They’ve been wild recently.

someone help.

All of the people sad that she was waived by the Aces get to watch her play again in AU. Hopefully this can give her an edge back into the W.

In a new statement to the Houston Chronicle, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is reiterating his strong desire to bring in a WNBA expansion franchise.

“The Houston Comets helped put the WNBA on the map and the City of Houston deserves the chance to once again show how great of a place it is for women’s basketball,” Fertitta said, via Danielle Lerner. “We still proudly display the Comets championship banners and retired jerseys at Toyota Center. It’s been far too long; it’s time to bring the WNBA back to Houston.”

From 1997 through 2008, Houston was home to the now-shuttered Comets. Led by iconic names such as Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, the Comets won the league’s first four titles in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. But fan interest gradually waned as the team lost relevance in the years that followed, and that eventually led to the franchise being dissolved by the end of the 2000s.

In recent years, however, interest in women’s basketball has picked up throughout the United States — with young stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese helping drive a new wave of fandom. That resurgent fan interest has led to improved economics for the sport and the league, and in turn, that has prompted increased interest in WNBA expansion and the creation of new franchises.

At a recent home game for the Rockets, Fertitta brought Cooper, Thompson, and former head coach Van Chancellor to his suite to discuss the bid. Per Lerner, all responded with unbridled enthusiasm and support.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said she wants to add a 16th team before 2028, and Houston is one of several markets vying for that slot. Fertitta is leading Houston’s bid, which should be boosted by the city’s large population (fourth-largest in the United States) and the availability of the recently renovated Toyota Center as a home arena and a newly constructed practice facility.

In addition to the arena and a state-of-the-art practice complex, the Rockets also jointly own their own regional sports television channel in Space City Home Network, which would be a natural fit to broadcast WNBA games during the NBA offseason. Thus, perhaps in contrast to some other bids, Houston has ready-made infrastructure to immediately support a new team.

The precise timetable for a decision from the WNBA is not yet clear.

Aliyah Boston is working on her confidence ahead of Year 3 with the Indiana Fever — and some of that confidence will come from playing in Unrivaled, the new 3x3 full-court league in Miami.

Boston, the 2023 No. 1 pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year, is coming off another effective year with the Fever. She was an All-Star for the second straight season and a key part of Indiana’s offensive game, leading the team with 8.9 rebounds per game and finishing third with 14 points per game.

Still, she said, there are always things she can work on.

Boston had a bit of a slow start to the 2024 season, even after working out heavily to put on muscle and weight on her first WNBA offseason. Her increased muscle helped her hold her own against bigger posts in the league, but the lack of organized basketball in the offseason meant she had another learning curve at the beginning of the season.

Hopefully, Unrivaled will help fill that gap.

“Allowing me to work in space, and allowing me to just be confident in the stuff I’ve worked on this offseason, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Boston said. “Knowing that I put in the work, and knowing that I put in time, and knowing those things will execute.”

Unrivaled is a new 3x3 league starting this WNBA offseason founded by women’s basketball stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. It’s a 10-week season based in Miami, and it was formed both to allow top women’s players to make money in the offseason without going overseas and fit within the WNBA’s prioritization rules. The league will end on March 10, well before players need to report to their respective teams for training camp.

Boston will lace up for Vinyl Basketball Club, which includes Dearica Hamby, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, Rae Burrell and Arike Ogunbowale.

This kind of game has an increased emphasis on defense, especially with the full-court aspect and only three players on the floor for each team at a time. It will be good work for Boston, who can bring that increased defensive effort to the Fever (one of the worst defensive teams in the league) in 2025.

“I think there’s just a lot of space on the floor, so as individuals, it’s making sure we’re guarding our own, because it’s going to be hard,” Boston said. “You can’t really pack the paint, because everyone has the capability of shooting the 3 and shooting it well, so it’s just making sure you’re able to guard your own. We want to play fast, and I feel like that’s how we play in the league anyways. It’s a pretty fast-paced game, so we’re just going to keep doing that.”

Boston has already gotten a head start on working with the Fever’s new staff, which include former Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White and player development coach Keith Porter. Porter even went to Massachusetts, where Boston was training, in December to work with her before she reported to Unrivaled.

Along with solidifying parts of her game she already has, she and Porter worked on new aspects to bring into her third year in the league in a couple months.

