she has a strong off-brand
- [Layshia Clarendon talks importance of Black votes, social justice at Liberty’s Juneteenth event](https://beyondthew.com/layshia-clarendon-talks-importance-of-black-votes-social-justice-at-libertys-juneteenth-event/) - More than ever, Black people are understanding the power and importance of their power, their voices and their votes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPEQydgQ0Y On June 19th, a celebratory day honoring the freeing of slaves in the United States, the New York Liberty held a star-studded virtual panel that included a number of notable figures from the realms of
- [WNBA, WNBPA honored with Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award for work on CBA](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-wnbpa-honored-with-stuart-scott-enspire-award-for-work-on-cba/) - This year’s ESPY Awards, being entirely virtual, was devoid of the pomp and circumstance that typically come with the annual event that honors the best of sports. It was still no less notable – especially for a WNBA perspective. It and its players union were honored with the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award for its work
- [Connecticut Sun launch ‘Change Can’t Wait’ platform](https://beyondthew.com/connecticut-sun-launch-change-cant-wait-platform/) - New England is an area of the country that gets a bad reputation for being a hotbed of racism in spite of its liberal political views. The WNBA and its teams are not simply mere sports organizations – they have established themselves as change agents in their respective communities. New England’s resident team is no
- [1-On-1: Instagram Live chat with Dallas Wings’ Isabelle Harrison](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-instagram-live-chat-with-dallas-wings-isabelle-harrison/) - For our next Instagram live chat rendition, we were joined by forward and center for the Dallas Wings … Isabelle Harrison! https://www.instagram.com/p/CBg-9KDBPsC/ We chatted it up with her about her time in Italy, the happenings that have going on lately with the Dallas Wings, losing Skylar Diggins-Smith to free agency and the Phoenix Mercury, her
- [Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery announces she will sit out 2020 WNBA season](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dreams-renee-montgomery-announces-she-will-sit-out-2020-wnba-season/) - Even though the WNBA appears to be on the verge of converging in its own IMG Academy bubble in Florida, one of the Atlanta Dream’s signature players believes there are more important social justice bubbles that need to be popped. The Dream were expected to take a huge leap forward after the busy offseason they
- [WNBA announces plan to start season in late July at Florida’s IMG Academy](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-plan-to-start-season-in-late-july-at-floridas-img-academy/) - Last week, the great Arielle Chambers posted a thread on Twitter detailing conversations she had with players in the talks between the league and its union regarding a 2020 WNBA season. Those disagreements she mentioned were particularly between the WNBPA’s executive committee and the players as a whole. Those included talks of a 60% salary
- [Liberty to host Juneteenth virtual panel with Layshia Clarendon, Angela Yee, Rapsody](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-to-host-juneteenth-virtual-panel-with-layshia-clarendon-angela-yee-rapsody/) - Among the many things the New York Liberty have exceled at over the years have been basketball, community service and wanting to be a force for change. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBTzbjznhSH/ With renewed attention on the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality of Black people, the Liberty will host a star-studded panel on June 19th centering on
- [#WVotes2020: Skylar Diggins-Smith joins LeBron James’ ‘More Than a Vote’ organization](https://beyondthew.com/wvotes2020-skylar-diggins-smith-joins-lebron-james-more-than-a-vote-organization/) - VOTE. Unfortunately, there are many forces at hand that want to ensure as few Black people vote in this election as possible. But with what we know is at stake in this election, Black individuals have been chomping at the bit to vote since that fateful November night in 2016 when … we know what
- [Liberty’s Joe Tsai backs Black Lives Matter protests at Barclays Center](https://beyondthew.com/libertys-joe-tsai-backs-black-lives-matter-protests-at-barclays-center/) - Joe Tsai, current owner of the New York Liberty gets it. James Dolan, previous owner of the Lib…not so much. Let’s focus on the now and not dwell so much on the past. One of the focal points of the Black Lives Matter protests in New York City have been Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the
- [Natasha Cloud, Kristi Toliver, Renee Montgomery, Tiffany Hayes included in NBA conference call](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-kristi-toliver-renee-montgomery-tiffany-hayes-included-in-nba-conference-call/) - While WNBA players appear to be closing in on a deal with the league to stage a 22-game season at the IMG Academy in Florida, the NBA is in the midst of a similar discussion over whether or not to restart its season at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in
- [Las Vegas Aces ‘Hamby Heave’ nominated for 2020 ESPY Award](https://beyondthew.com/las-vegas-aces-hamby-heave-nominated-for-2020-espy-award/) - To this day if one shows this highlight to a Chicago sports fan, she or he is likely to use some more than colorful language not exactly recommended for Sunday service. The reigning 6th Woman of the Year is up for an ESPY!🏆 Vote for @dearicamarie and The Shot! 👉 https://t.co/HIyCGA3jX2pic.twitter.com/TtWmhvcmv4 — Las Vegas Aces
- [Kelsey Plum undergoes successful Achilles surgery, will miss 2020 season](https://beyondthew.com/kelsey-plum-undergoes-successful-achilles-surgery-will-miss-2020-season/) - If (and recent developments indicate that if will soon turn into a when) there is a 2020 WNBA season, the Las Vegas Aces, who were preseason favorites by many to take home this year’s championship back to Sin City will be without one of its key pieces. Kelsey Plum, the No. 1 overall 2017 draft
- [Mystics announce 2020 tickets can be used for 2021 season](https://beyondthew.com/mystics-announce-2020-tickets-can-be-used-for-2021-season/) - With all indications pointing to the likelihood that the WNBA will be sequestered at the IMG Academy in Florida for this upcoming season, fans of the defending champion Washington Mystics will be able to roll over their 2020 season tickets to the 2021 season. Season ticket holders, the Mystics announced can keep seating locations and
- [Natasha Cloud lands deal to become first woman athlete signed to Converse](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-lands-deal-to-become-first-woman-athlete-signed-to-converse/) - Even with no basketball being played, Natasha Cloud of the defending WNBA champion Washington Mystics is as much of one off the court as she is on it. In addition to winning a ring last year in Washington, she has also been one of the most notable WNBA stars that has used her voice to
- [Women’s basketball players, fans talk to Teen Vogue about their passion for the game](https://beyondthew.com/womens-basketball-players-fans-talk-to-teen-vogue-about-their-passion-for-the-game/) - It is 2017, and while the women’s basketball game, admittedly, has strides left to make to put itself on equal footing (in terms of coverage) as the men’s game, the women’s game has made strides over the years. A common stereotype that is thrown out amongst the masses is that the game of women’s basketball
- [1-On-1: Instagram Live Chat with Erica McCall](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-instagram-live-chat-with-erica-mccall/) - Our last two Instagram Live get-togethers have featured players from the Chicago Sky. We at Beyond The W decided to switch things up a bit this time and check in with a WNBA name who is currently a free agent in Erica McCall! https://www.instagram.com/p/CBRbMXKhNlk/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CBRdmMRhuDa/ McCall previously was with the Indiana Fever who drafted her
- [Column: It is time to fearlessly combat racism and sexism - on and off the court](https://beyondthew.com/column-it-is-time-to-fearlessly-combat-racism-and-sexism-on-and-off-the-court/) - One of the most common lexicons we hear in our human vernacular is “A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand.” Well…what if that house was erected on a flimsy (and uneven) foundation from the outset? If there was ever a time not to “stick to sports,” now is that time. To be critically honest, sports
- [Report: WNBA considering Florida or Las Vegas for 2020 season](https://beyondthew.com/report-wnba-considering-florida-or-las-vegas-for-2020-season/) - With sports slowly, but surely (but safely?) returning to our television screens and states gradually opening back up for business, the evidence is becoming increasingly clear that a 2020 WNBA season is in the cards. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said in multiple interviews that the league is considering multiple scenarios for a return to
