Houston Roundball Review Women's Hoops Blog

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) today announced a multi-year partnership focused on enhancing fan engagement, introducing innovative advanced analytics and data insights, and accelerating the league’s continued growth. AWS will become the Official Cloud and Cloud AI Partner of the WNBA, in addition to joining the WNBA Changemakers Collective. The partnership marks AWS’s first with a women’s professional sports league and builds on its work across sports to help organizations drive innovation, accelerate growth and engage fans globally.

At the center of the partnership is the launch of WNBA Inside the Game powered by AWS, a new advanced statistics platform that will elevate how fans experience and understand the game. Leveraging AWS’s cloud and artificial intelligence capabilities, the platform will turn real-time player tracking data into easy-to-understand insights – bringing fans closer to every play, possession, and performance.

Available across the WNBA App, WNBA.com and during live games, Inside the Game is designed to deliver advanced analytics to fans worldwide. New AI-powered metrics will spotlight aspects of the game that haven’t been captured before in the women’s game, including how players impact defenses with and without the ball and the true difficulty of every shot attempt. Throughout the season, AWS and the league will introduce WNBA Gravity, followed by WNBA Shot Difficulty.

“We view this partnership as integral to the next phase of growth for the WNBA,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “From unlocking deeper insights to creating more immersive fan experiences and driving innovation, we are excited to welcome AWS as a partner and Changemaker and look forward to building the future of women’s basketball together.”

“As the WNBA enters its 30th season, we're proud to join as both an innovation partner and a Changemaker, committed to using AWS's cloud and AI capabilities to elevate the fan experience and support the continued growth of women's basketball,” said AWS Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kristin Shaff. “Through WNBA Inside the Game, we're bringing AI-powered analytics to the women's game, giving fans new ways to appreciate the skill and strategy WNBA players bring to the court every game. This is just the first chapter of what we're building together, and we couldn't be more excited to get started.”

As part of the partnership, AWS will also serve as the Presenting Partner of WNBA Live, the league’s fan festival held during 2026 WNBA All-Star in Chicago. Taking place July 24 - 25 at McCormick Place, WNBA Live brings together basketball, entertainment and culture through player appearances, performances and interactive experiences that reflect the league’s influence across sport, fashion and music.

AWS will also join the WNBA Changemakers Collective, a first-of-its-kind group of purpose-driven companies working to empower players, elevate the league’s visibility and drive business transformation across women’s sports. AWS joins fellow Changemakers Ally, AT&T, CarMax, Deloitte, Google and Nike as part of a shared commitment to innovation and long-term growth.

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Roku Launches the WNBA Zone for 2026 Season

2026-05-06T10:54:00.003-05:00

Today, Roku announced the launch of the WNBA Zone, a new, streamlined destination created in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Zone centralizes live matchups, scores, highlights, and more in one intuitive location, making it easier than ever for streamers to find league content. Available starting today, the experience will keep fans connected to their favorite teams all season long.

“We saw firsthand how hungry audiences are for women’s sports, when we launched the Women’s Sports Zone. Now we’re leaning further in,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media. “As the WNBA enters its 30th season, with new media partners, an historic CBA, and tremendous momentum on several fronts, the energy around the sport right now is incredible. This partnership with the WNBA is about making it easier than ever for fans to dive into the league's entire ecosystem and catch every big moment in one place.”

“At a time when demand for WNBA basketball is at an all-time high, we’re excited to partner with Roku to make being a fan easier than ever,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “Fans are looking for a more seamless and accessible way to watch and engage with the league, and this partnership delivers on that. It also builds on our ongoing efforts to bring fans closer to the game by simplifying how they discover and experience WNBA content.”

Designed with the fan in mind, the WNBA Zone simplifies the fan experience by surfacing live games as they happen, while automatically prioritizing watch options based on a user's subscriptions. Fans can jump straight into the action across national broadcast partners and entitled streaming services, eliminating the guesswork and keeping the focus on the game. To stay even closer to the action, fans can favorite their preferred teams to receive mobile tune-in reminders and a personalized row of highlights and clips. For ultimate coverage, fans can subscribe to WNBA League Pass within the WNBA App available in the zone via Roku Pay or manage their account at my.roku.com.

The WNBA Zone will be featured across multiple entry points on the platform, available today ahead of season tip-off, May 8, exclusively on Roku devices in the U.S.

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Houston Comets trademark fight

2026-04-28T06:03:00.004-05:00

Who's to blame for the official name of Houston's soon-to-be WNBA franchise now being in question?

Clip from episode 181 (on 4/26) of the "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show featuring Kennetra Pulliams, AD Moore, Willy Gibson, and me.

Click here and watch the full show on YouTube (w/ time stamps).

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WNBA Expands Fan Access with Free Streaming of all 2026 Preseason Games

2026-04-23T13:39:00.002-05:00

The WNBA today released its 18-game preseason schedule for 2026.

In addition to four national broadcasts on ION, every preseason game will be available on WNBA League Pass. Fans can stream these games for free in the WNBA App by signing up or logging in with a WNBA ID to unlock the preseason preview.* This marks the second consecutive year that the entire slate of preseason action will be available to fans. Information on the Canadian television broadcast and streaming schedule will be released at a later date.

“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for the WNBA, and WNBA ID is helping us meet that moment by making every preseason game available to fans for free,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison.

The WNBA’s 2026 preseason action tips off Saturday, April 25, with a five-game slate. Action that day includes top picks from the 2026 WNBA Draft making their professional debuts, highlighted by second overall selection Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx meeting the fourth overall pick, Lauren Betts, and the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. (6:30 p.m. CT). In addition, Awa Fam Thiam, the third overall pick, and Flau’jae Johnson, the eighth overall pick, will lead the Seattle Storm against the Golden State Valkyries and their top rookie acquisition, Marta Suarez, at Chase Center in San Francisco (7:30 p.m. CT).

That day also features the first of four nationally broadcast games on ION, when two-time All-Star Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visit the New York Liberty and former WNBA MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart at Barclays Center (2:00 p.m. CT). Additionally, the Phoenix Mercury will take on the Chicago Sky at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls (3:00 p.m. CT), marking the first ever WNBA game played in South Dakota. Opening day preseason action will wrap when the Los Angeles Sparks, led by their former league MVP, Nneka Ogwumike, face the Nigeria Women’s National Team at Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University (2:00 p.m. CT).

On Sunday, April 26, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will host the Japan Women’s National Team at Michelob Ultra Arena (7:00 p.m. CT).

Preseason play continues Monday, April 27, when WNBA action returns to Kansas City for the first time since 2005, as the Lynx host the Nigeria Women’s National Team at T-Mobile Center (7:00 p.m. CT).

