Today we were back in game action.....
Today's game results:
The Mystics ran past the Dream, 86-71, to end their eight-game winning streak.
The Sky blew a 24-point lead but held off the Wings, 92-91.
Jewell Loyd's 29 points paced the Storm past the Mercury, 102-91.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Liberty at Sun
Mercury at Aces
WNBA team news:
WNBA teams are ready for the sprint to the end of the regular season.
The Aces are rising as the darlings of the playoff longshots.
The league's power rankings for the week.
WNBA player news:
Diana Taurasi is chasing MVP history.
Bria Hartley has begun giving back.
Cappie Pondexter explains what it means to be a veteran on the Fever roster.
WNBA coach news:
Curt Miller's "state of the Sun" address.
Gabby Williams diary.
WNBA business:
MGM Resorts International has become the official gaming partner of the WNBA and NBA.
College player news:
Andrea Aquino has found a home at Oregon State.
Beaver players gained valuable experience with their trip to the Dominican Republic.
Former Gamecock Tina Roy now works in law enforcement.
College coach news:
There's no quick fix at Washington: coach Jody Wynn focuses on daily progress.
International news:
Former Utah standout Emily Potter is back working out with the Canadian National Team.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
"They're Playing Basketball" is 10 years old today
Today, this website turns 10 years old. That makes us the third-longest-running women's basketball blog after Helen Wheelock's site (1999) and Mel Greenberg's blog (2005). It is great to see this birthday.
When I founded "They're Playing Basketball" one hot summer day in 2008, my goal was to write recaps of collegiate, WNBA and high school games I attended, as there were a lot of fantastic basketball happenings in Los Angeles at that time. Soon after that I got some writing jobs, situations changed, and so did the mission of this blog, which eventually resulted in WomensHoopsWorld, founded on this day in 2015. It has been a fun and unbelievable journey.
With the rise of the internet came the proliferation of writings, as a higher number of people now read news online than they do in print. At the turn of this decade, my aim became not only to write about the sport and tell the tales therewithin, but to bring light to all the stories of women's basketball, whether I wrote them or not. This is why, by the end of each day, readers of this blog are gifted with a comprehensive list of news links taking them to every major WBB story of the day, from local publications to ESPN to websites. If a piece tells a story, is written by actual journalists and shines light on an athlete, a team, a coach or the sport in general in a meaningful way, it will be linked here.
I am almost obsessive about it, as I comb dozens of websites every day for news to ensure that each and every morsel of the good stuff is properly exposed. As a writing and blogging perfectionist, I can safely say that no one finds more women's hoops news stories than me.
Call it a gift of love that extends from my journalistic roots.
Journalism used to be about bringing out the truth and shedding light on people and situations. In the early days of our country, the profession was considered an additional branch of government because of the checks and balances it provided. I got into journalism over 30 years ago because I felt compelled to tell the stories of life and people on Earth. That is why I am still a journalist today. (It is definitely not to get "clicks," etc, as is the purpose of some these days).
My favorite pieces to write are the stories about extraordinary people who aren't necessarily stars. The NCAA and WNBA are chock full of those women. Of course every sport needs its stars, but as Prince once sang, "we all got a space to fill.....everybody can't be on top." The people who occupy spaces 2-12 on a bench can be - and are - pretty damned fascinating. My pages are full of those players.
Right now women's basketball is in a great place. The skill set and level of play in college and the pros is off the charts. The game is moving to "position-less" basketball, which is highly-intriguing. Parity is prevalent throughout the collegiate and WNBA ranks, which elevates excitement exponentially. The women's hoops fan base is increasing, as is the size of the media core that covers the sport. These are promising times.
Thank you for reading this blog. It gets a huge number of daily views, and in tweeting out most of the links that are provided here, I get anywhere from 1 to 2 million tweet views per month. It is exciting to be spreading the women's basketball word in such a way. And in reading the stories linked here, you are increasing your knowledge of the game and thus, helping to grow it. Keep up the good work.
I promise to do the same.
- Sue Favor
When I founded "They're Playing Basketball" one hot summer day in 2008, my goal was to write recaps of collegiate, WNBA and high school games I attended, as there were a lot of fantastic basketball happenings in Los Angeles at that time. Soon after that I got some writing jobs, situations changed, and so did the mission of this blog, which eventually resulted in WomensHoopsWorld, founded on this day in 2015. It has been a fun and unbelievable journey.
With the rise of the internet came the proliferation of writings, as a higher number of people now read news online than they do in print. At the turn of this decade, my aim became not only to write about the sport and tell the tales therewithin, but to bring light to all the stories of women's basketball, whether I wrote them or not. This is why, by the end of each day, readers of this blog are gifted with a comprehensive list of news links taking them to every major WBB story of the day, from local publications to ESPN to websites. If a piece tells a story, is written by actual journalists and shines light on an athlete, a team, a coach or the sport in general in a meaningful way, it will be linked here.
I am almost obsessive about it, as I comb dozens of websites every day for news to ensure that each and every morsel of the good stuff is properly exposed. As a writing and blogging perfectionist, I can safely say that no one finds more women's hoops news stories than me.
Call it a gift of love that extends from my journalistic roots.
Journalism used to be about bringing out the truth and shedding light on people and situations. In the early days of our country, the profession was considered an additional branch of government because of the checks and balances it provided. I got into journalism over 30 years ago because I felt compelled to tell the stories of life and people on Earth. That is why I am still a journalist today. (It is definitely not to get "clicks," etc, as is the purpose of some these days).
My favorite pieces to write are the stories about extraordinary people who aren't necessarily stars. The NCAA and WNBA are chock full of those women. Of course every sport needs its stars, but as Prince once sang, "we all got a space to fill.....everybody can't be on top." The people who occupy spaces 2-12 on a bench can be - and are - pretty damned fascinating. My pages are full of those players.
Right now women's basketball is in a great place. The skill set and level of play in college and the pros is off the charts. The game is moving to "position-less" basketball, which is highly-intriguing. Parity is prevalent throughout the collegiate and WNBA ranks, which elevates excitement exponentially. The women's hoops fan base is increasing, as is the size of the media core that covers the sport. These are promising times.