“Just continuing to be quick but also poised in the mid-post, especially just being confident taking my shots,” Boston said about her workout session with Porter. “I think it was super dope that Keith came out to Mass to work out with me, and we just continue to work on that and obviously expanding my game, just being able to attack from different angles.”

If we had to choose a starting five based on the current roster (theoretically imagine no trades or future drafts) who would be the starting five? Who do you see being 6th man?

My personal lineup: Julie Vanloo (PG) Kate Martin (SG) Kayla Thorton (SF) Monique Billings (PF) Temi Fagbenle (C)

6th Man: I have no idea lol

Fever forward Katie Lou Samuelson is ready for a fresh start with Unrivaled.

After having her daughter, Aliya, in August 2023, Samuelson had a tough first season back on the court with the Fever.

Samuelson, who has played with Chicago, Seattle and Indiana since being drafted at No. 4 overall in 2019, signed with Indiana in February 2024, with hopes she could be the knockdown 3-point shooter she was in college and the WNBA.

Samuelson, however, struggled to find her shot throughout the season, and she eventually moved from a starting role to coming off the bench. With caring for her daughter and getting back into the game just eight months after giving birth, she described 2024 as one of her most difficult seasons yet.

But with Unrivaled this WNBA offseason, Samuelson is getting the chance to hone her skills ahead of her second season with Indiana — the final season of her two-year, $355,000 contract.

“It was a great opportunity,” Samuelson said of playing in Unrivaled. “When they came and asked me to join, it was something I felt like you can’t pass up. A chance to not only play against the best players in the league but work with the best players. They’ve created an elite staff of people around us to help us get better and do everything we possibly need to do. That’s something you don’t always get, and is hard to find, especially in the offseason.”

Samuelson was one of the final players announced as part of the new league, taking one of the wildcard spots after the inaugural teams were formed. The UConn star already has a relationship with co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, having played with them in college.

She is also one of the best 3x3 players in the country — she was slated to be on the 2021 Olympic 3x3 team in Tokyo but had to drop out after she got COVID-19 just a week before the Games started.

But this style of 3x3 is something Samuelson — or any player, really — hasn't ever played. Still, Samuelson hopes she can bring some kind of experience to her Phantom Basketball Club teammates, which include Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, and Natasha Cloud.

“This is a very different game than I’ve played before,” Samuelson said. “Full court adds a different dimension to it, but the spacing and understanding of where to be, offensively and defensively, it’s easier to pick up. Hopefully, with that knowledge, my team can trust me and rely on me to be in the right spots and just be a valuable player to our team.”

Unrivaled will be a full-court 3x3 game, unlike the Olympic half-court concept. The new league will also have four quarters, unlike the Olympic single 10-minute period with a shot clock.

This new style, especially when it comes to the full-court aspect, will expose every player on the court. And every player will need to be prepared.

“I think it’s even harder to hide in this type of 3-on-3, you have to be involved no matter what, offensively and defensively,” Samuelson said. “The entire time, you have to be able to hold your own. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s really interesting to see how the games, the scores play out.”

In some ways, WNBA free agency in 2025 is a dress rehearsal for the madness to come next year.

With the league and its players association beginning the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and the expectation that the salary cap will jump dramatically thanks to escalating national TV deals that begin in 2026, virtually every veteran WNBA player will be a free agent in 12 months.

Additionally, the ability for WNBA teams to designate core players -- something that could change in the next CBA -- will shape this year's free agency. Three of the top five players in my wins above replacement (WARP) player projections are eligible to receive the core designation, and five of the top 10.

Still, plenty of movement might be on the horizon as the negotiating and trade period opens Jan. 21. And, like the teams that met in October's WNBA Finals, franchises will have the ability to change their fortunes in free agency. The WNBA champion New York Liberty built a super team in 2023 by signing former MVP Breanna Stewart and All-Star Courtney Vandersloot, while the 2024 runner-up Minnesota Lynx bolstered their core last offseason by adding Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams as free agents.

Who are the top players who could be difference-makers in this year's free agency? Let's break down my top 10 as projected for the upcoming season based on their performance over the past three seasons and their age. And we look at eight other key players available.

Note: click on url link to see the list of players and the whole article

In these trying times, it's something I think we can all agree on.