On Wednesday, April 29, the WNBA’s newest expansion teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will make their preseason debuts. Toronto will host the Connecticut Sun at Coca-Cola Coliseum (6:00 p.m. CT) and Portland will visit Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena (9:00 p.m. CT). That same evening, two-time All-Star Angel Reese, recently acquired by the Atlanta Dream in a trade with the Sky, will lead her new team into Chicago’s Wintrust Arena (6:00 p.m. CT) and the Japan Women’s National Team will visit 2025 MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury (9:00 p.m. CT) at Mortgage Matchup Center.

The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, Azzi Fudd, will make her debut alongside reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year and 2025 first overall draft pick Paige Bueckers on Thursday, April 30, when the Dallas Wings visit the Fever and Clark, the top pick in the 2024 draft, at Gainbridge Field House (6:00 p.m. CT). This matchup is a preview of the regular season opener between the two teams set for May 9 and the second nationally broadcast preseason game on ION.

Additional highlights of the WNBA preseason schedule:

In another matchup of rookie guards chosen in the first round of the 2026 draft, Kiki Rice and Toronto will visit Olivia Miles and the Lynx at Target Center on Friday, May 1 (7:00 p.m. CT).
Three-time WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston and the Fever will host the Nigeria Women’s National Team at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, May 2 (6:00 p.m. CT).
In the third nationally televised game on ION, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner will make her home debut with her new team, Connecticut, when the Sun host the Liberty at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, May 3 (4:00 p.m. CT).
2025 All-Stars and All-WNBA Rookie Team honorees Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen and the Mystics will travel to Atlanta to face the Dream and its rookie first round selection, Madina Okot, on Sunday, May 3 (2:00 p.m. CT).
In its home preseason debut, Portland will host four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum and the Sparks at Moda Center in Oregon on Sunday, May 3 (2:00 p.m. CT).
The Wings will face the Aces at the Moody Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, on Sunday, May 3 (6:00 p.m. CT), which will be the final nationally broadcast preseason game on ION.

Following the conclusion of the preseason, teams will be required to finalize their rosters May 7, 2026.

The WNBA’s 30th regular season will tip off on Friday, May 8 and conclude on Thursday, September 24, with each team playing 44 games. The WNBA Playoffs will begin on Sunday, September 27, culminating with the WNBA Finals.

The complete 2026 WNBA preseason schedule is available here.

WNBA ID is completely free to join. Fans can sign up at www.wnba.com/id using their email address. If you have a WNBA Account or NBA ID, you can sign in with your existing credentials to officially activate your WNBA ID.

*From April 25 – May 3, all 18 preseason games on League Pass in the WNBA App will be available to stream free with WNBA ID (subject to local blackouts).

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WNBA Unveils National Broadcast Schedule for its 30th Regular Season

2026-04-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

The WNBA announced today its national broadcast schedule for the 2026 regular season. With a record 216 games and tentpole events slated for distribution across multiple platforms throughout the regular season, fans will enjoy unparalleled access to WNBA action.

The broadcast schedule represents the tip-off of the WNBA’s new media rights deals which features the renewal of partnerships with The Walt Disney Company (ABC/ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, CBS Television Network/Paramount+, and Scripps (ION), new partners NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock/NBCSN) and USA Sports (USA Network, and the continuation of distribution of games on NBA TV.

“The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA’s unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA’s stars provide each time they step on the court.”

Each of the league’s 15 teams will play 44 games in the 2026 regular season, providing fans with a record total of 330 WNBA games in which to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level. A summation of the 216 games available by the league’s distribution partners and information on the WNBA’s tentpole events, is below:

Disney Networks to present 30 games in league’s 30th season: Now in its 30th year of WNBA coverage, Disney Networks will present 30 games and tentpole events across the regular season. ABC’s 13 broadcasts, including the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, are tied for the most-ever by the network. ESPN will broadcast 17 games.

As part of WNBA Tip-Off 2026 presented by CarMax, ABC will broadcast an opening weekend doubleheader on May 9, when the Indiana Fever hosts the Dallas Wings (12 p.m. CT), and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces host the Phoenix Mercury in a rematch of the 2025 Finals (2:30 p.m. CT). In addition, nine WNBA games will be featured in ESPN’s new consecutive nine-week primetime block dedicated to women’s sports, Women’s Sports Sundays, tipping off on June 21.

NBC’s Seven Sundays and Peacock Mondays: The WNBA returns to NBC, which broadcast the first-ever WNBA game in 1997. An all-Sunday lineup consists of seven games, featuring Dallas, Indiana, and Las Vegas. Highlighted among the NBC games are two primetime broadcasts: Indiana at Las Vegas on July 12 (8 p.m. CT) and Indiana at the Chicago Sky on August 23 (6 p.m. CT).

In addition to streaming 12 Monday matchups and three weekend games during the regular season, Peacock will stream every game of the WNBA Finals, with each game also telecast on NBC or USA Network.

Prime Video Schedule Includes 31 Games Across Regular Season: Six years after becoming the first women’s professional sports league to have its games streamed on Prime Video, the WNBA’s 30th season will include 30 regular season games on the streaming platform. In addition, Prime Video will, for the sixth consecutive year, exclusively stream the Championship Game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup (Tuesday, June 30), the culmination of the WNBA’s marquee midseason tournament.

Prime Video Channels will also be the exclusive third-party digital distribution destination for WNBA League Pass, the WNBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and select international markets.

CBS / Paramount+ Primetime Games: After making history last year by airing the first two primetime WNBA regular-season games on broadcast television, CBS will deliver eight primetime games in 2026. Its complete slate of 20 broadcasts will air on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+.

CBS tips off its coverage with two games on May 23 when Chicago hosts the Minnesota Lynx (12 p.m. CT) and Las Vegas hosts the Los Angeles Sparks (7 p.m. CT). CBS will also air a day/night doubleheader on June 27 when Phoenix visits the Toronto Tempo (1 p.m. CT) and Los Angeles travels to Indiana (7 p.m.).

ION Puts the Spotlight on Friday Night Doubleheaders: Once again setting a standard for weekly coverage and appointment viewing, ION will broadcast the most games across the regular season (50) as part of its “State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight” series. Fans can tune in to ION every Friday night for doubleheaders, bringing a consistent, high-energy schedule to their screens.

USA Network to Provide Second-Most Games: While USA Network’s 48-game slate will be anchored by games on Wednesday nights (28) and Monday nights (11), the network will bookend its coverage with two games featuring the reigning champion Aces – on tip-off weekend, Sunday, May 10, when Las Vegas visits Los Angeles, and on the final day of the regular season, Thursday, September 24, when Las Vegas is at Phoenix.

NBA TV Highlights: In its 24th year of WNBA coverage, NBA TV’s 15-game slate will tip off and wrap by featuring the league’s expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. As part of WNBA Tip-Off 2026, NBA TV will show Portland hosting Chicago on May 9 (8 p.m. CT). On Sept. 24, the final day of the regular season, NBA TV will present the Toronto Tempo at Connecticut (6 p.m. CT).