Thank you for reading this blog. It gets a huge number of daily views, and in tweeting out most of the links that are provided here, I get anywhere from 1 to 2 million tweet views per month. It is exciting to be spreading the women's basketball word in such a way. And in reading the stories linked here, you are increasing your knowledge of the game and thus, helping to grow it. Keep up the good work.
I promise to do the same.
- Sue Favor
Monday, July 30, 2018
Games begin again tomorrow
Tuesday's game schedule:
Mystics at Dream
Sky at Wings
Storm at Mercury
WNBA team news:
One burning question for each team coming off of All-Star break.
The league is better than ever.
Plotting a playoff run.
Can the first-place Seattle Storm run away from a pack of hungry challengers?
WNBA player news:
Records have been broken many times this season.
Behind the scenes of A'ja Wilson's first All-Star game.
Tayler Hill is set to make her Dallas debut tomorrow.
Diana Taurasi says the Mercury can regain their form and make the playoffs.
Brittney Sykes had a lot of interesting things to say tonight on the Crush Sports Talk show.
The Lynx have signed Erlana Larkins for the rest of the season.
For Karlie Samuelson, Sparks home games are a family affair.
And one: Natalie Williams.
All-Star game viewership:
Up 20 percent from last year.
The best of phantom cam.
College news:
The Twin Cities are making a play for the Final Four.
College player news:
A second Nevada player, AJ Cephas, has been arrested for DUI.
College coach news:
Get to know Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
New Weber State coach Velaida Harris has hit the recruiting trail.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U18 team beat Canada by 30 points in a scrimmage.
Mic'd up with U18 head coach Jeff Walz.
Recruiting news:
Internet sleuthing is now part of the recruiting process.
Mystics at Dream
Sky at Wings
Storm at Mercury
WNBA team news:
One burning question for each team coming off of All-Star break.
The league is better than ever.
Plotting a playoff run.
Can the first-place Seattle Storm run away from a pack of hungry challengers?
WNBA player news:
Records have been broken many times this season.
Behind the scenes of A'ja Wilson's first All-Star game.
Tayler Hill is set to make her Dallas debut tomorrow.
Diana Taurasi says the Mercury can regain their form and make the playoffs.
Brittney Sykes had a lot of interesting things to say tonight on the Crush Sports Talk show.
The Lynx have signed Erlana Larkins for the rest of the season.
For Karlie Samuelson, Sparks home games are a family affair.
And one: Natalie Williams.
All-Star game viewership:
Up 20 percent from last year.
The best of phantom cam.
College news:
The Twin Cities are making a play for the Final Four.
College player news:
A second Nevada player, AJ Cephas, has been arrested for DUI.
College coach news:
Get to know Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
New Weber State coach Velaida Harris has hit the recruiting trail.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U18 team beat Canada by 30 points in a scrimmage.
Mic'd up with U18 head coach Jeff Walz.
Recruiting news:
Internet sleuthing is now part of the recruiting process.
Take heart: female athlete insults are a sign of progress
The lament sometimes pops up on social media: “Why do they have to hate on women’s basketball?” Or, “what did women’s basketball ever do to you?”
And the comments from usually-faceless males are rude, at best. “Back to the kitchen,” is a popular refrain, as is painting the sport as “boring” because it is more fundamentals-based than the NBA, which has become decidedly more high-flying over the last 15-20 years.
At first glance, it does seem perplexing. NCAA Division I women’s basketball attendance was up last season. Notre Dame guard Arike Ogunbowale won an ESPY this month for best play, for her Championship-winning buzzer-beater shot.
On the WNBA side, viewership on ESPN was up 38 percent this season over last year going into the All-Star break. The star power around the league is shining bright, from starters to reserves. Both males and females wear WNBA gear, they know who plays for what team, and Minnesota’s Maya Moore was featured on a Nike poster in May.
Parity at both the collegiate and professional level is growing exponentially because player skill level has developed and diversified. So why, if the game is on the rise, does it appear that some go out of their way to try and bring it down?
The short answer is that what seems like a bad thing is actually a good sign.
The only true constant in life is change, as change is continuous in nature. Yet human beings, with our adaptive ways, are usually poor at accepting change and on top of that, we are notoriously slow to do so. When social change occurs, it is inevitably met by some resistance. That is what’s happening now.
The United States was in the throes of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. For every Montgomery bus boycott victory, there was a lot of violence and death perpetrated on African-Americans and their supporters. In 1967, 10 months before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech, “A Knock at Midnight,” in which he discussed in depth the concept that there is darkness before the dawn:
Our eternal message of hope is that dawn will come. Our slave foreparents realized this. They were never unmindful of the fact of midnight, for always there was the rawhide whip of the overseer and the auction block where families were torn asunder to remind them of its reality………Their positive belief in the dawn was the growing edge of hope that kept the slaves faithful amid the most barren and tragic circumstances……..
The dawn will come. Disappointment, sorrow, and despair are born at midnight, but morning follows. “Weeping may endure for a night,” says the Psalmist, “but joy cometh in the morning.” This faith adjourns the assemblies of hopelessness and brings new light into the dark chambers of pessimism.
If women are not quite at midnight, they are definitely at 11 p.m. The “MeToo” movement blew the lid off of a revolution that was already festering, as women just seem to be tired of putting up with abuse, poor treatment, discrimination, less pay, and a host of other inequalities. Women are speaking up, pushing back and refusing to accept less.
What happens when the paradigm starts to shift and the balance of power seems more, balanced? There is resistance, and anger is born out of fear. It has happened throughout history, and it’s happening now. Hence, the apparent increase of negative comments toward strong women – and basketball is where there are some of the strongest. It isn’t surprising that those afraid of losing power would be intimidated by female basketball players and other female athletes.
The best thing to remember when encountering online and other “trolls” is that their comments and behavior says everything about them and their personal insecurities, and nothing about the women they’re trying to degrade. What seems like a personal thing is actually quite impersonal; most trolls are just out there slinging around insults to 1. get a reaction/upset people 2. release their fear-born anger or 3. all of the above.