- [Natasha Cloud calls out athlete silence in Players’ Tribune article](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-calls-out-athlete-silence-in-players-tribune-article/) - A notable Washington Mystic is tired as are all of us of the constant and consistent mistreatment of Black people in spite of all of the contributions African-Americans have made over the years to the country. But Natasha Cloud’s issue is not necessarily with those that may say anything to justify why racism exists. Her
- [Lynx and Timberwolves to partner with The Minneapolis Foundation in addressing racism, injustice](https://beyondthew.com/lynx-and-timberwolves-to-partner-with-the-minneapolis-foundation-in-addressing-racism-injustice/) - Minnesota – the very state in which George Floyd was killed in at the hands of Minneapolis police has become the epicenter of the current movement against racism in the United States. How organizations – especially those in Minnesota – respond to these happenings say a lot about an organization’s culture and values. The Minnesota
- [Sabrina Ionescu named Female Amateur Athlete of the Year at Oregon Sports Awards](https://beyondthew.com/sabrina-ionescu-named-female-amateur-athlete-of-the-year-at-oregon-sports-awards/) - Newsflash – that Sabrina Ionescu is pretty good. This award goes to the outstanding male and female amateur athletes with a state of Oregon background— high school, college or by residency— whose accomplishments brought credit to the state. Congratulations Sabrina Ionescu (3x winner) and Payton Pritchard!#oregonsportsawards pic.twitter.com/RCEP5i82Ro — Oregon Sports Awards (@ORSportsAwards) May 28, 2020
- [Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony postponed](https://beyondthew.com/naismith-basketball-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-postponed/) - Go away, corona. Just go away and never come back. While the main topic on everyone’s minds is addressing systemic racism, we may have forgotten that there is a mean, vile, ugly, ashy, nasty virus still out there looking to do more damage. Over 100,000 in the United States alone have lost their lives to
- [1-On-1: Instagram Live chat with Chicago Sky’s Sydney Colson](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-instagram-live-chat-with-chicago-skys-sydney-colson/) - After chatting it up with the Chicago Sky’s Cheyenne Parker not too long ago, we at Beyond The W continued our virtual trek through the Windy City by inviting one of Parker’s new teammates in Sydney Colson for an Instagram Live get-together! https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq6NL2hjVK/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq9OzIhpVv/ Our talk with her was so in-depth, we had to split
- [Mercury Makes NCAA Scoring Leader Stella Johnson the Second-Ever MAAC Draft Choice](https://beyondthew.com/mercury-makes-ncaa-scoring-leader-stella-johnson-the-second-ever-maac-draft-choice/) - By Scott Mammoser Despite leading Division I with 24.8 points per game, Stella Johnson of Rider University flew under many people’s radars. The Phoenix Mercury validated her legitimacy as a big-time player, taking the 5-foot-10 guard with the 29th pick in the WNBA Draft. “It puts mid-major schools on the map,” Johnson said, “all of
- [Maya Moore announced as finalist for ESPN’s Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-announced-as-finalist-for-espns-muhammad-ali-sports-humanitarian-award/) - A winner at basketball and a winner at life, one of the WNBA’s all-time greats is up for what is consider a major sports honor. ESPN announced that the Sports Humanitarian Awards would be done in combination with this year’s ESPY Awards that will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. eastern. One of the finalists
- [Katie Lou Samuelson shares struggles with mental health in ESPN piece](https://beyondthew.com/katie-lou-samuelson-writes-piece-on-mental-health-struggles-for-espn/) - Sometimes, the toughest battle an athlete can fight is not against an opponent, or balancing life as a human being and athlete or handling all of the media scrutiny that comes with the glitz and glamour of pro sports. Sometimes, that toughest battle is with oneself. WNBA players have been very open over the years
- [Las Vegas Aces bring back Carolyn Swords, waive two other players](https://beyondthew.com/las-vegas-aces-bring-back-carolyn-swords-waive-two-other-players/) - Well….that was a short “retirement” for WNBA veteran Carolyn Swords. A few months ago, she announced her retirement from basketball, but would be remaining with the Las Vegas Aces as part of its front office. Instead, the Aces elected to bring back swords as part of the team while waiving Avery Warley-Talbert and Lauren Manis.
- [Cathy Engelbert working on scenarios that could ensure WNBA plays in 2020](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-working-on-scenarios-that-could-ensure-wnba-plays-in-2020/) - With the entire country (and world) still embroiled in the battle against coronavirus, it presents challenges for any sport looking to reopen its doors and get back on the fields of play. While NASCAR, golf and Bundesliga were the first few sports to return, issues are still abound for the WNBA in hopes of securing
- [Diana Taurasi: Michael Jordan ‘was the guy that everyone wanted to be like’](https://beyondthew.com/diana-taurasi-michael-jordan-was-the-guy-that-everyone-wanted-to-be-like/) - After ESPN aired the final two episodes of “The Last Dance” Michael Jordan-Chicago Bulls 1990s documentary, The Worldwide Leader brought one GOAT to reflect on another GOAT. Diana Taurasi, the three-time WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, spoke with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after the doc’s final episodes and reflected on how she grew up
- [Brittney Griner releases new Nike Air Force 1 Music sneaker](https://beyondthew.com/brittney-griner-releases-new-nike-air-force-1-music-sneaker/) - Two things that are part of the DNA of any athlete – particularly WNBA players – are fashion and flow. Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury is no exception and she is expressing her love of music through a new Nike shoe release – news that is sure to be music to the ears of
- [Wilson becoming WNBA’s official game ball](https://beyondthew.com/wilson-becoming-wnbas-official-game-ball/) - Cue the A’ja Wilson jokes and memes about how she is a shoo-in to drop at least 40 per game – which we guess will be a welcome sight for Las Vegas Aces aficionados. Wilson Sporting Goods (no relation to A’ja, of course) announced a multi-year partnership with the NBA that paves the way for
- [2020 ESPNW Summit NYC to feature Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu](https://beyondthew.com/2020-espnw-summit-nyc-to-feature-libertys-sabrina-ionescu/) - It is only appropriate that the 2020 virtual rendition of the ESPNW NYC summit will feature the woman poised to take over New York sports. Like seemingly everything these days, everything is going virtual – including the summit itself. That summit will include 2020 first overall WNBA draft pick of the New York Liberty and
- [Mystics NBA2K game simulations airing on NBC Sports Washington, Monumental Sports Network](https://beyondthew.com/mystics-nba2k-game-simulations-airing-on-nbc-sports-washington-monumental-sports-network/) - In lieu of actual live games, many of us have shifted our eyes to the realm of NBA2K for us to get our basketball fix while in quarantine. Among those with a basketball jones are the defending WNBA champion Washington Mystics and the defending champs from the District are too getting virtual with it. Monumental
- [Report: WNBL giving ‘strong consideration’ to placing moratorium on imports](https://beyondthew.com/report-wnbl-giving-strong-consideration-to-placing-moratorium-on-imports/) - A number of WNBA players – including the New York Liberty’s Kia Nurse – play overseas in Australia when the W season has concluded. This is, of course, because of the added financial incentives many pro women’s basketball players have to take their talents to other countries. There is a chance that WNBA players could
- [Fox Sports North, Arizona to air classic Lynx, Mercury games](https://beyondthew.com/fox-sports-north-arizona-to-air-classic-lynx-mercury-games/) - Until the WNBA retakes the court, many of its television partners that would typically be airing live WNBA games are having to dig into the vault for classic W content. NESN, NBC Sports Washington/Monumental Sports Net and JoeTV are airing classic Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm games respectively. The television partners for the
- [Joe Budden: ‘Seattle deserves a basketball team,’ gets called out by Breanna Stewart, WNBA Twitter](https://beyondthew.com/joe-budden-seattle-deserves-a-basketball-team-gets-called-out-by-breanna-stewart-wnba-twitter/) - In addition to the reflections of the 1990s Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls that the widely acclaimed ESPN/Netflix documentary “The Last Dance” has produced, it has also led to its fair share of WNBA cameos. Those have ranged from Gatorade’s updated “Be Like Mike” spot that included reigning league MVP Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics) to