WNBA Direct to Consumer League Pass Product offers Access to Games Across the League: WNBA League Pass will deliver select live games throughout the season (local blackouts may apply), along with next-day access to every matchup. League Pass games can be streamed via the WNBA App or WNBA.com.

Fan-Favorites and Defending Champions Dominate National Spotlight: Both teams with the last two consecutive first-round picks, Caitlin Clark/Aliyah Boston-led Fever, and the Paige Bueckers/Azzi Fudd-led Wings will receive significant national exposure, as will the 2024 WNBA champion New York Liberty and the defending 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Indiana: Behind Clark, Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, who combined for eight All-Star selections the past three seasons, all 44 Fever games will be showcased nationally, including appearances on ABC/ESPN, USA, Prime Video, ION, NBC/Peacock, CBS, and NBA TV.
Dallas: After adding No. 1 overall draft pick Fudd and 2025 co-WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a lineup featuring 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Bueckers and two-time WNBA All-Star Game MVP Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings will appear in 36 national games.
New York: The Liberty, led by two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, four-time All-Star Sabrina Ionescu, and newly acquired three-time All-Star Satou Sabally, will be featured with 35 national games.
Las Vegas: With an eye toward winning the franchise’s fourth WNBA title in five years, the Aces, led by four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, three-time All-WNBA selections Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, and two-time All-WNBA pick Jackie Young, will be highlighted in 33 national games.

Key Matchups, Debuts and Rivalries to Watch: Fans can look forward to exciting rivalries and must-see games, including:

Aces vs. Mercury: In a rematch of 2025 WNBA Finals opponents, Las Vegas and Phoenix will clash four times with every game broadcast or streamed nationally – May 9 on ABC; June 17 on USA Network; July 11 on Peacock; and on the final day of the regular season, Sept. 24, on USA Network.
Fever vs. Wings: In a matchup that features the last four No. 1 overall draft picks – Indiana’s Boston (2023) and Clark (2024) vs. Dallas’ Bueckers (2025) and Fudd (2026) – all three Fever-Wings games will be available nationally (May 9 on ABC; Aug. 14 on ION; and Aug. 20 on Prime Video).
Dream vs. Sky: Two-time All-Star Angel Reese, recently acquired by the Atlanta Dream in a trade with the Chicago Sky, will lead her new team against Chicago three times, all on national platforms (June 9 on ESPN; July 19 on CBS; and Sept. 19 on Prime Video).
Fever vs. Dream: Indiana will meet the Dream four times – twice on Prime Video (June 4 and June 18), and once each on ABC (June 20) and ESPN (Aug. 16).
Aces vs. Fever: Las Vegas, which defeated Indiana in a memorable five-game semifinals last season, will face the Fever three times, all on a national platform (July 5 on ESPN; July 12 on NBC and Peacock; and Aug. 6 on Prime Video).
Liberty vs. Lynx: New York and Minnesota, which in 2024 met in both the WNBA Finals and the Championship Game of the Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, will play three times this season, all on a national stage (July 11 on ABC; and July 3 and Sept. 18 on ION).

WNBA Rivals Week: Classic and budding rivalries between teams will come into focus when the second annual WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally takes place during a seven-day span in August. During that period, marquee matchups will be front and center and bragging rights will be on the line when the league’s network partners shine a special spotlight on WNBA stars and teams.

WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally tips off on Aug. 8 with Las Vegas at Minnesota (CBS; 12 p.m. CT) and Indiana at Chicago (ABC; 2 p.m. CT) and concludes on Aug. 14 with an ION double header with Indiana hosting Dallas at 6:30 p.m. CT) and Seattle hosting Portland at 9 p.m. CT).

“WNBA Court Origins”: As part of the league’s 30th season celebration, the “WNBA Court Origins” platform features four national broadcasts and streams involving four of the WNBA’s original franchises. The centerpiece of the series is ESPN’s broadcast of New York at Los Angeles on June 21, the date on which those two teams met in the WNBA’s inaugural game in 1997. Additional games include New York at Phoenix on Aug. 1 (ABC), Las Vegas at New York on Aug. 9 (ABC) and Los Angeles at Las Vegas on Sept. 22 (ESPN).

Debuts of Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo: The inaugural games for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will be available during WNBA Tip-Off weekend presented by CarMax. Toronto will host the Washington Mystics on May 8 (ION) and Portland will host the Chicago Sky on May 9 (NBA TV).

WNBA Pride: As part of 2026 WNBA Pride presented by Coach, for every free throw made during the 24 designated Pride Games played June 20-27, Coach will donate $100 to Athlete Ally, up to $200,000, to further Athlete Ally’s work around LGBTQIA+ rights.

The WNBA’s distribution partners will present a total of 17 games during this span. Coverage tips off on June 20 with three games -- Indiana at Atlanta (ABC; 12 p.m. CT), Seattle at Phoenix (ABC; 2 p.m. CT) and Chicago at Dallas (CBS; 7 p.m. CT).

The 2026 Playoffs and Finals: The 2026 WNBA Playoffs will tip off on Sunday, Sept. 27, with first-round action delivered by Disney Networks (two series) and USA Network and Prime Video (one series each). Disney Networks will also provide coverage of one semifinals series, with coverage of the other semifinals provided by NBC, Peacock and NBCSN. All 2026 WNBA Finals games will air on NBC or USA Network and also be streamed on Peacock

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Baylor WBB Signs Skylar Jones

2026-04-18T21:55:00.008-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Louisville and Arizona transfer Skylar Jones to the program on Saturday.

"Skylar is an elite athlete who can impact the game at both ends," Collen said. "Her length and anticipation make her a menace on the defensive end, while her ability to attack the rim to score or draw fouls gives our offense an added dimension. Skylar has the versatility to play multiple positions and the speed to elevate our transition game. We are excited to welcome Skylar and her family to the Baylor Family for her final year of college."

Jones appeared in 34 games with Louisville during the 2025-26 season, averaging 8.4 points per game while totaling 100 rebounds and 51 steals, the second-most on the team. She scored a season-high 21 points in the Cardinals' six-point win over Colorado in the third game of the year, shooting 8-of-15 from the field with one 3-pointer and going 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Jones recorded 15 double-digit scoring performances, including two 20-point outings.

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Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball signs transfer Zya Vann

2026-04-17T21:48:00.010-05:00

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University of Texas women's basketball head coach Vic Schaefer announced the signing of transfer Zya Vann on Friday.

Vann, a 5'9" guard from Edmond, Okla., played her freshman and sophomore seasons at Oklahoma.

Vann played and started all 34 games for Oklahoma during the 2025-26 season. She averaged 10.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as well as 2.1 steals per game. Vann scored in double figures in 17 games with a career-high of 21 points.