Taking a stand, “calling them out,” and/or returning the insult is a natural reaction. After all, they are wrong, just like the racists were and are wrong. And deep down in the hearts of even the least self-aware misogynists, they know they’re wrong. But the results of engaging with these people are limited.
Earlier this summer, Atlanta Dream forward Imani McGee-Stafford and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson successfully confronted trolls online, and each won the battle, putting them in their places and making good points along the way. Most times, however, those who try to do this merely succeed in amplifying the voices of the misogynists. Quoting one of their tweets or trying to engage them in rational dialogue only gives them an amplified voice and lets them know they achieved their goal of being irritating.
Several years ago when I was a new educator, I witnessed an older administrator’s encounter with a student. All of the principals of this high school were pushing kids into class for first period. Ms. Watkins said something to the young man, and he called her a bitch. I was shocked; most people – even in this bold new generation of kids – have the sense not to talk to an older person like that. I felt the anger in my throat, and I was prepared to come to her defense. But Ms. Watkins didn’t miss a beat.
“Uh huh,” she said slowly. “Now get to class.”
How could she have that reaction, I wondered at the time. But now that I’m much more experienced in life and in education, I get it.
Just like plenty of movie characters over the years, there is always someone who stops by to try and rain on a great parade. So your women’s professional basketball league is gaining popularity due to great play and exceptional player personalities and character? Then we will crap on it, or as the current popular saying goes, “throw shade.” Those being insulted take the bait and combat the comments, losing sight of the big picture and why the disparagement is occurring in the first place. Thus, those being attacked lose their power, because they give it away.
It is worth remembering, too, that homo sapiens are biologically programmed to look for what’s wrong, instead of what’s right. It was for the sake of survival thousands of years ago that we evolved to scan the environment for any wrongs, instead of focusing on what is right. Thus, it is natural for our attention to be drawn to the trolls, to focus on the arenas that are not full, and to compare numbers to the NBA, which is 51 years older than the WNBA.
But, there are those of us who choose to go against biology and focus on the positive.
The WNBA is full of good and humorous people who try to be great teammates to one another, and who are welcoming and helpful to newcomers. A growing number of news sources write about them, and collegiate basketball players. WNBA player skill, recognition, popularity, viewership and fandom is up. The game at all levels is growing, as is the strength of women in society overall. It is nearing midnight, and as Dr. King said, there is plenty of hope.
Whether women’s basketball supporters choose to engage teenage-acting trolls in dialogue, or join the Rep. Maxine Waters/WomensHoopsWorld “reclaiming my time”/”ain’t got time for that” school of thought, it is worth remembering two things in this social media world:
- As the saying goes, don’t get blown about by every wind. Remember why the insults are being made.
- It is indeed true that sometimes having “haters” is a good sign. This is one of those times.
Keep pushing, women and female athletes. We will make it to the dawn.
And the comments from usually-faceless males are rude, at best. “Back to the kitchen,” is a popular refrain, as is painting the sport as “boring” because it is more fundamentals-based than the NBA, which has become decidedly more high-flying over the last 15-20 years.
At first glance, it does seem perplexing. NCAA Division I women’s basketball attendance was up last season. Notre Dame guard Arike Ogunbowale won an ESPY this month for best play, for her Championship-winning buzzer-beater shot.
On the WNBA side, viewership on ESPN was up 38 percent this season over last year going into the All-Star break. The star power around the league is shining bright, from starters to reserves. Both males and females wear WNBA gear, they know who plays for what team, and Minnesota’s Maya Moore was featured on a Nike poster in May.
Parity at both the collegiate and professional level is growing exponentially because player skill level has developed and diversified. So why, if the game is on the rise, does it appear that some go out of their way to try and bring it down?
The short answer is that what seems like a bad thing is actually a good sign.
The only true constant in life is change, as change is continuous in nature. Yet human beings, with our adaptive ways, are usually poor at accepting change and on top of that, we are notoriously slow to do so. When social change occurs, it is inevitably met by some resistance. That is what’s happening now.
The United States was in the throes of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. For every Montgomery bus boycott victory, there was a lot of violence and death perpetrated on African-Americans and their supporters. In 1967, 10 months before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech, “A Knock at Midnight,” in which he discussed in depth the concept that there is darkness before the dawn:
Our eternal message of hope is that dawn will come. Our slave foreparents realized this. They were never unmindful of the fact of midnight, for always there was the rawhide whip of the overseer and the auction block where families were torn asunder to remind them of its reality………Their positive belief in the dawn was the growing edge of hope that kept the slaves faithful amid the most barren and tragic circumstances……..
The dawn will come. Disappointment, sorrow, and despair are born at midnight, but morning follows. “Weeping may endure for a night,” says the Psalmist, “but joy cometh in the morning.” This faith adjourns the assemblies of hopelessness and brings new light into the dark chambers of pessimism.
If women are not quite at midnight, they are definitely at 11 p.m. The “MeToo” movement blew the lid off of a revolution that was already festering, as women just seem to be tired of putting up with abuse, poor treatment, discrimination, less pay, and a host of other inequalities. Women are speaking up, pushing back and refusing to accept less.
What happens when the paradigm starts to shift and the balance of power seems more, balanced? There is resistance, and anger is born out of fear. It has happened throughout history, and it’s happening now. Hence, the apparent increase of negative comments toward strong women – and basketball is where there are some of the strongest. It isn’t surprising that those afraid of losing power would be intimidated by female basketball players and other female athletes.
The best thing to remember when encountering online and other “trolls” is that their comments and behavior says everything about them and their personal insecurities, and nothing about the women they’re trying to degrade. What seems like a personal thing is actually quite impersonal; most trolls are just out there slinging around insults to 1. get a reaction/upset people 2. release their fear-born anger or 3. all of the above.
Taking a stand, “calling them out,” and/or returning the insult is a natural reaction. After all, they are wrong, just like the racists were and are wrong. And deep down in the hearts of even the least self-aware misogynists, they know they’re wrong. But the results of engaging with these people are limited.