- [1-On-1: Instagram Live Chat with Chicago Sky’s Cheyenne Parker](https://beyondthew.com/1-on-1-instagram-live-chat-with-chicago-skys-cheyenne-parker/) - We at Beyond The W have added to the deluge of quality quarantine WNBA content we have seen as the Chicago Sky’s Cheyenne Parker joined us for a live chat on Instagram! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cqFmyROZjc Parker chopped it up with us about adjusting to this unreal quarantine lifestyle, how the postponement of the season has affected her,
- [Defending Champion Shatori Walker-Kimbrough Joins Mercury](https://beyondthew.com/defending-champion-shatori-walker-kimbrough-joins-mercury/) - By Scott Mammoser A season after winning the WNBA title with the Washington Mystics, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough will be bringing her championship experience to the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury sent its first-round draft choice, Jocelyn Willoughby of Virginia, to the New York Liberty for Walker-Kimbrough, who the Liberty obtained earlier in the week from the Mystics
- [MGM Resorts reportedly pitches plan for 2020 WNBA season in Las Vegas](https://beyondthew.com/mgm-resorts-reportedly-pitches-plan-for-2020-wnba-season-in-las-vegas/) - If Bill Hornbuckle and the brain trust at MGM Resorts has its way, there may be a 2020 WNBA season after all. Granted, it wouldn’t be played under normal circumstances, but is anything normal nowadays? According to Kevin Draper of the New York Times, MGM Resorts International, the entity that owns the Las Vegas Aces,
- [Elena Delle Donne makes cameo in Gatorade’s new ‘Be Like Mike’ spot](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-makes-cameo-in-gatorades-new-be-like-mike-spot/) - With the entirety of the sports world fixated on the multi-part ESPN “The Last Dance” documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, today’s sports fans are receiving a crash course in what it was to be “Like Mike.” One of the defining commercials of that time period was a “Be Like
- [WNBA players announce selections for 2020 NWHL Draft](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-players-announce-selections-for-2020-nwhl-draft/) - Women having the backs of other women is always a many splendoured thing to witness – in sports or any other walk of life. While the WNBA is eyed upon as a leader in the effort to grow and expand women’s sports, that push of course extends well past the W – and the players
- [Seattle Storm’s new arena remains on schedule for 2021 completion](https://beyondthew.com/seattle-storms-new-arena-remains-on-schedule-for-2021-completion/) - Construction on the new Seattle Center arena that will be the future home court of the Seattle Storm as well as a yet-to-be-named NHL franchise has been altered because of Covid-19. An ESPN report indicates that the new venue remains on track for completion sometime next year. According to the report, the president of corporate
- [NESN re-airing games from Connecticut Sun’s 2019 season](https://beyondthew.com/nesn-re-airing-games-from-connecticut-suns-2019-season/) - New England’s sports channel of record is getting in on the #WNBARewatch party that ESPN, Monumental Sports Network, NBC Sports Washington and WNBA League Pass have already showed up to (and dressed to the nines at that). NESN, which became the regional cable outlet for Connecticut Sun basketball starting last season, announced it would re-air
- [WNBA League Pass extends free preview, expands library back to 2015 season](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-league-pass-extends-free-preview-expands-library-back-to-2015-season/) - The WNBA just drained a clutch three-pointer for basketball fans not only doing their best to whether the coronavirus pandemic, but also for those going through W-ithdrawals with the season postponed. It announced that the free preview for League Pass has been extended (after originally only scheduled to be a 30-day preview. In addition, every
- [Diana Taurasi eyeing sports ownership after her career concludes?](https://beyondthew.com/diana-taurasi-eyeing-sports-ownership-after-career-concludes/) - The short answer is “yes” if the question is “Will Diana Taurasi be inducted into the Women’s Basketball and Naismith Memorial Basketball Halls of Fame after she puts away her jersey?” But could DT3’s second act also include her as the owner of a sports team? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrCckfiSmaQ Taurasi’s four-hour Instagram Live session that also included
- [Aces coach Bill Laimbeer defends ‘Bad Boys’ Pistons after Michael Jordan ‘Last Dance’ documentary](https://beyondthew.com/aces-coach-bill-laimbeer-defends-bad-boys-pistons-after-michael-jordan-last-dance-documentary/) - With the entirety of the sports world put on halt due to the fight against the coronavirus, ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary highlighting Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls is much-needed television. And while many fans came away from the latest two episodes that aired on Sunday night with more questions about Jerry Krause and
- [Liz Cambage re-ups with Las Vegas Aces, graces cover of Elle Magazine Australia](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-re-ups-with-las-vegas-aces-graces-cover-of-elle-magazine-australia/) - A few days prior to the draft, one of the outlying questions of WNBA free agency was answered when the New York Liberty traded its all-time leading scorer, Tina Charles, to the Washington Mystics in a three-team deal that also involved the Dallas Wings and plenty of draft picks. A few days later – another
- [Elena Delle Donne launching new weekly cooking show](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-launching-new-weekly-cooking-show/) - With all of us cooped inside our homes to defeat this coronavirus, many of us are discovering things around our homes to keep us occupied as this messy quarantine continues with an end in sight still far away. Some of us have taken to our kitchens in hopes of sharpening our culinary skills. That is
- [Muffet McGraw announces retirement as Notre Dame coach, Niele Ivey will assume Irish coaching role](https://beyondthew.com/muffet-mcgraw-announces-retirement-as-notre-dame-coach-niele-ivey-will-assume-irish-coaching-role/) - Muffet McGraw announces retirement as Notre Dame coach, Niele Ivey will assume Irish coaching role When women’s basketball returns, it will return sans one of its most iconic coaches who is putting away her coach’s whistle after over 30 years in the game. Notre Dame’s Muffet McGraw, who coached the Fighting Irish for 33 years,
- [WNBA Draft 2020 garners ratings high for ESPN](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2020-garners-ratings-high-for-espn/) - Spearheaded by the drafting of Sabrina Ionescu to the New York Liberty, the WNBA’s first-ever virtual draft was a major success for the league – and became a sign that the growth of women’s sports is one thing that cannot and will not be stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a release, this year’s
- [Tyasha Harris Brings Winning Resume to Wings](https://beyondthew.com/tyasha-harris-brings-winning-resume-to-wings/) - By Scott Mammoser Tyasha Harris was hoping her collegiate career at South Carolina would read like a fairy tale, bookended on both sides with a national title as a freshman and senior. The Gamecocks were the No. 1 ranked team in the nation on that dark day the NCAA Tournament was cancelled, denying her that
- [Former Guard April Schilling Returns to the WNBA as Fever Assistant](https://beyondthew.com/former-guard-april-schilling-returns-to-the-wnba-as-fever-assistant/) - By Scott Mammoser The list of former University of Tennessee players coaching in the highest ranks grew again recently when it was announced that former Lady Vol guard April Schilling would be joining the Indiana Fever as an assistant coach. “It’s awesome!” Schilling said through email. “Though I have been able to work individually with
- [Ruthy Hebard’s journey takes her from Alaska to the WNBA](https://beyondthew.com/ruthy-hebards-journey-takes-her-from-alaska-to-the-wnba/) - By Scott Mammoser Although Alaska is the largest state in the union in terms of area, it isn’t known as a generator of professional athletes. Chicago on the other hand, has posed to be a stage that has thrust athletes onto a global spotlight for generations. When the Chicago Sky selected Ruthy Hebard with the
- [WNBA Draft 2020 recap: Liberty select Sabrina Ionescu No. 1, league honors Kobe and GiGi Bryant](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-2020-recap-liberty-select-sabrina-ionescu-no-1-league-honors-kobe-and-gigi-bryant/) - While this year’s WNBA draft may not have had the traditional pomp and circumstance of more traditional in-person drafts, Cathy Engelbert, the league and ESPN still attempted to put together the best experience they could and make the most they could of a difficult situation. Prior to the announcement of the official picks, the WNBA