"We are so excited to welcome Zya Vann to our Longhorn family," Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said. "When looking to add someone to our program, we're searching for the total package—and that's exactly who Zya is. She is an elite competitor with a toughness and grit that shows up in everything she does. As a combo guard, she brings versatility, physicality, and a relentless motor that will impact us immediately."

Vann was ranked the No. 46 player in her high school class by ESPN and was graded as the top player in Oklahoma. Vann led Bethany High School to back-to-back 4A state championships and was the 2024 Oklahoma MaxPreps Girls Player of the Year.

"What really stands out about Zya is who she is beyond the game," Schaefer said. "She's about the right things—work ethic, accountability, and being a great teammate. She carries herself the right way every day, and that comes from the incredible family that raised her. We're not just adding a great player—we're adding a high-character young woman who fits exactly what our program is built on. We couldn't be more excited to have her in burnt orange."

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Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball signs Isi Etute

2026-04-15T21:44:00.011-05:00

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University of Texas women's basketball head coach Vic Schaefer announced the signing of Isi Etute on Wednesday.

Etute is a 6'2" forward from Dudelange, Luxembourg. She came over to the United States to play high school basketball at IMG Academy in Florida.

Etute is the No. 24 ranked recruit in the 2026 class by ESPN. She played internationally for Luxembourg, representing the country in both youth and senior competitions and has been with the senior national team since the age of 16. In 2024, she averaged 18.7 points and 13.4 rebounds per game with the youth national team. At IMG she averaged 17.8 points per game, 10.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 52 percent from the field.

At the 2026 FIBA Eurobasket qualifiers she scored 27 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in a single game.

At the 2023 FIBA U16 European Championship Division B, averaged 15.8 PPG, 18.2 RPG; led the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket in scoring and rebounding (18.7 PPG, 13.4 RPG); named one of FIBA's Top 10 standout players of the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket tournament

"We are excited and fired up to welcome Isi Etute to our women's basketball program here at The University of Texas," Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said. "She brings so much to the table with her competitive spirit, toughness, and physicality, and she is a high-character young woman who is truly excited to be a Longhorn. She also comes from a strong, supportive family, and that foundation shows in the way she carries herself on and off the floor. We believe she will come in and make an immediate impact on our program because of the physical presence she plays with on the floor. Her skill set allows her to score from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, and on the block. She will be a great teammate and really puts the icing on the cake for this incredible freshman class. With her addition, this group has a chance to be one of the most impactful freshman classes in the history of The University of Texas."

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Baylor WBB Brings in Trinity Turner

2026-04-14T21:58:00.009-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Georgia transfer Trinity Turner to the program on Tuesday night.

"We are excited to welcome Trinity to the Baylor Family," Collen said. "She is a proven point guard from the SEC who can both score and facilitate at the highest level. Her midrange game is elite, and she has the ability to put her teammates in position to succeed. Trinity is a special on-ball defender who can set the tone for our defense. She loves the game of basketball, and our fans will see her passion in the way she leads."

After a two-year stint at Georgia, Turner comes to Central Texas averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 assists per game on her career, starting in 91% of her appearances in the red and black. In SEC conference play, Turner scored in double figures in 16 games, averaging 10.9 points per contest with four 20-point performances, including two against top 10 opponents.

Turner shot 39.2% from the field during the 2025-26 season, making the third-most field goals on Georgia's roster with 135. She posted a season-high 23 points against VCU at the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Classic, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor with four 3-pointers. She matched that 3-point total in the very next game against Coppin State to finish with 20 points.

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Baylor WBB Adds Tianna Thompson

2026-04-14T19:00:00.005-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Ole Miss transfer Tianna Thompson to the program on Tuesday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tianna to the Baylor Family," Collen said. "She is a versatile guard with elite shot-making ability. Tianna is a high-level 3-point shooter who can also score off the bounce. Her length allows her to play the passing lanes and create offense off her defense. Tianna is a strong student and will be an excellent representative of Baylor University in the Waco community."

In her lone season in Oxford, the 5-foot-10 guard led the Rebels from beyond the arc, making 37 3-pointers on 89 attempts for a team-best 41.6% that ranked fourth in the SEC among players who averaged at least one made 3-pointer per game. She posted a career-high 25 points at Florida, where a career-best seven 3-pointers fell.

An Atlanta native, Thompson scored in double figures eight times during her sophomore season. She came off the bench in all but two games, averaging 6.0 points per contest in 15.1 minutes per game while totaling 29 steals and 27 assists.

In SEC play, Thompson averaged 5.8 points per game while shooting 28-of-81 from the field. She connected on 20 3-pointers at a 42.6% clip during conference action.

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Rori Harmon: "I'm just super excited to just start something new. Close a door and open a new door."

2026-04-14T09:36:00.003-05:00

Rori Harmon (Texas Longhorns graduate from Cy Creek HS) was selected by the Washington Mystics with 34th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Harmon ended her career at Texas with 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds and 388 steals. Harmon is the only player in NCAA DI women’s basketball to reach those numbers in those four categories. Harmon’s assists and steals are Texas career records and Harmon broke those records that had stood for 40-plus years. Harmon’s 977 assists are 201 more assists than the previous mark of 776 that was set in 1986 by Kamie Ethridge and are 10th on the NCAA DI women’s basketball career list. Harmon’s 1,616 points rank 17th on the Texas all-time career scoring list.

Harmon started 155 games at Texas, which is a program record. Harmon played 687 more minutes that any other player in Texas women’s basketball history in her career. Texas had a record of 136-21 in the 157 games that Rori Harmon played in her career.

Harmon earned selection to the Final 15 of the Wooden Award and was a four-time All-America honorable mention selection. Harmon was a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist and the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

In her time with Texas women’s basketball, the program achieved three conference tournament championships and two regular season conference championships. The team advanced to the Elite Eight in four of her five seasons, to two Final Fours and earned three straight No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. The three-year stretch from the start of the 2023-24 season to the end of the 2025-26 season Texas won more games (103) than any three-year stretch in program history.

“Rori Harmon is simply the best point guard I’ve ever coached in 41 years in this industry,” Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said.” “She is generational. They just don’t make them like her. There is no other player in the country that defends like Rori Harmon from baseline to baseline and then comes down and runs her team and is responsible for everyone on the offensive end as well. And then you better not take your eye off her because she will make you pay. She is really special. If they hired me tomorrow in the WNBA she would be the first one I would go get because she can run a team. She knows leadership, she knows playbook, she knows players, she knows what we are doing and how we are doing it. She is an extension of me on the floor.”

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UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Spain’s Awa Fam Thiam, UConn’s Azzi Fudd and TCU’s Olivia Miles Headline Prospects to Attend 2026 WNBA Draft

2026-04-10T17:17:00.001-05:00

UCLA center Lauren Betts, Connecticut guard Azzi Fudd, Spain National Team center Awa Fam Thiam and TCU guard Olivia Miles headline the list of 15 prospects who will attend the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13, at The Shed, at Hudson Yards, in New York City.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN, with exclusive coverage beginning at 6 p.m. CT. The draft on ESPN, along with the WNBA Orange Carpet Special (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m. CT) and WNBA Countdown (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. CT), will also be available live on the ESPN App.