Earlier this summer, Atlanta Dream forward Imani McGee-Stafford and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson successfully confronted trolls online, and each won the battle, putting them in their places and making good points along the way. Most times, however, those who try to do this merely succeed in amplifying the voices of the misogynists. Quoting one of their tweets or trying to engage them in rational dialogue only gives them an amplified voice and lets them know they achieved their goal of being irritating.
Several years ago when I was a new educator, I witnessed an older administrator’s encounter with a student. All of the principals of this high school were pushing kids into class for first period. Ms. Watkins said something to the young man, and he called her a bitch. I was shocked; most people – even in this bold new generation of kids – have the sense not to talk to an older person like that. I felt the anger in my throat, and I was prepared to come to her defense. But Ms. Watkins didn’t miss a beat.
“Uh huh,” she said slowly. “Now get to class.”
How could she have that reaction, I wondered at the time. But now that I’m much more experienced in life and in education, I get it.
Just like plenty of movie characters over the years, there is always someone who stops by to try and rain on a great parade. So your women’s professional basketball league is gaining popularity due to great play and exceptional player personalities and character? Then we will crap on it, or as the current popular saying goes, “throw shade.” Those being insulted take the bait and combat the comments, losing sight of the big picture and why the disparagement is occurring in the first place. Thus, those being attacked lose their power, because they give it away.
It is worth remembering, too, that homo sapiens are biologically programmed to look for what’s wrong, instead of what’s right. It was for the sake of survival thousands of years ago that we evolved to scan the environment for any wrongs, instead of focusing on what is right. Thus, it is natural for our attention to be drawn to the trolls, to focus on the arenas that are not full, and to compare numbers to the NBA, which is 51 years older than the WNBA.
But, there are those of us who choose to go against biology and focus on the positive.
The WNBA is full of good and humorous people who try to be great teammates to one another, and who are welcoming and helpful to newcomers. A growing number of news sources write about them, and collegiate basketball players. WNBA player skill, recognition, popularity, viewership and fandom is up. The game at all levels is growing, as is the strength of women in society overall. It is nearing midnight, and as Dr. King said, there is plenty of hope.
Whether women’s basketball supporters choose to engage teenage-acting trolls in dialogue, or join the Rep. Maxine Waters/WomensHoopsWorld “reclaiming my time”/”ain’t got time for that” school of thought, it is worth remembering two things in this social media world:
- As the saying goes, don’t get blown about by every wind. Remember why the insults are being made.
- It is indeed true that sometimes having “haters” is a good sign. This is one of those times.
Keep pushing, women and female athletes. We will make it to the dawn.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
A rare, quiet Sunday to digest
More on the All-Star game:
The game delivered some unforgettable moments.
Transcript of WNBA President Lisa Borders' press conference yesterday.
Allie Quigley's 29 points in yesterday's three-point shooting contest was more than any WNBA or NBA had ever scored in an All-Star game.
As noted in our story yesterday, the game got off to an awkward start.
WNBA All-Star 2019:
Formally: Las Vegas will host next year's All-Star game.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury have signed forward Devereaux Peters to a seven-day contract.
College team news:
BYU will soon leave on a summer European tour.
College coach news:
Northern Arizona coach Loree Payne is tapping her Northwest roots in recruiting.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team won the World Cup by routing France, 92-40.
Jordan Horston was named tournament MVP.
Australia took the bronze medal.
Canada won ninth place.
U18 photo day.
Bonus:
Former teammates, coaches and fans gathered to celebrate the life of Anne Donovan.
More from ESPN.
Barbara Kennedy-Dixon's legacy lives on - especially for Karen Jenkins Gray.
Rene Portland was remembered for her friendship at a memorial service.
The game delivered some unforgettable moments.
Transcript of WNBA President Lisa Borders' press conference yesterday.
Allie Quigley's 29 points in yesterday's three-point shooting contest was more than any WNBA or NBA had ever scored in an All-Star game.
As noted in our story yesterday, the game got off to an awkward start.
WNBA All-Star 2019:
Formally: Las Vegas will host next year's All-Star game.
WNBA player news:
The Mercury have signed forward Devereaux Peters to a seven-day contract.
College team news:
BYU will soon leave on a summer European tour.
College coach news:
Northern Arizona coach Loree Payne is tapping her Northwest roots in recruiting.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team won the World Cup by routing France, 92-40.
Jordan Horston was named tournament MVP.
Australia took the bronze medal.
Canada won ninth place.
U18 photo day.
Bonus:
Former teammates, coaches and fans gathered to celebrate the life of Anne Donovan.
More from ESPN.
Barbara Kennedy-Dixon's legacy lives on - especially for Karen Jenkins Gray.
Rene Portland was remembered for her friendship at a memorial service.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
All-Star game afterglow
Minnesota's Maya Moore fueled an electric Team Parker win, 119-112.
It was the third straight All-Star MVP honor for Moore.
Moore game highlights.
Liz Cambage dunked at the end of the game.
Allie Quigley won the three-point contest for the second straight year, and her performance won rave reviews.
Video of her showing.
Quigley's perseverance has paid off.
A fan quickly updated Quigley's Wikipedia page today after her win.
The Lynx are happy hosts after a successful game.
Moore is back on top in a season in which she has struggled.
DeWanna Bonner went from having twins to being an All-Star in the Twin Cities.
Chiney Ogwumike has had a long road to her All-Star return.
Tina Charles is an all-star on and off the court.
A'ja Wilson shined in her first All-Star game.
Kicks on display this weekend.
Photo gallery.
Top five plays from the game.
Some notes and quotes.
Bonus:
The video intro "play like a girl," narrated by Billie Jean King, is just amazing.
WNBA president news:
President Lisa Borders wants to see players paid more.
Borders announced today that next year's All-Star game will be in Las Vegas.
WNBA team news:
The Mercury will have to fight to make the playoffs.
WNBA player news:
Sue Bird is teaming up with Pearl Jam and "The Home Shows" to raise money for Seattle's homeless.
NCAA news:
The Final Four Committee was looking at Minneapolis today.
College player news:
Florida State super freshman Izabela Nicoletti will miss this season with a knee injury.
USA Basketball news:
The U17 women thrashed Hungary and will play France for the gold medal.
Azzi Fudd is continuing the family business.
It was the third straight All-Star MVP honor for Moore.
