Jordan Robinson

The WNBA’s most memorable rivalries and friendships are explored through four pairings: the Houston Comets and New York Liberty’s early championship battles; A’ja Wilson and Allisha Gray’s friendship forged at South Carolina; the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks’ heavyweight contests in the 2010s; and the culture-shaping StudBudz partnership of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman. Together, these relationships show how competitive intensity, shared history and genuine camaraderie have helped define the league.

Cathy Engelbert has helped drive the WNBA to unprecedented financial and popular success, including guiding it through the COVID-19 pandemic, but continues to face criticism from players and fans over labor tensions, online abuse, officiating, governance and poor player relations. The column argues that the commissioner’s responsibility to owners makes it difficult to serve athletes’ day-to-day needs and recommends appointing a co-commissioner focused specifically on player relations, with Lisa Leslie suggested as an ideal candidate. It also urges Engelbert to take a stronger stand against racist, homophobic and transphobic abuse while preserving the league’s progressive identity.

The piece highlights four under-recognized WNBA players having strong seasons: Rebekah Gardner of the New York Liberty, NaLyssa Smith of the Las Vegas Aces, Kaila Charles of the Golden State Valkyries and rookie Madina Okot of the Atlanta Dream. Gardner is valued for defense and efficient shooting, Smith has thrived alongside and in the absence of A’ja Wilson, Charles provides timely defense and shooting, and Okot has made an immediate impact despite only taking up basketball in 2020. The newsletter also addresses online harassment and death threats following Alyssa Thomas’s Flagrant 2 foul on Caitlin Clark, recalls a Robin Roberts–Geno Auriemma broadcasting reunion, and spotlights Connecticut Sun players’ tunnel outfits.

WNBA expansion is creating opportunities for overlooked players, international stars and developing talent. The Golden State Valkyries’ first-year playoff success is being replicated by Portland and Toronto, while Megan Gustafson’s breakout with the Portland Fire illustrates how new teams can unlock players’ potential. A new collective bargaining agreement has also increased international participation and added developmental roster spots. The Phoenix Mercury, despite strong individual performances from Alyssa Thomas, have fallen into a six-game losing streak and sit last in the standings.

The WNBA's top three 2026 draft picks are making immediate impacts. Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles is averaging 15 points and five assists through six games and has emerged as the early Rookie of the Year favorite. Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd scored a career-high 24 points, made six three-pointers and set a rookie franchise record against the New York Liberty. Seattle Storm center Awa Fam debuted with 10 points after winning the Spanish championship, adding to an exciting young core that includes Flau'jae Johnson and Dominique Malonga. The Atlanta Dream have also begun the season 4-1 and look like title contenders with Rhyne Howard back, although Brionna Jones remains sidelined. The piece also previews upcoming games and highlights notable WNBA tunnel fashion.

Public criticism can either motivate a basketball team or damage trust, depending on the coach’s knowledge of the players and the team’s circumstances. Jose Fernandez’s criticism of the Dallas Wings was followed by a decisive win, while Kim Caldwell’s comments preceded Tennessee’s collapse; Vic Schaefer’s similarly blunt remarks were followed by a long winning streak. Coaches are urged to consider whether players will take comments personally, whether the remarks will create harmful media narratives, and whether they are strengthening or undermining relationships with their players. The piece also highlights WNBA fashion, Natasha Cloud’s criticism of refereeing after Rickea Jackson’s season-ending ACL injury, and upcoming league matchups.

The WNBA’s 30th season begins amid unprecedented player salaries, rising franchise valuations and strong fan demand. Key storylines include the Dallas Wings’ reunion of UConn stars Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark’s return to the Indiana Fever after an injury-shortened 2025 season, Angel Reese’s move to the Atlanta Dream, Chennedy Carter joining the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, and the Golden State Valkyries’ remarkable commercial success. The season’s growth is underscored by a new collective bargaining agreement, million-dollar contracts, record attendance and a sharp increase in average team value.

The WNBA and its players’ union remain deadlocked over a new collective bargaining agreement less than six weeks before the planned 8 May 2026 season opener. Players are seeking substantially higher salaries, a larger salary cap, housing and other workplace protections, with revenue sharing as the central dispute: the union wants 25% of gross league revenue initially and about 26% on average, while the league is offering more than 70% of net revenue, amounting to less than 15% of gross revenue. The standoff follows rapid growth in attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, franchise valuations and media-rights revenue. Players authorized a potential strike by an overwhelming margin, while owners could impose a lockout, but either action would jeopardize expansion drafts, free agency, the college draft, training camps and the season schedule. The sides must agree to a term sheet by 10 March, with ratification and offseason preparations still required afterward.