- [Column: WNBA draft proves sports still bring joy even in dark times](https://beyondthew.com/column-wnba-draft-proves-sports-still-bring-joy-even-in-dark-times/) - For many who watched last night’s WNBA draft, it was not only a virtual experience where 36 of the world’s top women’s basketball players recognized a lifelong dream of getting drafted into the pros. It was another much-needed escape from our tragic, sad, heartbreaking, virus filled world we are dealing with. Even in the absence
- [Tina Charles traded from New York to Washington: What it means](https://beyondthew.com/tina-charles-traded-from-new-york-to-washington-what-it-means/) - A few months ago at the peak of the WNBA’s free agent period, we at Beyond The W penned a piece shortly after a High Post Hoops report (courtesy of Howard Megdal) that Tina Charles was a name that came up in trade talks. Our words reflected the possible pros and cons of trading her
- [TC-DC: Liberty trade Tina Charles to Mystics in three-team deal](https://beyondthew.com/tc-dc-liberty-trade-tina-charles-to-mystics-in-three-team-deal/) - The next rendition we will see of the New York Liberty will definitely be a new look Liberty team – in more ways than simply changing its logo. Ever since when the bulk of free agency activity came to a close in the WNBA, there was a lingering question surrounding Tina Charles’ future in New
- [Atlanta Dream unveil new jerseys, announce partnership with Inspire Brands](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dream-unveil-new-jerseys-announce-partnership-with-inspire-brands/) - When the Atlanta Dream unveiled its new logo earlier this offseason to go along with its announcement of its new Gateway Center Arena home in College Park, a curious question among many of the Dream’s fans was what would the Dream’s new jerseys look like. As it turns out – the Dream’s new uniforms bear
- [Aces coach Bill Laimbeer: LeBron James, not Michael Jordan, is NBA’s GOAT](https://beyondthew.com/aces-coach-bill-laimbeer-lebron-james-not-michael-jordan-is-nbas-goat/) - Before Bill Laimbeer forged a coaching career in the WNBA that included stops with the Detroit Shock (where he won three championships), New York Liberty and his current gig at the Las Vegas Aces, he was one of the faces of the Bad Boy Pistons in the 1980s and early 1990s. Laimbeer’s Pistons provided a
- [Liberty unveil new logo in advance of Friday’s WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-unveil-new-logo-in-advance-of-fridays-wnba-draft/) - A few days prior to when the New York Liberty appear poised to make one of its biggest on-court moves in franchise history with the first pick in this week's draft, Brooklyn’s resident WNBA franchise on Tuesday released its new look to go along with its new pick and its new Atlantic and Flatbush digs.
- [ESPN will air WNBA Finals Game 5 between Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun after draft](https://beyondthew.com/espn-will-air-wnba-finals-game-5-between-washington-mystics-and-connecticut-sun-after-draft/) - So … ESPN has apparently heard the loud and proud WNBA faithful loud and clear that has been clamoring for more WNBA re-airs during this coronavirus-induced sports desert we are all traveling through. Friday night will be a pure W night between the draft and the re-airing of last year’s Game 5 of the WNBA
- [Allie Quigley moves on in NBA HORSE Challenge, Mike Conley bests Tamika Catchings](https://beyondthew.com/allie-quigley-moves-on-in-nba-horse-challenge-mike-conley-bests-tamika-catchings/) - Playing ball “like a girl” is no longer an insult – it is a compliment and in the first round of the NBA’s HORSE Challenge, one of the WNBA’s retired greats and one of the WNBA’s current greats proved exactly why. And in the case of one of those players, she won. That’s right –
- [Tamara Moore hired as head coach at MEN’S program at Minnesota’s Mesabi Range College](https://beyondthew.com/tamara-moore-hired-as-head-coach-at-mens-program-at-minnesotas-mesabi-range-college/) - One of our favorite things to do here at Beyond The W is write about former WNBA players who once were part of the W’s glitz and glamour to transition to either sports or non-sports lives after they put away their jerseys. We simply call it “Where Are They Now?” In the case of Tamara
- [#WeKeepPlaying: Chiney Ogwumike, Sabrina Ionescu, other women athletes advance conversation about sports and resilience](https://beyondthew.com/wekeepplaying-chiney-ogwumike-sabrina-ionescu-other-women-athletes-advance-conversation-about-sports-and-resilience/) - Nowadays as the battle against the coronavirus continues, all of us as humans are having to reach down and find a strength that we did not believe we had previously but are discovering we do have. There is a particularly heartbreaking element of this that makes it especially difficult for athletes with the disruption of
- [Nikki McCray-Penson to replace Vic Schaefer as Mississippi State coach](https://beyondthew.com/nikki-mccray-penson-to-replace-vic-schaefer-as-mississippi-state-coach/) - When Vic Schaefer left Mississippi State after years of building a women’s basketball powerhouse in Starkville, it shocked the women’s basketball landscape that he would do so, but not as much given that he went to Texas – a program in a state he has lots of experience with. This is what put Mississippi State
- [Column: No excuse for sports media to ignore this year’s WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/column-no-excuse-for-sports-media-to-ignore-this-years-wnba-draft/) - The coronavirus pandemic – and the ensuing fight to pound Covid-19 into the ground for good – has stopped sports, society, the country and the world at a screeching halt. With no new games going on, the sports media at large has had to come up with different ways to fill its sports fix. Some
- [Washington Mystics championship parade postponed due to coronavirus](https://beyondthew.com/washington-mystics-championship-parade-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/) - This one was somewhat expected at this point. But still – coronavirus, haven’t you done enough damage? On May 12 – a few days before the scheduled start of the WNBA season, the Washington Mystics were set to celebrate its 2019 championship with a celebratory parade through the streets of the Nation’s Capital. Said parade
- [Tamika Catchings, Allie Quigley to be included in NBA HORSE Challenge on ESPN](https://beyondthew.com/tamika-catchings-allie-quigley-to-be-included-in-nba-horse-challenge-on-espn/) - Remember the younger days when we would take to our backyard courts and we would school our sisters and brothers in a friendly contest of HORSE? H-O-R-S-E is on its way to the W-N-B-A and N-B-A. On April 12, eight from the WNBA/NBA ranks will participate in the first-ever NBA HORSE Challenge on State Farm.
- [Liberty ink new sponsorship pact with New York-based FanDuel](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-ink-new-sponsorship-pact-with-new-york-based-fanduel/) - The WNBA’s flagship franchise can now claim it has been on both sides of the daily fantasy street. For years when the team still called Madison Square Garden (and Westchester County Center) home, one of the New York Liberty’s signature sponsorships was one with daily fantasy outlet DraftKings, which also (as expected) was a New
- [Chiney Ogwumike, Sabrina Ionescu participating in #WeKeepPlaying livestream presented by Yahoo Sports, Women’s Sports Foundation](https://beyondthew.com/chiney-ogwumike-sabrina-ionescu-participating-in-wekeepplaying-livestream-presented-by-yahoo-sports-womens-sports-foundation/) - One of the many elements to weathering the storm that is the coronavirus pandemic is noticing how the deluge of troubling news day in and day out can take a toll on one’s mental health in addition to social sequestration. Several of the most notable names in women’s sports – including the Los Angeles Sparks’
- [Elena Delle Donne builds backyard mini-golf course](https://beyondthew.com/elena-delle-donne-builds-backyard-mini-golf-course/) - With the battle to defeat coronavirus raging on, the start of the 2020 WNBA season up in the air (thanks for nothing, Rona) and everyone hunkering down in their homes, we are all finding innovative ways to pass time until this is all over. For reigning WNBA MVP and Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne,
- [Vic Schaefer leaving Mississippi State for Texas](https://beyondthew.com/vic-schaefer-leaving-mississippi-state-for-texas/) - For the past eight seasons, Vic Schaefer has constructed a women’s basketball juggernaut at Mississippi State with up-and-coming women’s basketball stars such as Morgan William, Teaira McCowan and Victoria Vivians passing through Starkville. That construction includes two appearances the NCAA championship game (in 2017 and 2018) before losses to South Carolina and Notre Dame, respectively.