Moore game highlights.
Liz Cambage dunked at the end of the game.
Allie Quigley won the three-point contest for the second straight year, and her performance won rave reviews.
Video of her showing.
Quigley's perseverance has paid off.
A fan quickly updated Quigley's Wikipedia page today after her win.
The Lynx are happy hosts after a successful game.
Moore is back on top in a season in which she has struggled.
DeWanna Bonner went from having twins to being an All-Star in the Twin Cities.
Chiney Ogwumike has had a long road to her All-Star return.
Tina Charles is an all-star on and off the court.
A'ja Wilson shined in her first All-Star game.
Kicks on display this weekend.
Photo gallery.
Top five plays from the game.
Some notes and quotes.
Bonus:
The video intro "play like a girl," narrated by Billie Jean King, is just amazing.
WNBA president news:
President Lisa Borders wants to see players paid more.
Borders announced today that next year's All-Star game will be in Las Vegas.
WNBA team news:
The Mercury will have to fight to make the playoffs.
WNBA player news:
Sue Bird is teaming up with Pearl Jam and "The Home Shows" to raise money for Seattle's homeless.
NCAA news:
The Final Four Committee was looking at Minneapolis today.
College player news:
Florida State super freshman Izabela Nicoletti will miss this season with a knee injury.
USA Basketball news:
The U17 women thrashed Hungary and will play France for the gold medal.
Azzi Fudd is continuing the family business.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Gearing up for All-Star madness
All-Star game news:
A new generation of All-Stars stands on the shoulders of giants.
Players were introduced at open practice today.
All-Stars are excited about the new format.
Dan Hughes never thought he'd be coaching in the All-Star game again, but here he is.
Hughes will honor his late father.
Minnesota got the All-Star game when the league has never been better.
It is the best of all works as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Rebekkah Brunson meet at Target Center.
Chiney Ogwumike is humbled by her All-Star honor.
A'ja Wilson is savoring her first All-Star game.
WNBA team news:
The Fever gambled and lost in 2018, but could be set up for years to come.
The Liberty headed into the All-Star break on a down note.
Seven reasons why this is one of the best WNBA seasons ever.
WNBA player news:
The casual superiority of Breanna Stewart.
Stewart and Sue Bird are leading the Storm to the top of the WNBA.
A more mature Angel McCoughtry leads the Dream.
How Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage make Dallas playoff contenders.
Courtney Paris is a no-stats WNBA All-Star.
Ji-Su Park is adjusting to life in Las Vegas.
Bonus:
For the first time, fans will be able to create female hoopers in NBA Live 19.
Today's WNBA stars are a lot like NBA legends.
Puma has a new sponsorship deal with the WNBA.
The league's brass is bullish on the health of the WNBA.
San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich says Becky Hammon is "a special, special woman."
USA Basketball news:
The U17 team beat Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals, 66-31.
A new generation of All-Stars stands on the shoulders of giants.
Players were introduced at open practice today.
All-Stars are excited about the new format.
Dan Hughes never thought he'd be coaching in the All-Star game again, but here he is.
Hughes will honor his late father.
Minnesota got the All-Star game when the league has never been better.
It is the best of all works as Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Rebekkah Brunson meet at Target Center.
Chiney Ogwumike is humbled by her All-Star honor.
A'ja Wilson is savoring her first All-Star game.
WNBA team news:
The Fever gambled and lost in 2018, but could be set up for years to come.
The Liberty headed into the All-Star break on a down note.
Seven reasons why this is one of the best WNBA seasons ever.
WNBA player news:
The casual superiority of Breanna Stewart.
Stewart and Sue Bird are leading the Storm to the top of the WNBA.
A more mature Angel McCoughtry leads the Dream.
How Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage make Dallas playoff contenders.
Courtney Paris is a no-stats WNBA All-Star.
Ji-Su Park is adjusting to life in Las Vegas.
Bonus:
For the first time, fans will be able to create female hoopers in NBA Live 19.
Today's WNBA stars are a lot like NBA legends.
Puma has a new sponsorship deal with the WNBA.
The league's brass is bullish on the health of the WNBA.
San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich says Becky Hammon is "a special, special woman."
USA Basketball news:
The U17 team beat Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals, 66-31.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Very little on the All-Star game, so far
The night before open practices, and not much ASG news in sight. Hopefully that will change tomorrow.
WNBA All-Star game news:
The real MVPs of the event are......
WNBA team news:
The Aces have made a comeback at midseason.
The Liberty are running out of time to salvage the season.
WNBA player news:
Great read: WNBA All-Stars see coming out as a way to help others.
Angel McCoughtry and her team are on a roll at the All-Star break.
McCoughtry podcast.
Courtney Vandersloot's triple-double raises interesting questions.
For Allie Quigley, recognition during a tough season.
Ten things to know about Skylar Diggins-Smith.
A'ja Wilson podcast.
Wilson thinks Bill Laimbeer could take Dawn Staley.
Lindsay Whalen embraces the challenge of being on court and on the sidelines.
Breanna Stewart tops the list of MVP candidates.
WNBA business:
As the league's popularity rises, so do calls for bigger salaries and expansion.
College player news:
South Carolina's freshman forwards are hitting the weights this summer.
Bonus:
Jude Schimmel is encouraging Native Americans to live healthier lifestyles.
WNBA All-Star game news:
The real MVPs of the event are......
WNBA team news:
The Aces have made a comeback at midseason.
The Liberty are running out of time to salvage the season.
WNBA player news:
Great read: WNBA All-Stars see coming out as a way to help others.
Angel McCoughtry and her team are on a roll at the All-Star break.
McCoughtry podcast.
Courtney Vandersloot's triple-double raises interesting questions.
For Allie Quigley, recognition during a tough season.
Ten things to know about Skylar Diggins-Smith.
A'ja Wilson podcast.
Wilson thinks Bill Laimbeer could take Dawn Staley.
Lindsay Whalen embraces the challenge of being on court and on the sidelines.
Breanna Stewart tops the list of MVP candidates.
WNBA business:
As the league's popularity rises, so do calls for bigger salaries and expansion.
College player news:
South Carolina's freshman forwards are hitting the weights this summer.