The other prospects who will be in attendance are forward Nell Angloma (France), forward Angela Dugalić (UCLA), guard Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA), guard Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), guard Raven Johnson (South Carolina), guard Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA), guard Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina), forward Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), center Madina Okot (South Carolina/Kenya), guard Kiki Rice (UCLA), and forward Marta Suárez (TCU/Spain).

As determined by the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery on Nov. 23, the Dallas Wings hold the top pick in the draft, followed by the Minnesota Lynx at No. 2 and the Seattle Storm at No. 3. The Washington Mystics have the fourth selection, and the Chicago Sky have the fifth. The WNBA’s newest teams, the expansion Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, will select sixth and seventh, respectively, in the first round.

The draft-night festivities will tip off with invited players showcasing their personalities and unique fashion styles on the WNBA’s iconic Orange Carpet. Earlier in the day, they will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony celebrating the draft.

Here is a closer look at the prospects who will attend the 2026 WNBA Draft:

Nell Angloma (France): A 5'11" forward who most recently played at Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration, Angloma has excelled for France in international competition. At the FIBA Women’s Basketball U19 World Cup last July, Angloma earned All-Second Team honors after averaging a team-leading 17.0 points per game and adding 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That followed her MVP performance at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2024, where she led France to the title.

Lauren Betts (UCLA / USA): The 6'7" Betts led UCLA to the national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. In both 2025 and 2026, she was an AP All-America First Team pick, the Lisa Leslie Award winner as the nation’s best center, and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This season, Betts was also the Big Ten Player of the Year and a candidate for multiple national Player of the Year honors while averaging 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Angela Dugalić (UCLA / USA): Dugalić helped UCLA reach the Final Four in 2025 and again this season when the Bruins won the national championship. The 6'4" forward won the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Award this season after averaging 9.0 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. A native of Des Plaines, IL, Dugalić has represented her parents’ homeland as a member of the Serbia National Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics.

Awa Fam Thiam (Spain): The 6'4" center has played professionally with Valencia Basket of Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, debuting with the club at age 15 in December 2021. Fam Thiam, who will turn 20 on June 17, also plays for the Spain National Team, for whom she averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game at the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in March. At the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 last June, she averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Azzi Fudd (Connecticut / USA): A 5'11" guard, Fudd helped UConn to four Final Fours and win the 2025 national championship, earning the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor that year. An AP All-America First Team pick this season, Fudd was also a finalist for numerous national Player of the Year honors and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the top shooting guard. She averaged a career-high 17.3 points per game, led the nation with 117 made threes, and was fifth in three-point shooting percentage (.447).

Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA / USA): The 6'0" guard helped UCLA reach the Final Four for the second consecutive year and propelled the Bruins to their first NCAA national championship with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the title game. Jaquez was a finalist for the 2026 Cheryl Miller Award as the nation’s best small forward and an All-Big Ten Second Team pick after averaging a career high 13.5 points per game. She also set personal bests in field goal percentage (53.9) and three-point shooting percentage (39.0).

Flau’jae Johnson (LSU / USA): A two-time finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the nation’s top shooting guard (2025 and 2026) and a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this year, Johnson ranks sixth in LSU history with 2,050 career points. An AP All-America Third Team pick her final two seasons, she averaged 14.2 points per game this year. The 5'10" guard helped LSU to the 2023 national title, followed by two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet 16 berth this season.

Raven Johnson (South Carolina / USA): As a starter, Johnson helped the Gamecocks to three straight Final Fours, including an undefeated 38-0 national championship in 2023-24. This season, the 5'9" Johnson was a finalist for the Dawn Staley Award and Nancy Lieberman Award for her play at guard when she ranked fourth nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.16). She also recorded career highs of 9.8 points and 5.1 assists per game and career-best percentages in all shooting categories.

Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA / USA): In her first season with the Bruins, the Utah transfer helped UCLA win the national title with a team-high 87 made threes. The 6'0" guard was an AP All-America Honorable Mention pick and a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the country’s top shooting guard after having twice been a semifinalist for the Cheryl Miller Award as a small forward. She shot 49.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range this season.

Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina / USA): A transfer from Florida State this season, Latson helped South Carolina reach the national championship game, averaging 14.1 points and 3.6 assists while shooting a career best 48.6 percent from the field. The 5'9" guard, who averaged more than 21 points per game in each of her three prior seasons, was a finalist this year for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the nation’s top shooting guard for the second consecutive year.

Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss / USA): McMahon starred at Ole Miss this season after transferring from Ohio State, where she was a two-time All-Big Ten First Team pick. The 6'0" guard / forward made the ballot for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this season and was a Cheryl Miller Award finalist as the nation’s best small forward. She also was the SEC Newcomer of the Year, and an All-SEC First Team pick after averaging career highs of 19.5 points and 3.0 assists per game.

Olivia Miles (TCU / USA): Miles was a three-time AP All-America Second Team pick and finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard (2023, 2025, and 2026). This season, the 5'10" guard was also a candidate for multiple National Player of the Year honors. She led the nation in triple-doubles (6) and ranked seventh in assists per game (6.6). The Big 12 Player of the Year, Miles became the first NCAA player to average at least 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.5 steals per game in a season.

Madina Okot (South Carolina / Kenya): In her second season of NCAA basketball, Okot, a 6'6" center from Mumias, Kenya, was a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award as the nation’s top center and an All-SEC Second Team choice while helping the Gamecocks reach the national championship game. A transfer from Mississippi State, Okot ranked tied for third in the nation in double-doubles (22) and 16th in rebounds per game (10.6) this season while contributing 12.8 points per game.

Kiki Rice (UCLA / USA): Rice helped UCLA to the Final Four in 2025 and to the 2026 national championship. This season, the 5'11" guard was a semifinalist for both the Naismith Trophy as the National Player of the Year and the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard when she ranked eighth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.5). An AP All-America Honorable Mention pick, Rice also averaged career-bests of 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Marta Suárez (TCU / Spain): A 6'3" forward and a member of Spain’s national team program, Suárez capped her college career at TCU this season after previously excelling at Tennessee and California. She recorded career highs of 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds and shot a career-best 37.0 percent from three-point range, joining Olivia Miles to give TCU one of the nation’s top scoring duos. Suárez’s career-high 33 points in a Sweet 16 win over Virginia propelled TCU into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Below are the players confirmed to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft:

The list of athletes invited to draft, as well as the broader pool of prospects, includes international players who participated in WNBA/NBA- and FIBA-led events during their journeys. Madina Okot, from Kenya, participated in the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Africa camp, and Gisela Sanchez of Spain attended the 2019 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp. Taking part in the NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders All-Star camp were Charlisse Leger-Walker of New Zealand (2019) and Saffron Shiels of Australia (2024). To date, 19 former Basketball Without Borders participants have gone on to be selected in the WNBA Draft. A complete list of those players can be found here.