- [Monumental Sports Net, NBC Sports Washington to re-air Mystics semifinals, finals victories](https://beyondthew.com/monumental-sports-net-nbc-sports-washington-to-re-air-mystics-semifinals-finals-victories/) - For Washington Mystics aficionados looking to once again relive the team’s first-ever championship from last season, Monumental Sports has a treat for all who live, breathe, eat, sleep and drink red, white and blue (from Founding fans to Inaugurals (get the D.C. reference?)). The Mystics announced that last year’s semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces
- [Tamika Catchings, Kim Mulkey will be part of 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class](https://beyondthew.com/tamika-catchings-kim-mulkey-will-be-part-of-2020-naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-class/) - Prior to our beloved sports world being put on ice thanks to the (you-know-what), the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Tamika Catchings would be part of its 2020 Class along with Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson and a host of other women’s hoops legends. That induction ceremony thanks to the (you-know-what) has since been
- [Liberty’s Joe Tsai donates 1,000 ventilators to aid New York in coronavirus efforts](https://beyondthew.com/libertys-joe-tsai-donates-1000-ventilators-to-aid-new-york-in-coronavirus-efforts/) - This can be described as the ultimate act of “Show Up.” New York City has become the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States with the U.S. having the dubious distinction of now being the nation with more cases than anywhere else in the world. Anyone who has watched New York governor Andrew
- [WNBA announces postponement of 2020 regular season](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-announces-postponement-of-2020-regular-season/) - At this point, with other sports having either canceled or postponed major events, one had to believe it would not be far before the WNBA followed suit and did the same. In a release, the WNBA announced it would be postponing the start of the 2020 regular season, originally scheduled for May 15 with three
- [Angel McCoughtry tweets about Kelly Loeffler amid criticism](https://beyondthew.com/angel-mccoughtry-tweets-about-kelly-loeffler-amid-criticism/) - Atlanta Dream owner and Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler has been in the news a lot lately – and not for the most flattering of reasons. With the news media engulfed in the coronavirus story, reports surfaced that she and others in Washington, D.C. (including North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, fellow Peach State senator David Perdue
- [Imani McGee-Stafford to attend law school, sit out next two scheduled WNBA seasons](https://beyondthew.com/imani-mcgee-stafford-to-attend-law-school-sit-out-next-two-scheduled-wnba-seasons/) - If there is a 2020 WNBA season, the Dallas Wings will have an Imani McGee-Stafford-shaped hole in its lineup as she is taking her talents from the basketball court to the courtroom. The Wings veteran, according to a team press release, announced she would sit out the following two WNBA seasons to pursue a degree
- [Chennedy Carter declares for 2020 WNBA draft](https://beyondthew.com/chennedy-carter-declares-for-2020-wnba-draft/) - For Chennedy Carter, her time playing basketball at Bryan-College Station came to an unfortunate and abrupt end. The question is where will she hoop professionally? We will all know on April 17 as the Texas A&M standout has declared for the WNBA draft. pic.twitter.com/2GT5lyHUoB — H O L L Y W O O D (@ChennedyCarter)
- [WNBA offering free preview of League Pass for 30 days](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-offering-free-preview-of-league-pass-for-30-days/) - The WNBA and its teams understand that everyone is going through an epic sports withdrawal with this pandemic running roughshod through our country, our continent and our planet. Its latest move is bringing us back to a somewhat similar time – more specifically, the 2019 season. It is offering a free preview of League Pass
- [WNBA draft will proceed in a virtual format April 17 on ESPN](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-draft-will-proceed-in-a-virtual-format-april-17-on-espn/) - Ever since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, its mark on sports has been well-pronounced with several major sporting events being either cancelled or postponed. Scratch that – with virtually every major sporting event either being cancelled or postponed. As it appears said situation will proceed into the summer – and possibly even into
- [Column: Let’s never take sports for granted ever again](https://beyondthew.com/column-lets-never-take-sports-for-granted-ever-again/) - We cannot lie – this women’s basketball drought…this WNBA drought….this sports drought has been one of the saddest periods in our lives. While attention has shifted to a much more pertinent cause – saving lives from the wrath of the coronavirus and ending this Covid-19 stuff once and for all, it has left a large
- [Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus outbreak](https://beyondthew.com/tokyo-olympics-postponed-to-2021-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak/) - The worse and worse the outbreak of coronavirus became, the more and more likely it would be that said Olympics would either be canceled or postponed to a later date. With only a few months to go prior to the planned start of the Olympics and the Covid-19 pandemic only getting worse and worse, the
- [Maya Moore: Ruling in Jonathan Irons case appealed by Missouri attorney general](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-ruling-in-jonathan-irons-case-appealed-by-missouri-attorney-general/) - Missouri attorney general Eric Schmitt has appealed the decision by a judge to have the 50-year sentence for Jonathan Irons vacated. The decision for Irons came on March 9 from Cole County, Missouri judge Dan Green. Schmitt’s writ of certiorari claims Green “abused” his discretion and went past his authority. The convictions and sentences were
- [UCLA’s Natalie Chou is not here for anyone’s coronavirus racism and xenophobia](https://beyondthew.com/uclas-natalie-chou-is-not-here-for-anyones-coronavirus-racism-and-xenophobia/) - One of the many sad realities of the coronavirus outbreak is that since its origin is traced to China, a good number of the racist and xenophobic among us believe anyone who is of Asian origin is to be shunned and ostracized completely. Natalie Chou, basketball player for UCLA, has experienced this first hand being
- [WNBA players participating in NBA Together initiative](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-players-participating-in-nba-together-initiative/) - With sports put on the backburner to address the coronavirus pandemic, WNBA and NBA players are using their influence in other ways to get us through this agonizingly difficult period of uncertainty, grief and social separation. After the league announced that the 2019-20 NBA season was put on pause due to Covid-19, it launched the
- [Atlanta Dream owner, Ga. Senator Kelly Loeffler gets criticism for reported stock deals](https://beyondthew.com/atlanta-dream-owner-ga-senator-kelly-loeffler-gets-criticism-for-reported-stock-deals/) - It goes without saying that Atlanta Dream owner Kelly Loeffler is extremely wealthy – and has plenty of business interests and ventures outside being a co-owner of a WNBA franchise. That wealth and her connections have paid dividends for her over the years. Reports out of Washington, D.C. have hinted that Loeffler’s wealth may have
- [One Crying Moment: NCAA women’s, men’s tournaments canceled due to coronavirus](https://beyondthew.com/one-crying-moment-ncaa-womens-mens-tourney-games-to-proceed-without-fans-due-to-coronavirus/) - Sports is big business – and bring big money to cities, which is why it takes something extremely drastic to, all of a sudden, siphon that money from economies of cities and entire states. Enter the coronavirus, which has done an unprecedented deal of damage on society at large – including sports. That damage only