Bonus:
Jude Schimmel is encouraging Native Americans to live healthier lifestyles.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Now, every WNBA team is on All-Star break
Today's result:
The Sky topped the short-handed Mercury, 101-87, behind 25 points from Diamond DeShields.
All-Star game news:
The All-Star game will air on ABC Saturday.
Nneka Ogwumike is still sick, so Rebekkah Brunson will take her place in the lineup.
WNBA fans need a bigger and better All-Star weekend.
Things to watch.
WNBA team news:
More Mystics players need to step up in order for the team to be contenders.
WNBA player news:
A rested Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream are on a roll at the All-Star break.
Hometown heroes are always close to Rachel Banham's heart.
Rookie Victoria Vivians is emerging as a big part of Indiana's future.
Chiney Ogwumike on this week's Suncast.
A'ja Wilson podcast.
Ten things you may not know about Liz Cambage.
Brittney Griner was ejected in the Mercury's loss to the Sky today.
Bonus:
The WNBA is seeing its best viewership since the 2015 season.
After their playing careers are over, WNBA stars are all-business.
The WNBA has found success in creative partnerships with sponsors.
Jenny Boucek's pregnancy represents a first in the NBA.
College team news:
Notre Dame prepares to embark on a new journey this season.
College player news:
Emily Engstler is a gem recruit for Syracuse.
South Carolina newcomer Destanni Henderson is "college ready."
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team is in the World Cup quarterfinals after routing Columbia.
Desiree Caldwell is eager to join her sister as an international champion.
The Sky topped the short-handed Mercury, 101-87, behind 25 points from Diamond DeShields.
All-Star game news:
The All-Star game will air on ABC Saturday.
Nneka Ogwumike is still sick, so Rebekkah Brunson will take her place in the lineup.
WNBA fans need a bigger and better All-Star weekend.
Things to watch.
WNBA team news:
More Mystics players need to step up in order for the team to be contenders.
WNBA player news:
A rested Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream are on a roll at the All-Star break.
Hometown heroes are always close to Rachel Banham's heart.
Rookie Victoria Vivians is emerging as a big part of Indiana's future.
Chiney Ogwumike on this week's Suncast.
A'ja Wilson podcast.
Ten things you may not know about Liz Cambage.
Brittney Griner was ejected in the Mercury's loss to the Sky today.
Bonus:
The WNBA is seeing its best viewership since the 2015 season.
After their playing careers are over, WNBA stars are all-business.
The WNBA has found success in creative partnerships with sponsors.
Jenny Boucek's pregnancy represents a first in the NBA.
College team news:
Notre Dame prepares to embark on a new journey this season.
College player news:
Emily Engstler is a gem recruit for Syracuse.
South Carolina newcomer Destanni Henderson is "college ready."
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team is in the World Cup quarterfinals after routing Columbia.
Desiree Caldwell is eager to join her sister as an international champion.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Big wins before the break
Today's results:
The Sun routed the Mystics, 94-68, for their second straight win.
The Storm buried the Fever, 92-72.
The Lynx edged the Liberty, 85-82.
The Dream outran the Sparks, 81-71, for their eighth consecutive win.
Tomorrow's game:
Sky at Mercury
Phoenix may be without Brittney Griner, due to back spasms.
Standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. (tie) Mercury and Lynx 5. Sparks 6. (tie) Wings and Mystics 8. Sun 9. Aces 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
All-Star game news:
The halftime three-point contest field is: Allie Quigley, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd, Renee Montgomery, Kelsey Mitchell and Kristi Toliver.
WNBA team news:
The WNBA heads into All-Star break after a strong start to the season.
The Sun are prepared for a wild finish.
The league's power rankings for the week.
WNBA player news:
A statue of Tamika Catchings was unveiled this morning at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
Sue Bird's milestone games.
Q&A with Angel McCoughtry.
Veteran Elena Delle Donne is ready to be heard.
Super dope bonuses:
Nike will release the Air Swoopes 2 this fall.
Once upon a time, these women ruled basketball in Canada.
College player news:
Clemson fans call her a traitor, but South Carolina is thrilled to have transfer Nelly Perry.
College coach news:
Darts, music and tin lunch boxes with Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team beat China today, 107-50.
The Sun routed the Mystics, 94-68, for their second straight win.
The Storm buried the Fever, 92-72.
The Lynx edged the Liberty, 85-82.
The Dream outran the Sparks, 81-71, for their eighth consecutive win.
Tomorrow's game:
Sky at Mercury
Phoenix may be without Brittney Griner, due to back spasms.
Standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. (tie) Mercury and Lynx 5. Sparks 6. (tie) Wings and Mystics 8. Sun 9. Aces 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
All-Star game news:
The halftime three-point contest field is: Allie Quigley, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd, Renee Montgomery, Kelsey Mitchell and Kristi Toliver.
WNBA team news:
The WNBA heads into All-Star break after a strong start to the season.
The Sun are prepared for a wild finish.
The league's power rankings for the week.
WNBA player news:
A statue of Tamika Catchings was unveiled this morning at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
Sue Bird's milestone games.
Q&A with Angel McCoughtry.
Veteran Elena Delle Donne is ready to be heard.
Super dope bonuses:
Nike will release the Air Swoopes 2 this fall.
Once upon a time, these women ruled basketball in Canada.
College player news:
Clemson fans call her a traitor, but South Carolina is thrilled to have transfer Nelly Perry.
College coach news:
Darts, music and tin lunch boxes with Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team beat China today, 107-50.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Just a few more games before All-Star break
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Sun
Storm at Fever
Liberty at Lynx
Dream at Sparks
WNBA team news:
CBS Sports power rankings for the week.
The Aces' patience is rewarded as they are hitting their stride.
The Lynx's playoff push starts in earnest as the All-Star break nears.
Dallas said their acquisition of Tayler Hill today is "a long-term play."
WNBA player news:
The Wings traded Aerial Powers to the Mystics for Tayler Hill.
Sue Bird continues to build on her body of work.
Chiney Ogwumike's priest reminded her of the church schedule after she was ejected from yesterday's Sun game.