Ordered a Sabrina jersey for my oldest and an Indiana Fever coach's shirt/blouse thing for my wife for Christmas at the beginning of December. The jersey showed up relatively quickly and seems to be correct.

The coach's blouse/shirt thing on the other hand.

Order #1 was the size I ordered, but they forgot to screen print the logo on it, making it a rather overpriced red shirt. It arrived on Christmas Eve, so I wrapped it and presented it with an explanation. Submitted a refund request and ordered a replacement on New Year's Eve. Order #2 arrived yesterday and while it had the Fever logo on it, it was not the size I ordered. So that one is going back today and I'm trying for a third and final time to successfully receive what I ordered. Because this can't be that hard, can it?

And BTW this time it is more expensive because the promo codes changed.

Full quote:

“I want to be valued. I want to be competitive. Obviously, you know, That's why you come into this league. You want, you want to be competing for championships, and a place that takes care of me, Wants me to be there and, you know, sees what I can bring to the team that's most important, I want to have the ball in my hands and be able to create the way that I think that I can, you know, and just be in a place that is is comfortable for me and my family.”

https://x.com/GeoffJMags/status/1876697095152799963

Disappointing but not surprising. 😭 Where do we think she'll land?

Was just watching the show (for kids) with my little guy and heard Tamika Catching's voice. Very cute segment and nice to see W representation. My son started practicing with his own little basketball and goal! They've done basketball segements before but with nba players. Catchings was teaching Blippi defensive stances, shooting from three, free throws and hook shots in the Fever practice facility.

https://youtu.be/wzVq0K0lFg4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eshwjhG5zQs

Let's have a conversation about it!

I'm defecting from ONLY being an NBA fan. (I don't even like college. I always only wanted to see 'the game at the highest level., and that's no longer the NBA.)

I worry I've been ignoring the WNBA out of sexism, I'm going to admit that first. But then, I also believe that it takes a good 30 years for ANY league to get really good. I can't watch old NBA games past 1980.... and the WNBA is just about 30.

I can't believe I never noticed how good the games are!! Granted, I'm watching game 1 of the 2023 championships free on youtube right now. But it's literally the best game of "NBA" basketball I've seen in ten years.

Actual defense. Actually contested three point shots. All the strategies that come with a full and balanced basketball game.

I've missed basketball soooo much.

Thank you to the WNBA for holding it down.

Fans, I know nothing but some names, and "Caitlin Clark throws daggers blindfolded in her sleep."

What do I need to know? How do I start?

I know it's a silly question. I really just want to show my appreciation, I'm just so happy actual Pro ball with actual real defense is still a thing I can watch a whole season of.

How do I do it? I cord cut (the only reason I had a tv was NBA, and I grew to dislike it.).Can I do it digitally? Are games affordable to go to? etc

The WNBA Club is a social community group created by fans, for the fans. We hold watch parties in local cities to connect with other like minded basketball fans and #growthegame. We have 11 chapters currently & with the Unrivaled season approaching, be sure to check out if you have a watch party in your city! 🏀

Out of curiosity, what are some examples of WNBA beefs/feuds? What’s the TLDR version of how the beef/feud started, what happened, & how it ended/died down.

Wait, wait, hear me out.

Wings historically have zero leverage in trades. (Skylar, Liz)

We're about to lose Satou

LA, Nike, WNBA, Disney, and probably Paige all want Paige in Los Angeles.

A wings lineup of

MILES (pick swap with LA) ARIKE RICKEA TO BE DETERMINED (or CAM if rickea is off the table) KALANI

...would be insane. New arena in 26, etc. Paige's clearly special and this won't happen but the injuries gotta get us thinking.

Not a burner acct, I swear. go Wings.

It started the day after the New York Libertywon their first WNBA championship.

That's when the Women's National Basketball Players Association, in an expected move, opted out of the collective bargaining agreement two years early. In a time of unprecedented growth and star power, sparked in 2024 by rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, it sets the stage for fascinating negotiations that could determine the future direction of the league.

Within weeks, more than half of the league's teams were looking for new head coaches.

In early December, the Golden State Valkyries -- the WNBA's first new team since 2008 -- held their expansion draft.

And later this month, a new 3x3 league featuring high-profile WNBA stars and backed by A-list money, kicks off a must-see offseason experiment.