- [WNBA, teams issue statements on outbreak of coronavirus](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-teams-issue-statements-on-outbreak-of-coronavirus/) - In spite of virtually every major sporting event in the United States and Canada being shut down due to coronavirus, the WNBA still hopes to have its season – and its draft begin as scheduled. The league issued a statement regarding the outbreak and did not announce any cancellations – including to the draft scheduled
- [Barclays Center could be closed for ‘months’ according to NYC mayor de Blasio](https://beyondthew.com/barclays-center-could-be-closed-for-months-according-to-nyc-mayor-de-blasio/) - Now may not be the best time to put negative news – and energy – out into our coronavirus-infested universe, but the truth can be hard to share at times such as this. This virus is out of control, seemingly getting worse before things improve. The predictions on when the situation improves have ranged from
- [Coronavirus cancels Penn State sports conference that was to feature Cathy Engelbert](https://beyondthew.com/coronavirus-cancels-penn-state-sports-conference-that-was-to-feature-cathy-engelbert/) - At this point, there is no question of the impact coronavirus has left on society – it has been massive (and some may say unprecedented). The question is how big will said impact be when all is said and done. We are sorry to announce that the Penn State Sports Business Conference presented by Pepsi
- [Fox Sports channels airing WNBA restored to YouTube TV](https://beyondthew.com/fox-sports-channels-airing-wnba-restored-to-youtube-tv/) - When YouTube TV announced that it was dropping Sinclair’s Fox Sports regional sports channels from its platform, sports fans of virtually all leagues, including the WNBA had to take notice. Those WNBA fans – particularly fans of four teams – can breathe a huge sigh of relief that they will be able to see their
- [Natasha Cloud expresses interest in becoming a coach after she retires](https://beyondthew.com/natasha-cloud-expresses-interest-in-becoming-a-coach-after-she-retires/) - At a young 28 years of age, Natasha Cloud still has a few more years of basketball play in her before she puts away her WNBA jersey away for good. What could the future hold for Cloud when her sneakers have made contact with hardwood for the last time? At a recent event with Jameer
- [Nicki Collen announced as keynote speaker for WISE Atlanta’s 16th anniversary luncheon](https://beyondthew.com/nicki-collen-announced-as-keynote-speaker-for-wise-atlantas-16th-anniversary-luncheon/) - The Atlanta chapter of the Women in Sports and Events organization will celebrate its 16th anniversary in 2020. That sweet 16 celebration will occur on Mar. 18 – roughly two months prior to the tip-off of the 2020 WNBA season. Before Nicki Collen and her new-look, new arena Atlanta Dream take the court for the
- [Former LA Sparks general manager Penny Toler files lawsuit against team](https://beyondthew.com/former-la-sparks-general-manager-penny-toler-files-lawsuit-against-team/) - Ever since that explosive Ramona Shelburne article on ESPN detailing an allegation that former Los Angeles Sparks general manager Penny Toler used a profanity- and racial epithet-laced tirade after a Sparks playoff game against the Connecticut Sun, we have not heard much from the ex-Sparks general manager. That report led to the Sparks letting go
- [Washington Mystics championship parade scheduled for May 12](https://beyondthew.com/washington-mystics-championship-parade-scheduled-for-may-12/) - After the Washington Mystics reigned supreme over the rest of the WNBA at the conclusion of the 2019 season, its championship was only recognized with a celebration at DC Entertainment and Sports Arena given how many Mystics players were due to head overseas following the season. A few days prior to the start of the
- [Maya Moore: Missouri judge overturns Jonathan Irons’ convictions](https://beyondthew.com/maya-moore-missouri-judge-overturns-jonathan-irons-convictions/) - Within sports circles, Maya Moore is recognized as a winner within women’s basketball circles – particularly at the college and WNBA levels. While she has won national championships with UConn and four WNBA titles with the Minnesota Lynx, on Monday Mar. 9, she may have scored a victory that means as much to her as
- [Liz Cambage says she survived coronavirus after playing in China](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-says-she-survived-coronavirus-after-playing-in-china/) - Watch only a few seconds of national news or international news or listen to only a few seconds of news radio and one will more than likely hear the word “coronavirus” uttered by one of its news anchors. Coronavirus, which recently was designated as a pandemic by the World Health Association, has had the country
- [Seimone Augustus says she was taken aback by negotiations with Lynx](https://beyondthew.com/seimone-augustus-says-she-was-taken-aback-by-negotiations-with-lynx/) - When it was announced that Seimone Augustus, who had previously spent her entire WNBA career in Minnesota with the Lynx, it was a shock to many in the W community – including Augustus herself. In fact, ask Augustus how she would have envisioned those talks playing out at the starting point, and she would have
- [Nneka Ogwumike appears as guest on ‘The Daily Show’ with Trevor Noah](https://beyondthew.com/nneka-ogwumike-appears-as-guest-on-the-daily-show-with-trevor-noah/) - As we all know, Nneka Ogwumike not only uses her platforms with the WNBA and WNBPA to showcase her basketball talents, but also as an agent of change for women everywhere. This was displayed when the WNBA and WNBPA announced its game-changing collective bargaining agreement that enacted major changes for the women of the W
- [Cathy Engelbert, Ted Leonsis take part in luncheon at National Press Club in Washington](https://beyondthew.com/cathy-engelbert-ted-leonsis-take-part-in-luncheon-at-national-press-club-in-washington/) - It is an understatement to say that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been making her fair share of rounds since taking the reins with the league’s top job. One of those latest stops came in Washington, D.C. – home of the W’s defending champion Mystics and site of a luncheon that occurred at the National
- [Kia Nurse drains game-winning shot as Canberra Capitals win WNBL championship](https://beyondthew.com/kia-nurse-drains-game-winning-shot-as-canberra-capitals-win-wnbl-championship/) - Big-time players step up in big-time games. Check the definition of “big-time player” in Webster’s dictionary – Kia Nurse should show up. #WNBL20 CHAMPIONS. The UC Capitals have gone back-to-back, winning their ninth WNBL Championship at AIS Arena after defeating the Southside Flyers 71-68. Thank you, Canberra – we love this city. #GoBIG pic.twitter.com/BzD8aRjlIy —
- [Former WNBA COO Ann Rodriguez hired as chief strategy officer for Los Angeles 2028](https://beyondthew.com/former-wnba-coo-ann-rodriguez-hired-as-chief-strategy-officer-for-los-angeles-2028/) - Olympic-wise, everyone’s focus is on this year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics and if said Games will still happen as planned because of fears stoked by the global coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Olympics will return to the United States in eight years when Los Angeles hosts its third Games, complimenting its 1932 and 1984 showings. LA28 made
- [Column: James Dolan-Spike Lee spat likely makes WNBA fans happy Liberty are free from MSG](https://beyondthew.com/column-james-dolan-spike-lee-spat-likely-makes-wnba-fans-happy-liberty-are-free-from-msg/) - Over in Brooklyn, things appear to be trending upwards for the New York Liberty. While we have not heard much since the initial High Post Hoops report on the Tina Charles front, we must remember that New York will enter the 2020 WNBA season with a new arena in Barclays Center, a new coach in
- [UK’s Sky Sports plans expanded coverage of WNBA, women’s sports](https://beyondthew.com/uks-sky-sports-plans-expanded-coverage-of-wnba-womens-sports/) - A major element of the WNBA’s growth these past few years has not only been expanded media coverage from those outlets covering the league, but also an expansion in the number of games aired on television. In North America, WNBA contests can be seen on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, CBS Sports Network, NBA TV, TSN and