Sylvia Fowles has unexpected plans for life after basketball.
Diana Taurasi is suspended for one game for receiving her seventh technical foul of the season yesterday.
Tina Charles leads the Liberty with faith, hope and charity.
Aces center Carolyn Swords is coming up big off the bench.
All-access: Sue Bird plays in her 500th career game.
Tiffany Hayes and Liz Cambage are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Bleacher Report's top 50 most influential athletes includes several female hoopers, including Breanna Stewart and Chiney Ogwumike.
USA Basketball news:
U18 forward NaLyssa Smith continues to live up to expectations.
The U17's Samantha Brunelle is embracing a leadership challenge in the team's World Cup quest.
U.S. Open Tournament participants delight in their opportunity to play.
College team news:
Stanford season preview.
College player news:
Clemson legend Barbara Kennedy-Dixon passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Marlee Kyles is leaving Arizona.
Oregon State freshman Patricia Morris hopes to add her name to the list of great program posts.
Former South Carolina players in Pro-Am.
College coach news:
New Pitt coach Lance White is taking a "crazy" approach to rebuilding the program.
Rene Portland had been accused of anti-gay discrimination.
Mystics at Sun
Storm at Fever
Liberty at Lynx
Dream at Sparks
WNBA team news:
CBS Sports power rankings for the week.
The Aces' patience is rewarded as they are hitting their stride.
The Lynx's playoff push starts in earnest as the All-Star break nears.
Dallas said their acquisition of Tayler Hill today is "a long-term play."
WNBA player news:
The Wings traded Aerial Powers to the Mystics for Tayler Hill.
Sue Bird continues to build on her body of work.
Chiney Ogwumike's priest reminded her of the church schedule after she was ejected from yesterday's Sun game.
Sylvia Fowles has unexpected plans for life after basketball.
Diana Taurasi is suspended for one game for receiving her seventh technical foul of the season yesterday.
Tina Charles leads the Liberty with faith, hope and charity.
Aces center Carolyn Swords is coming up big off the bench.
All-access: Sue Bird plays in her 500th career game.
Tiffany Hayes and Liz Cambage are the Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.
Bleacher Report's top 50 most influential athletes includes several female hoopers, including Breanna Stewart and Chiney Ogwumike.
USA Basketball news:
U18 forward NaLyssa Smith continues to live up to expectations.
The U17's Samantha Brunelle is embracing a leadership challenge in the team's World Cup quest.
U.S. Open Tournament participants delight in their opportunity to play.
College team news:
Stanford season preview.
College player news:
Clemson legend Barbara Kennedy-Dixon passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Marlee Kyles is leaving Arizona.
Oregon State freshman Patricia Morris hopes to add her name to the list of great program posts.
Former South Carolina players in Pro-Am.
College coach news:
New Pitt coach Lance White is taking a "crazy" approach to rebuilding the program.
Rene Portland had been accused of anti-gay discrimination.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
No surprises today - just more milestones
Today's results:
The Dream downed the Storm, 87-74.
The Sun got a big win over the Wings, 92-75.
The Aces topped the Fever, 88-74, to move within a half game of a playoff spot.
A still-short-handed Sparks beat the Sky, 93-76.
Standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. (tie) Sparks and Mercury 5. (tie) Lynx and Mystics 7. Wings 8. Sun (.520) 9. Aces (.480) 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
Milestones:
Sue Bird set the WNBA record for games played, with 500 today.
Shekinna Stricklen tied the league record for most three-point shots in a game, with eight.
It was a record-setting week around the WNBA.
Bird's first league game.
Career retrospective.
Games played leaders gallery.
The Atlanta Dream set a franchise record today with their seventh straight win.
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart is making the case for MVP.
She is maturing, and a major force in the league.
WNBA salaries:
Why WNBA players should be paid more.
College coach news:
Former Penn State coach Rene Portland died today after a battle with cancer.
The Dream downed the Storm, 87-74.
The Sun got a big win over the Wings, 92-75.
The Aces topped the Fever, 88-74, to move within a half game of a playoff spot.
A still-short-handed Sparks beat the Sky, 93-76.
Standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. (tie) Sparks and Mercury 5. (tie) Lynx and Mystics 7. Wings 8. Sun (.520) 9. Aces (.480) 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
Milestones:
Sue Bird set the WNBA record for games played, with 500 today.
Shekinna Stricklen tied the league record for most three-point shots in a game, with eight.
It was a record-setting week around the WNBA.
Bird's first league game.
Career retrospective.
Games played leaders gallery.
The Atlanta Dream set a franchise record today with their seventh straight win.
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart is making the case for MVP.
She is maturing, and a major force in the league.
WNBA salaries:
Why WNBA players should be paid more.
College coach news:
Former Penn State coach Rene Portland died today after a battle with cancer.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Not much separation
Today's results:
The Mystics defeated the Liberty, 95-78, behind Elena Delle Donne's 30 points.
The Lynx held off the Mercury, 80-75, in an ugly, foul-ridden game. Glad the season series between those two teams is over.
Updated standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. Mercury 4. (tie) Lynx, Sparks, Wings, Mystics 8. Sun 9. Aces 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Dream
Sun at Wings
Fever at Aces
Sparks at Sky
WNBA player news:
Sun and Storm players made a young fan's birthday special last night.
Today Tina Charles became the second player in Liberty history to surpass 3,000 career points.
Allisha Gray won the Kids Choice Sports Award for favorite newcomer.
How Allie Quigley went from almost giving up on her hoop dreams to being an All-Star.
Sue Bird isn't private, but is all grown up.
Ageless Bird is soaring past expectations.
Breanna Stewart aims to help others by sharing her story.
Liz Cambage sounds off on officiating.
Post-game Q&A from last night with Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck.
And one: former WNBA great Shannon Johnson.
College player news:
Arizona walk-on Lindsey Malecha was given a full scholarship.
College coach news:
An outpouring of love buoys Jackie Stiles against cancer and gives her new purpose.
Stiles wants to inspire others.
New Arizona assistant coach April Phillips is ready to recruit and contribute.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team opened World Cup play with an 86-48 win over Italy.