All of that is to say it has been a wild offseason for women's professional basketball, and things are only getting started here in 2025.

ESPN's Kendra Andrews, Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at what the new year brings for the women's pro game.

A new pod that’s a bit of everything. Freshman drama, free agency, title contenders, Dan Cortese!

Covers mouth

The three free agency hot takes for those who want to discuss…

Kelsey Plum to the Sparks.

Everyone stands pat and no one goes anywhere.

Nneka leaves Seattle and is the Fever’s real wild card.

What’s everyone’s hottest free agency take?

• Jan 11-20: Teams extend qualifying offers to core-eligible or reserved players
• Jan. 21: Teams can begin negotiating with players
• Feb. 1: Players can sign contracts with teams

https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba-free-agency-schedule-key-154524309.html

I know we’ve had a lot of these in the past couple months but I thought I’d share it anyway should anyone be interested.

Shyanne Sellers moved up quite a bit with Maryland having a great season so far.

Lexie Hull said during her unrivaled press conference that she’s never received the type of passes she’s gotten from Chelsea Gray. Therefore, I felt inspired to post the above question. So, start educating me…

Loaded column this week on the Player of the Year race, Olivia Miles unbelievable improvement, the Dawn Staley - Milaysia Fulwiley discussion and a bit of a free agency preview.

There’s also a companion podcast in there for our new Sunday night wrap show that you’ll be able to find weekly on YouTube live.

LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole Join as Assistant Coaches; Brooklyn Cartwright Promoted to Assistant General Manager

ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 6, 2025) – The Atlanta Dream announced today the hiring of LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole as assistant coaches and the promotion of Brooklyn Cartwright to Assistant General Manager.

“LaToya and Brandi bring invaluable WNBA experience, including deep postseason success, to our staff,” said Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko. “Their leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game will be instrumental as we continue to build a winning culture in Atlanta. We are fortunate to have them join the Dream.”

Sanders joins the Atlanta Dream after serving three years on the staff of the Washington Mystics, most recently as Associate Head Coach. She transitioned to coaching after a celebrated seven-year WNBA playing career, highlighted by her championship run with the 2019 Mystics. Sanders also brings extensive international experience, having competed with the Turkish national team and playing professionally in Turkey. A standout player at the University of North Carolina, she was named the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and still holds the Tar Heels’ all-time career marks for field goal percentage and total blocked shots.

“I’m excited to join the Atlanta Dream and work with such a talented team and staff,” said Sanders. “This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization.”

Poole brings more than two decades of basketball leadership to the Atlanta Dream, including an impressive track record in the WNBA and collegiate coaching. Most notably, she spent five years as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun, where she helped lead the team to a stellar 105-53 record and two WNBA Finals appearances. During her tenure, the Sun earned a reputation for consistent postseason success, making the playoffs in all five seasons. A veteran of the collegiate ranks, Poole also served as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, Indiana, Bowling Green, and West Virginia, contributing to player development and team success.

“Karl Smesko is a highly respected coach, and I look forward to learning from and working beside him,” said Poole. “His basketball acumen and character are second to none. I am grateful to both him and Dan Padover for believing in my abilities to contribute positively to the future of the Atlanta Dream and compete for a WNBA Championship.”

Cartwright’s promotion to Assistant General Manager underscores the Atlanta Dream’s dedication to developing talent and leadership within the organization. Since joining the Dream in 2021 as Director of Basketball Operations, Cartwright has been a vital part of basketball operations, working closely with the coaching staff, front office, and General Manager Dan Padover to help shape the Dream’s vision for the future. Her ability to adapt and thrive during this pivotal time has made her an integral part of the organization’s success.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role with the Atlanta Dream and deeply grateful to our ownership, General Manager Dan Padover, and the entire organization for their unwavering support and belief in me,” said Cartwright. “This promotion is a testament to the incredible culture we’ve built—a culture that champions hard work, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m excited to continue contributing to the Dream’s growth both on and off the court.”

“Brooklyn’s growth within our organization has been remarkable,” said General Manager Dan Padover. “She has quickly become one of the rising leaders and basketball executives in the WNBA. As an organization, we are committed to developing talent on and off the court, and Brooklyn is a testament to that commitment. Her ability to organize, communicate, and collaborate across all levels of our team has been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to see her step into this new role.”