- [VividSeats: Mercury, Liberty among teams seeing robust increases in ticket interest](https://beyondthew.com/vividseats-mercury-liberty-among-teams-seeing-robust-increases-in-ticket-interest/) - We are only two and a half months shy of the 2020 WNBA season – and it is projected to be a big one in terms of increased ticket demand. Expect attendance figures to be up for the W as a whole with the New York Liberty having moved out of Westchester County Center and
- [Paige Bueckers named 2019-20 Gatorade girls player of the year](https://beyondthew.com/paige-bueckers-named-2019-20-gatorade-girls-player-of-the-year/) - The legend that is Paige Bueckers appears to be only growing by the day … by the hour … by the second. The latest recognition of said rising stardom for the Minnesota high school basketball star occurred when she was named as the recipient of a prestigious honor in preps sports – the Gatorade girls’
- [Former Chicago Sky executive named CEO of United Soccer League team](https://beyondthew.com/former-chicago-sky-executive-named-ceo-of-united-soccer-league-team/) - The Hartford Athletic of the United Soccer League were in search of a new chief executive officer to replace its previous interim president. That find concluded with the Athletic organization tapping an executive with experience within a WNBA team’s front office taking the job. The organization announced that Jim Burda was named its new CEO
- [Former Fever coach Stephanie White to be honored at HRC dinner in Nashville](https://beyondthew.com/former-fever-coach-stephanie-white-to-be-honored-at-hrc-dinner-in-nashville/) - A coach who once participated in the WNBA Finals and is currently at the helm of Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball program will be recognized at the 25th annual Human Rights Campaign’s Nashville Dinner later this month. Stephanie Allen will be one of two recipients of the HRC Visibility Awards when the HRC Nashville Dinner emanates from
- [Santa Clara County’s ban on large gatherings could have effect on Stanford in NCAA tournament](https://beyondthew.com/santa-clara-countys-ban-on-large-gatherings-could-have-effect-on-stanford-in-ncaa-tournament/) - Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, states, countries and the entire world at large are taking measures to safeguard people from the coronavirus outbreak that continues to grow in the number of cases. A common thread we have seen since the start of the outbreak has been discouraging people from venturing out into large crowds. Major events
- [Shenise Johnson traded from Indiana Fever to Minnesota Lynx](https://beyondthew.com/shenise-johnson-traded-from-indiana-fever-to-minnesota-lynx/) - Since Tamika Catchings retired, a hallmark of the Indiana Fever’s plan for the future has been stockpiling draft picks to build a potential juggernaut of young talent with a couple of veterans still on the team. This trend continued for the Fever with its latest move, as Indiana made a trade with the Minnesota Lynx
- [Princeton earns NCAA berth after coronavirus fears cancel Ivy League tournament](https://beyondthew.com/princeton-earns-ncaa-berth-after-coronavirus-fears-cancel-ivy-league-tournament/) - It goes without saying at this point that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak – and fears over future cases – have wreaked havoc on virtually every aspect of human life from music to sports to even simple human interaction. Concerns have been on the rise regarding the status of future sporting events in the
- [Philadelphia’s Diamond Johnson lands invite to Allen Iverson Classic’s 24K Showcase](https://beyondthew.com/philadelphias-diamond-johnson-lands-invite-to-allen-iverson-classics-24k-showcase/) - The talent pool for women’s basketball coming out of the high school ranks is deeper than ever with trendsetters such as Minnesota’s Paige Bueckers garnering mainstream attention. She is far from the only one getting her fair share of headlines. Around Philadelphia, Diamond Johnson has made waves in similar fashion as Bueckers has in the
- [Advocacy group for college athletes: NCAA tournament games should be played in empty arenas](https://beyondthew.com/advocacy-group-for-college-athletes-ncaa-tournament-games-should-be-played-in-empty-arenas/) - With coronavirus raging out of control, it has affected virtually every aspect of human life – from politics to entertainment to music to sports. Sporting events typically attract large crowds, typically in the thousands. Those major gatherings are now being shied away from and even discouraged by municipalities. Santa Clara County, where Stanford is based,
- [Washington Mystics honored at Pepsi’s Historically Better Gala](https://beyondthew.com/washington-mystics-honored-at-pepsis-historically-better-gala/) - In celebration of Black History Month last month, Pepsi held its inaugural Historically Better Gala at the Howard Theatre in Washington. Being in the nation’s capital, the event made sure to honor the successes of the District’s WNBA team – the defending champion Mystics. Per Hip Hop Weekly, the Mystics received a congratulatory message from
- [Catching Up with Former Monarchs Coach Maura McHugh](https://beyondthew.com/catching-up-with-former-monarchs-coach-maura-mchugh/) - By Scott Mammoser Maura McHugh has coached basketball in just about every corner of the United States, including three seasons leading the Sacramento Monarchs, from 2001 to 2003. But for the past 12 years, you can listen to her analyzing Arizona State games on KDUS 1060 AM with award-winning play-by-play man Jeff Munn. “Leaving coaching,”
- [WNBA Free Agency: Seimone Augustus departs from Minnesota Lynx to sign with LA Sparks](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-seimone-augustus-departs-from-minnesota-lynx-to-sign-with-la-sparks/) - At this point, WNBA teams are basically trying to outdo each other for the crown of free agency darling. We have seen the Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream all featured prominently in some way, shape or form this period of free agency. Then in came the
- [LA Sparks trade Marina Mabrey to Dallas Wings for 2021 draft pick](https://beyondthew.com/la-sparks-trade-marina-mabrey-to-dallas-wings-for-2021-draft-pick/) - The wheeling and dealing in the WNBA does not stop nowadays, does it? One of the more active teams since the start of free agency has been the Los Angeles Sparks between the signings of Kristi Toliver and Seimone Augustus and the re-signing of Tierra Ruffin-Pratt to the trade of Kalani Brown to the Atlanta
- [WNBA Free Agency: Chelsea Gray re-signs with LA Sparks](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-chelsea-gray-re-signs-with-la-sparks/) - For a lot of the 2020 WNBA free agency period, we have seen players change teams at an alarming pace. Then we have seen players decide that their current situations are just okay and decided to re-sign with their incumbent franchises. The latest major free agent signing was a score for the “player stays with
- [Liberty broadcaster YES Network, other Fox Sports channels airing WNBA to be dropped by YouTube TV](https://beyondthew.com/liberty-broadcaster-yes-network-other-fox-sports-channels-airing-wnba-to-be-dropped-by-youtube-tv/) - There are still roughly three months to go prior to the start of the 2020 WNBA season, but if one is used to catching your favorite teams on YouTube TV, it may be the right time to begin looking at alternatives. Streaming television service YouTube TV has announced it will drop the YES Network and
- [Liz Cambage featured on March 2020 edition of Australia’s Foxtel Magazine](https://beyondthew.com/liz-cambage-featured-on-march-2020-edition-of-australias-foxtel-magazine/) - Sometimes Stateside, we lose track of just how big a deal Liz Cambage is in her native country of Australia. Australia-based Foxtel Magazine understands, hence why she is being featured in an upcoming edition of the magazine. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DFZWrpIxZ/ Cambage is one of four women from the realm of Australian women’s sports that are on the
- [Aerial Powers issues NBA2K challenge to Offset … and he accepts](https://beyondthew.com/aerial-powers-issues-nba2k-challenge-to-offset-and-he-accepts/) - The name Aerial Powers is not only well known within basketball circles in Michigan and Washington, D.C. – it is also known in gaming circles as well. Esports has been a realm that has seen exponential growth throughout the years – and gaming has been a passion of Powers for quite sometime. She spoke with