Additional details regarding 2026 WNBA Draft are available here.

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KP and AD join the Houston Roundball Review Takeover to discuss Dawn and Geno; Texans; and more

2026-04-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

Join Kris Gardner and special guests Kennetra Pulliams and Adolphus 'AD' Moore (AD Max Korner) on this edition of The Houston Roundball Review TAKEOVER of The Lunch Break as they discuss the Dawn Staley - Geno Auriemma verbal exchange, apology / non-apology, etc.

AD Moore discusses the Houston Texans' moves with CJ Stroud and Will Anderson. Plus, the trio chimes in about the NCAA transfer portal and the WNBA / Houston Comets 2.0.

Would you rather your favorite team be nationally relevant for 20 years and not win a national championship or win 1 national title and be mediocre to suck for the rest of those 20 years?

The Takeover is powered by JM&E and is also available on Roku via the BS3 Network.

00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Dawn and Geno

27:29 - Houston Texans news

32:55 - BS3 Network promo

34:29 - Welcome back to the Takeover

34:48 - NCAA transfer portal

43:19 - Would you rather???

49:30 - WNBA

53:45 - Anything you want to discuss

59:02 - Conclusion

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2026 WNBA Free Agency Dates Set

2026-04-05T21:02:00.004-05:00

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association agreed today that free agency will open tomorrow, April 6, with the start of the Designation Period, the WNBA announced today.

The Negotiation Period will begin on Wednesday, April 8 and continue for three days. Teams and players will first be able to sign new contracts beginning on Saturday, April 11.

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Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo Select 22 Players in 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft

2026-04-03T17:22:00.002-05:00

The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo began the process of building their inaugural rosters by selecting a combined total of 22 players in the 2026 Expansion WNBA Draft, the WNBA announced today.

"Today was an incredibly exciting day for Portland as we begin the roster construction ahead of the debut season tip-off," said Fire General Manager Vanja Černivec. “Throughout this process, our priority was finding players who embody effort, selflessness, and a commitment to team success. Each player we selected reflects the culture of what we are building, and the style of play we want the Fire to represent from day one.”

“This marks the start of building the Toronto Tempo the right way,” added Tempo General Manager Monica Rogers. “We were deliberate in assembling a roster built on versatility, depth, and competitiveness. This group brings leadership, defensive edge, and scoring across the floor, and every player was selected with a clear expectation to compete at a high level, hold the standard, and help define the culture we’re setting in Toronto.”

The complete results of the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft are as follows:

* Denotes an unrestricted free agent, meaning that Portland and Toronto may designate the player a “Core” player, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights to her in exchange for an offer of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract at the maximum salary and/or may be the only team that can negotiate a supermax contract with the player.

As a result of separate trades made by Portland and Toronto with the Chicago Sky on Wednesday, both the Fire and Tempo agreed not to select a player from Chicago’s list of Unprotected Players.

Two players chosen in the 2026 WNBA Draft have won a WNBA championship during their career: Nyara Sabally with the New York Liberty in 2024, and Aaliyah Nye with the Las Vegas Aces in 2025.

The list of players selected also boasts 14 international players – Chloe Bibby, Nyadiew Puoch and Kristy Wallace (Australia), Julie Allemand (Belgium), Nikolina Milić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Bridget Carleton (Canada), Nika Mühl (Croatia), Carla Leite and Adja Kane (France), Luisa Geiselsöder and Nyara Sabally (Germany), Kitija Laksa (Latvia), Maria Kliudikova (Russia), and María Conde (Spain),

The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft consisted of two rounds with Portland and Toronto selecting from a pool of available players as determined by each of the other 13 WNBA franchises. Each of those 13 teams was required to submit a maximum of five players who were “Protected” and therefore not eligible for selection in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft.

With Portland having the first selection in the first round, and Toronto selecting first in the second round, the Fire and Tempo alternated selections in each round, having the right to acquire the player contract of, or the negotiating rights to, one player listed on the Unprotected List of each of the existing 13 teams. Portland and Toronto each had the option of selecting one player who is a “Potential Unrestricted Free Agent.

In the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft, the Tempo holds picks No. 6. 22, 26, and 36. The Fire owns picks No. 7, 17, and 37.

Toronto will open the regular season on Friday, May 8 when it hosts the Washington Mystics. Portland will begin play the following day when it hosts the Sky. Both teams’ full schedules can be found here.

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Future Houston Comets in 2026 and 2027 WNBA Drafts?

2026-03-31T10:43:00.001-05:00

Is the Connecticut Sun drafting for the Houston Comets?

Clip from episode 179 (on 3/29) of the "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show featuring Kennetra Pulliams, AJ Jones, Laquita Thompson, Willy Gibson, and me.

Click here and watch the full show on YouTube (w/ time stamps).

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"They better have a plan in place to market, promote to the fans."

2026-03-30T17:14:00.002-05:00

With the WNBA's return to Houston, Tilman Fertitta and his people need to have a plan in place to market, promote, encourage fans to support the Houston Comets 2.0.

Clip from episode 179 (on 3/29) of the "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show featuring Kennetra Pulliams, AJ Jones, Laquita Thompson, Willy Gibson, and me.

Click here and watch the full show on YouTube (w/ time stamps).

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2026 WNBA Draft to be held on April 13

2026-03-30T07:35:00.001-05:00

The 2026 WNBA Draft will be held on Monday, April 13, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT. The draft on ESPN, along with WNBA Orange Carpet Special (ESPN2, 4:30 pm CT) and WNBA Countdown (ESPN, 5:30 pm CT) will also be available live on the ESPN App.

Top collegiate and international prospects will participate in person as the 2026 WNBA Draft returns to New York City.

This marks the third consecutive year the draft will be a marquee live event with fans in attendance.

As determined by the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery held on November 23, 2025, the Dallas Wings will select first, followed by the Minnesota Lynx (second), Seattle Storm (third), Washington Mystics (fourth), and Chicago Sky (fifth).

“We are proud to welcome State Street Investment Management and SPY as the presenting partner of the WNBA Draft as we celebrate the league’s historic 30th season,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “Every year, the draft is a defining moment for our league and its future stars, and together with State Street Investment Management, we’re excited to create an unforgettable experience as we welcome the next generation of WNBA talent.”

The official tip-off of draft night festivities will begin when invited draft prospects arrive on the WNBA Draft Orange Carpet presented by Coach. Earlier in the day, draft prospects will visit the iconic Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony to celebrate the 2026 WNBA Draft.