- [WNBA Free Agency: Rachel Banham returns to Minnesota via trade to Lynx from Sun](https://beyondthew.com/wnba-free-agency-rachel-banham-returns-to-minnesota-via-trade-to-lynx-from-sun/) - At this point, when the WNBA season begins, networks and websites will need to do two-hour preview shows and podcasts to fill everyone in on what all 12 teams look like at the opening tip. The movement within the W as a result of free agency has been nothing short of seismic – and it
- [Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu becomes first Division I player in history with 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists](https://beyondthew.com/oregons-sabrina-ionescu-becomes-first-division-i-player-in-history-with-2000-points-1000-rebounds-and-1000-assists/) - With every game she plays, Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu continues to put this year’s NCAA tournament field – and the WNBA on notice that she is on her way. HISTORY!! 🐐👑 Sabrina Ionescu is the first NCAA player EVER with 2,000 points, 1,000 assists and 1,000 rebounds!!#GoDucks | @sabrina_i20 pic.twitter.com/TrJPrWLUW0 — Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) February
- [LA Sparks host A Conversation with Cathy Engelbert and Chiney Ogwumike](https://beyondthew.com/la-sparks-host-a-conversation-with-cathy-engelbert-and-chiney-ogwumike/) - Bob Hope Patriotic Hall was the site of a compelling forum led by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the Los Angeles Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike on Tuesday night. There was conversation about the collective bargaining agreement the WNBA signed with the WNBPA, the overall status of the league and how to continue the expansion and growth
- [Column: Chances of Tokyo 2020 Olympics being canceled due to coronavirus? Zero](https://beyondthew.com/column-chances-of-tokyo-2020-olympics-being-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-zero/) - Expect the five-ring circus to continue as planned this summer – even if there may be legitimate concerns to move or even completely cancel said circus. The flagship sporting event on the calendar this year – both inside and outside the women’s basketball realm – is the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Tokyo was awarded the
- [Florida prosecutors drop assault, weapons charges against LA Sparks’ Riquna Williams](https://beyondthew.com/florida-prosecutors-drop-assault-weapons-charges-against-la-sparks-riquna-williams/) - According to documents, prosecutors in Florida have dropped assault and weapons charges that were levied last year against Riquna Williams of the Los Angeles Sparks. Court documents were filed on Tuesday in Palm Beach County court and they indicate that the charges were dropped following Williams completing a diversion program. When the charges were levied
- [Phoenix Mercury’s Jim Pitman believes Diana Taurasi will continue playing past 2020](https://beyondthew.com/phoenix-mercurys-jim-pitman-believes-diana-taurasi-will-continue-playing-past-2020/) - With Diana Taurasi in her late 30s, the questions about the “r-word,” meaning retirement, will only grow louder and louder. Jim Pitman, Phoenix Mercury general manager, does not see Taurasi putting away her Mercury jersey after this season concludes. I told her as long as she wants to play, there will be a home for
- [Mystics executive sells South Florida condo for nearly $6 million](https://beyondthew.com/mystics-executive-sells-south-florida-condo-for-nearly-6-million/) - Typically, when we think of high-ranking executives within the Washington Mystics or Monumental Sports and Entertainment, we typically think of either Ted Leonsis or Mike Thibault. The name Raul Fernandez is not mentioned much, but he was recently part of a major transaction himself. According to The Real Deal, a company Fernandez manages sold his
- [Ezi Magbegor signs two-year endorsement deal with Spalding](https://beyondthew.com/ezi-magbegor-signs-two-year-endorsement-deal-with-spalding/) - We know all well about the endorsement deals Liz Cambage has done over the years, but a major company involved with sports has inked an endorsement agreement with another noteworthy Australian Opal. Ezi Magbegor became the first-ever woman ambassador for Spalding after signing a two-year endorsement contract with the company. Some of its other notable
- [Taj McWilliams-Franklin speaks with students at Bancroft School in Massachusetts](https://beyondthew.com/taj-mcwilliams-franklin-speaks-with-students-at-bancroft-school-in-massachusetts/) - One could probably guess that the Monday practice at Bancroft School in Worcester had plenty of elements one would notice at a typical early week hoops session – offensive drills, defensive drills, conditioning drills, sprints and a shootaround or two. Another of those elements was not so typical – when former WNBA player and coach
- [Chicago Sky assistant coach Bridget Pettis launches nonprofit in Arizona](https://beyondthew.com/chicago-sky-assistant-coach-bridget-pettis-launches-nonprofit-in-arizona/) - “WNBA Cares” is more than a marketing slogan for its charity initiatives. It is a way of life across the league. Just ask Bridget Pettis, assistant coach of the Chicago Sky who started the Project Roots nonprofit initiative in December that recently took part in a tree-planting event in Phoenix. According to the Arizona Republic,

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- [ron artest](https://beyondthew.com/tag/ron-artest/)
- [metta world peace](https://beyondthew.com/tag/metta-world-peace/)
- [glen big baby davis](https://beyondthew.com/tag/glen-big-baby-davis/)
- [stromile swift](https://beyondthew.com/tag/stromile-swift/)
- [tyrus thomas](https://beyondthew.com/tag/tyrus-thomas/)
- [gonzalez twins](https://beyondthew.com/tag/gonzalez-twins/)
- [dylan gonzalez](https://beyondthew.com/tag/dylan-gonzalez/)
- [dakota gonzalez](https://beyondthew.com/tag/dakota-gonzalez/)
- [dominique wilkins](https://beyondthew.com/tag/dominique-wilkins/)
- [atlanta hawks](https://beyondthew.com/tag/atlanta-hawks/)
- [cox pavilion](https://beyondthew.com/tag/cox-pavilion/)
- [verizon](https://beyondthew.com/tag/verizon/)
- [betsy hodges](https://beyondthew.com/tag/betsy-hodges/)
- [jay parry](https://beyondthew.com/tag/jay-parry/)
- [tierra ruffin-pratt](https://beyondthew.com/tag/tierra-ruffin-pratt/)
- [tianna hawkins](https://beyondthew.com/tag/tianna-hawkins/)
- [krystal thomas](https://beyondthew.com/tag/krystal-thomas/)
- [theresa plaisance](https://beyondthew.com/tag/theresa-plaisance/)
- [kayla thornton](https://beyondthew.com/tag/kayla-thornton/)
- [all time assists](https://beyondthew.com/tag/all-time-assists/)
- [records](https://beyondthew.com/tag/records/)
- [crystal langhorneheiro](https://beyondthew.com/tag/crystal-langhorneheiro/)
- [phillipines](https://beyondthew.com/tag/phillipines/)
- [manila](https://beyondthew.com/tag/manila/)
- [migs bustos](https://beyondthew.com/tag/migs-bustos/)
- [abs-cbn](https://beyondthew.com/tag/abs-cbn/)
- [arizona state](https://beyondthew.com/tag/arizona-state/)
- [asu](https://beyondthew.com/tag/asu/)
- [wells fargo arena](https://beyondthew.com/tag/wells-fargo-arena/)
- [tempe](https://beyondthew.com/tag/tempe/)
- [dan carlson](https://beyondthew.com/tag/dan-carlson/)
- [hopey's heart foundation](https://beyondthew.com/tag/hopeys-heart-foundation/)
- [aeds](https://beyondthew.com/tag/aeds/)
- [automated external defibrillators](https://beyondthew.com/tag/automated-external-defibrillators/)
- [emma meeseman](https://beyondthew.com/tag/emma-meeseman/)
- [yvonne turner](https://beyondthew.com/tag/yvonne-turner/)
- [uncle drew](https://beyondthew.com/tag/uncle-drew/)
- [shaq](https://beyondthew.com/tag/shaq/)
- [shaquille o'neal](https://beyondthew.com/tag/shaquille-oneal/)
- [chris webber](https://beyondthew.com/tag/chris-webber/)
- [nba on tnt](https://beyondthew.com/tag/nba-on-tnt/)
- [pepsi](https://beyondthew.com/tag/pepsi/)
- [boston celtics](https://beyondthew.com/tag/boston-celtics/)
- [connecticut huskies](https://beyondthew.com/tag/connecticut-huskies/)
- [1996 olympics](https://beyondthew.com/tag/1996-olympics/)
- [atlanta](https://beyondthew.com/tag/atlanta/)
- [steve rushin](https://beyondthew.com/tag/steve-rushin/)
- [wnba playoffs](https://beyondthew.com/tag/wnba-playoffs/)