“We are proud to serve as presenting sponsor of the 2026 WNBA Draft,” said John Brockelman, Chief Marketing Officer of State Street Investment Management. "This event is more than a moment - it's a beginning. And these incredible athletes serve as a powerful reminder of what's possible when you believe in, and invest in, your future."

On draft night, WNBA social and digital platforms – including the WNBA App and WNBA.com – will provide live updates, an interactive Draft Board, and comprehensive coverage of all draft-related events.

For more information on the WNBA and on the 2026 WNBA Draft, visit WNBA.com and the WNBA App.

The WNBA’s historic 30th season will tip off on Friday, May 8 with the Connecticut Sun visiting the New York Liberty, the Washington Mystics visiting the Toronto Tempo as the first ever Canadian WNBA team, and the Seattle Storm hosting the Golden State Valkyries.

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WNBA Announces Results of Coin Toss for 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft

2026-03-30T07:26:00.006-05:00

As a result of a coin toss conducted today, the Toronto Tempo has chosen to select sixth in the first round of the league’s 30th annual draft when the 2026 WNBA Draft is conducted on Monday, April 13.

As a result, the Portland Fire will have the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday, April 3, and the seventh pick in the first round of the annual draft on April 13.

Information regarding the Expansion Draft is available here and details of the annual draft are available here. Coverage and analysis of the Expansion Draft will be provided in the United States by ESPN, which will air the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft Special on April 3, at 2:30 p.m. CT. Information on Canadian media distribution will be provided in the coming days.

The exact order of selections in the Expansion Draft is reflected in the table below:

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2026 WNBA Expansion Draft set for Friday, April 3, on ESPN

2026-03-25T19:40:00.002-05:00

The WNBA’s 14th and 15th franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, set to begin play in May, will begin assembling their respective rosters when the league conducts the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday, April 3. Coverage and analysis will be provided by ESPN, which will air the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft Special at 2:30 p.m. CT.

A coin toss will be conducted between Portland and Toronto on Friday, March 27, with the winner having the right to choose between either receiving the first selection in the Expansion Draft or the sixth pick – rather than the seventh pick – in the first round of the annual draft set for Monday, April 13, 2026.

The Expansion Draft will consist of two rounds with Portland and Toronto having the ability to select from a designated pool of available players as determined by each of the current 13 teams. The Fire and the Tempo will “snake” picks such that the team that holds the first pick in the first round via the coin toss selection will have the second pick in the second round. In each round, Portland and Toronto will alternate selections and shall have the right to acquire the player contract of, or the negotiating rights to, one player listed on the Unprotected List of each of the existing 13 teams.

In the college draft, Portland and Toronto will alternate picks such that whichever team holds the sixth pick in the first round will then have the seventh pick in the second round and the sixth pick in the third round. The other team will have the seventh pick in the first round, the sixth pick in the second round, and the seventh pick in the third round.

In preparation for the Expansion Draft, each of the existing 13 teams will be required to submit to the league office by Sunday, March 29, a Roster List that includes every player to whom the team has rights – players on the team’s active, suspended, draft list/reserved, core, or retired lists – as of the final day of the 2025 regular season. The 13 teams will be required to designate a maximum of five “Protected Players” who will not be available for selection in the Expansion Draft. All other players on each team’s Roster List will be eligible for selection by the Fire and Tempo (“Unprotected players)”.

If a player who is not signed to a contract for the 2026 season is selected by Portland or Toronto in the Expansion Draft, the selecting team will receive whatever rights to such player that the existing team would have had if that player was not selected in the Expansion Draft.

Any player who has completed the playing services called for by her [previous] player contract and has five or more years of service as of the end of the 2025 season must be designated on the Roster List as a “Potential Unrestricted Free Agent.” All such players must be further designated as either “Protected Players” or included on the Unprotected List.

Only one of the players selected by Portland and only one of the players selected by Toronto in the Expansion Draft may be a “Potential Unrestricted Free Agent.” Such a Potential Unrestricted Free Agent may be selected even if they can no longer be designated as a Core Player, permitting the selecting team to be the only team that can negotiate a supermax contract with such player.

Between the time that the Roster Lists are submitted and a designated time on the day before the Expansion Draft, Portland and Toronto will be permitted to make the following trades with existing teams: (i) an agreement to select a particular player from an Unprotected List and trade that player to a team other than her existing team; and (ii) an agreement to select (or not select) a particular player from such trading team’s Unprotected List.

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CBS Sports Reaches New Long-Term Multiplatform Rights Agreement with the WNBA

2026-03-25T14:07:00.005-05:00

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CBS Sports and the WNBA have expanded their seven‑year partnership through a new long‑term, multiplatform rights agreement. Under the enhanced package, CBS Sports will feature up to 20 regular‑season games annually on the CBS Television Network and streaming live on Paramount+. CBS Sports will present 20 regular-season games for the upcoming 2026 season, marking the Network’s most ever WNBA games on broadcast television.

“The WNBA’s growth and cultural impact have never been stronger, and CBS Sports is proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with a league that continues to drive the evolution of women’s sports,” said Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports. “With our entire schedule of games on broadcast television, we are broadening the league’s reach and amplifying the WNBA’s momentum with best‑in‑class coverage that reflects the excellence of its athletes and resonates with fans.”

Jordan Kent (play-by-play), Isis “Ice” Young (analyst) and Tiffany Blackmon (sideline) return as the WNBA on CBS’s lead broadcast team.

THE WNBA TIP OFF SHOW, the Network’s pregame, halftime and postgame studio show, is back and will expand to support 10 matchups including six shows airing on CBS and Paramount+ and four digital-exclusive editions available via CBS Sports HQ. The show will also welcome Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie as analyst and CBS Sports reporter Jenny Dell as host, joining analyst Renee Montgomery.

The full 2026 WNBA on CBS schedule will be announced at a later date.

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WNBA Board of Governors Ratifies Governors Terms of new Collective Bargaining Agreement

2026-03-24T16:57:00.001-05:00

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The WNBA Board of Governors has unanimously ratified the terms for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the WNBA announced today. The seven-year agreement will begin with the 2026 season and run through 2032. The WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association will now work together to finalize the long-form agreement.

“This marks the beginning of a bold new era of the WNBA – one made possible by the passion and dedication of the players, team owners, fans, investors, partners and the entire WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We remain focused on building on the unprecedented momentum around the league and preparing for our milestone 30th season, tipping off in May.”

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WNBA and WNBPA Reach Tentative Deal on Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

2026-03-20T18:10:00.003-05:00

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The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), pending ratification by the players and the league’s Board of Governors.

The new seven-year CBA, which will commence with the 2026 season and run through 2032, represents one of the most transformational labor agreements ever reached in major professional sports.

“This Collective Bargaining Agreement represents a defining moment in the WNBA’s 30-year history and all of women’s professional sports,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Since its inception, the WNBA has been shaped by extraordinary athletes who believed in the league’s future. The agreement is a testament to that belief and to the tremendous progress we have achieved together.”

“Over these past months, this group showed exactly who they are, prepared, relentless, and united when it mattered most, with a clear understanding that their value drives this business and when players win, the league wins,” said WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson. “This agreement delivers what players set out to do from the beginning, transforming the economics of this league. It marks a new era led by players who know their power and chose to use it.”

“We’ve always believed that as this league grows, the players who power it must grow with it, and we’re proud to see that belief shared,” said WNBPA President and 10-Time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward. This agreement reflects that shared commitment, with players owning their value and future alongside a league growing stronger because of it.”

The 2026 CBA establishes the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women’s professional sports history. This groundbreaking model provides unlimited upside for players as league and team revenues continue to grow.

The new system will result in significant increases in player compensation, with the league projecting more than $1 billion in player salaries and benefits over the seven-year agreement. The salary cap for the 2026 season will be set at $7.0 million and will adjust annually based on league and team revenue growth.

The league’s top players will gain the ability to sign the first multi-million-dollar contracts in WNBA history. Maximum-contract players will earn a salary of $1.4 million in 2026 that is expected to grow to more than $2.4 million by 2032, based on current financial projections. The league’s average salary is expected to be $583,000 in 2026 and increase to over $1 million by 2032. Minimum salaries will range from $270,000 to $300,000 in 2026 (based on years of service) and will range from $340,000 to $380,000 by 2032.

The agreement also establishes a new rookie contract scale that significantly increases salaries for top draft picks, including the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 projected to earn $500,000.

All existing rookie-scale contracts will also be adjusted upward, delivering meaningful pay increases for players at every stage of their careers. The agreement also creates an expedited pathway to maximum-level contracts for players on rookie deals who earn MVP or All-WNBA First or Second Team honors. In addition, starting in 2027, players with seven or more years of service cannot be designated as Core Players.

The deal includes significant investments in the overall player experience, including enhanced standards for team facilities, expanded team staffing requirements, fully codified league-wide charter air travel, first-class travel accommodations, and significantly increased performance bonuses for individual award winners and playoff and Finals participants. It also includes substantial enhancements for retirees and retirement planning, with expanded team contributions to player 401(k) accounts, enhanced benefits for players with children or who are family planning, and recognition payments for WNBA veterans and retired players based on years of service.

The deal also includes an increased minimum roster size of 12 players plus two more roster spots for developmental players, and salary cap exceptions for injured or pregnant players. Fans will also experience more WNBA basketball through an increase of up to 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and up to 52 games in 2029 through 2032.

Key elements of the tentative agreement can be found here.

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Top 16 teams selected for the 2026 NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship

2026-03-15T14:36:00.002-05:00

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The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee announced the top 16 teams for the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.

The 16 teams, in alphabetical order, with campus hosted sites and records are as follows:

Duke – Durham, North Carolina (24-8)
Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa (26-6)
Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky (27-7)
LSU – Baton Rouge, Louisiana (27-5)
Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan (25-6)
Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota (22-8)
North Carolina – Chapell Hill, North Carolina (26-7)
Ohio State – Columbus, Ohio (26-7)
Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma (24-7)
South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina (31-3)
TCU – Fort Worth, Texas (29-5)
Texas – Austin, Texas (31-3)
UCLA – Los Angeles, California (31-1)
UConn – Storrs, Connecticut (34-0)
Vanderbilt – Nashville, Tennessee (27-4)
West Virginia – Morgantown, West Virginia (27-6)

The full 68-team field, including the full seed list, and site assignments will be announced at 7 p.m. Central time, Sunday, March 15. The one-hour program will be shown live on ESPN.

Regional play in Fort Worth, Texas (Dickies Arena) and Sacramento, California (Golden 1 Center) will take place March 27-30, with each site hosting two regional semifinal games March 27 and two March 28. In addition, each site will host a regional championship game March 29 and one on March 31.

There are 31 Division I conferences that will receive an automatic berth in the field of 68, along with 37 at-large selections. The 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four will be played April 3 and 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

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UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas Sit Atop Second Top 16 Reveal of 2026

2026-03-01T10:54:00.004-06:00

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With just two weeks until Selection Sunday, the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee has selected UConn, UCLA, South Carolina and Texas as the No. 1 seeds in its second top 16 reveal of the season.

Vanderbilt, Iowa, LSU and Michigan follow on the two line, with No. 3 seeds Louisville, Duke, TCU and Oklahoma. Rounding out the reveal are Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota and Ohio State as the No. 4 seeds.

The committee also provided regional assignments for all 16 seeds. Fort Worth 1 consists of UConn, LSU, Louisville and Maryland. UCLA, Vanderbilt, Duke and Ohio State were placed in Sacramento 2, while Fort Worth 3 features South Carolina, Michigan, TCU and Minnesota. Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Michigan State were assigned to Sacramento 4. The number listed next to the regional site location (e.g. Fort Worth 1) reflects the true seed number of the number one seed within that respective regional pod.

“This reveal is a great opportunity for the committee to showcase our top 16 teams just two weeks away from Selection Sunday,” said Amanda Braun, director of athletics at Milwaukee and chair of the committee. “Like the first reveal, the discussions around these teams made it clear that there is not a lot of separation. With so much basketball still to be played, there remains a lot of potential for change.

UConn (30-0), UCLA (27-1), and South Carolina (28-2) maintained their positions as the top three teams in this latest version of the reveal as they remained unbeaten since the last release.

Texas (27-3) overtook Vanderbilt for the last No. 1 seed. The Longhorns are the lone team to defeat UCLA this season and split a season series with fellow top seed South Carolina.

If the season were to end today, it would be only the third time in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history that the No. 1 seeds are the four teams that competed in the previous year’s Final Four (1984 and 2013).

The top 16 teams announced in this release have no bearing on the final 68-team field for the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. The full bracket will be revealed on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. This season, for the first time, the committee will announce the top 16 teams in the field, in alphabetical order, Saturday, March 14, with a time and network to be announced later.

The 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four will be played April 3 and 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee Top 16 Ranking – March 1, 2026*

UConn
UCLA
South Carolina
Texas
Vanderbilt
Iowa
LSU
Michigan
Louisville
Duke
TCU
Oklahoma
Maryland
Michigan State
Minnesota
Ohio State

Regional Assignments*

Fort Worth 1

UConn (1)
LSU (7)
Louisville (9)
Maryland (13)

Sacramento 2

UCLA (2)
Vanderbilt (5)
Duke (10)
Ohio State (16)

Fort Worth 3

South Carolina (3)
Michigan (8)
TCU (11)
Minnesota (15)

Sacramento 4

Texas (4)
Iowa (6)
Oklahoma (12)
Michigan State (14)

*Rankings and regional assignments based on games played through Saturday, February 28

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