The Mystics defeated the Liberty, 95-78, behind Elena Delle Donne's 30 points.
The Lynx held off the Mercury, 80-75, in an ugly, foul-ridden game. Glad the season series between those two teams is over.
Updated standings:
1. Storm 2. Dream 3. Mercury 4. (tie) Lynx, Sparks, Wings, Mystics 8. Sun 9. Aces 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Dream
Sun at Wings
Fever at Aces
Sparks at Sky
WNBA player news:
Sun and Storm players made a young fan's birthday special last night.
Today Tina Charles became the second player in Liberty history to surpass 3,000 career points.
Allisha Gray won the Kids Choice Sports Award for favorite newcomer.
How Allie Quigley went from almost giving up on her hoop dreams to being an All-Star.
Sue Bird isn't private, but is all grown up.
Ageless Bird is soaring past expectations.
Breanna Stewart aims to help others by sharing her story.
Liz Cambage sounds off on officiating.
Post-game Q&A from last night with Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck.
And one: former WNBA great Shannon Johnson.
College player news:
Arizona walk-on Lindsey Malecha was given a full scholarship.
College coach news:
An outpouring of love buoys Jackie Stiles against cancer and gives her new purpose.
Stiles wants to inspire others.
New Arizona assistant coach April Phillips is ready to recruit and contribute.
USA Basketball news:
USA's U17 team opened World Cup play with an 86-48 win over Italy.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Officially the craziest season in WNBA history
Today's game results:
The Storm outran the Sun, 78-65, behind a season-high 31 points from Jewell Loyd.
The Sky topped the Wings, 114-99. Chicago set a franchise record for scoring.
The Fever snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the Sparks, 78-76.
Which means a change in the standings:
1. Storm 2. Mercury 3. Dream 4. (tie) Wings and Sparks 6. (tie) Lynx and Mystics 8. Sun (.500) 9. Aces (.458) 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
WOW
Milestones:
Sue Bird tied the league record for games played, with her 499th.
Courtney Vandersloot became the seventh player in WNBA history to record a triple-double, with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Liberty
Lynx at Mercury
WNBA team news:
The struggling Mercury are down to nine players for the next two games.
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart aims to help others by sharing her story.
Jewell Loyd fondly recalls her time playing in high school.
Stefanie Dolson stands out off the court.
Kristi Toliver wants to be an NBA coach. Advice from women who blazed the trail.
A record-setting week showcases all Liz Cambage brings to the WNBA.
WNBA stars united for an unforgettable birthday for a 12-year-old fan.
All-Star Game:
Maya Moore passing on captain duties is just one of five All-Star Game questions.
College coach news:
San Francisco coach Molly Goodenbour's contract has been extended to 2024.
Southern Illinois welcomes Jody Adams-Birch as an assistant coach.
Geno Auriemma is glad to have Jamelle Elliot back at UConn.
USA Basketball news:
The U17's are set to tip off World Cup play.
U18 National Team member Nazahrah Hillmon-Baker has made a name for herself in a family of athletes.
The Storm outran the Sun, 78-65, behind a season-high 31 points from Jewell Loyd.
The Sky topped the Wings, 114-99. Chicago set a franchise record for scoring.
The Fever snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the Sparks, 78-76.
Which means a change in the standings:
1. Storm 2. Mercury 3. Dream 4. (tie) Wings and Sparks 6. (tie) Lynx and Mystics 8. Sun (.500) 9. Aces (.458) 10. Sky 11. Liberty 12. Fever
WOW
Milestones:
Sue Bird tied the league record for games played, with her 499th.
Courtney Vandersloot became the seventh player in WNBA history to record a triple-double, with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Liberty
Lynx at Mercury
WNBA team news:
The struggling Mercury are down to nine players for the next two games.
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart aims to help others by sharing her story.
Jewell Loyd fondly recalls her time playing in high school.
Stefanie Dolson stands out off the court.
Kristi Toliver wants to be an NBA coach. Advice from women who blazed the trail.
A record-setting week showcases all Liz Cambage brings to the WNBA.
WNBA stars united for an unforgettable birthday for a 12-year-old fan.
All-Star Game:
Maya Moore passing on captain duties is just one of five All-Star Game questions.
College coach news:
San Francisco coach Molly Goodenbour's contract has been extended to 2024.
Southern Illinois welcomes Jody Adams-Birch as an assistant coach.
Geno Auriemma is glad to have Jamelle Elliot back at UConn.
USA Basketball news:
The U17's are set to tip off World Cup play.
U18 National Team member Nazahrah Hillmon-Baker has made a name for herself in a family of athletes.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
All-Star rosters set
Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne "drafted" their All-Star rosters today, and here's how it went down:
Team Parker
Liz Cambage, Dallas
Tina Charles, New York
Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dallas
Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles
Jewell Loyd, Seattle
Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta
Maya Moore, Minnesota
Chiney Ogwumike, Connecticut
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles
Candace Parker, Los Angeles
Allie Quigley, Chicago
Team Delle Donne
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota
Sue Bird, Seattle
DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix
Elena Delle Donne, Washington
Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
Brittney Griner, Phoenix
Kayla McBride, Las Vegas
Breanna Stewart, Seattle
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix
Kristi Toliver, Washington
A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas
Anticipation is rising for the new format.
Team Parker
Liz Cambage, Dallas
Tina Charles, New York
Skylar Diggins-Smith, Dallas
Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles
Jewell Loyd, Seattle
Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta
Maya Moore, Minnesota
Chiney Ogwumike, Connecticut
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles
Candace Parker, Los Angeles
Allie Quigley, Chicago
Team Delle Donne
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota
Sue Bird, Seattle
DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix
Elena Delle Donne, Washington
Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
Brittney Griner, Phoenix
Kayla McBride, Las Vegas
Breanna Stewart, Seattle
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix
Kristi Toliver, Washington
A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas
Anticipation is rising for the new format.
Anticipating the season's fiery end
Today's results:
The Dream stopped the Liberty, 82-68, behind Renee Montgomery's seven three-pointers - a franchise record. It's Atlanta's sixth straight win.
The Wings downed the Mystics, 90-81. Liz Cambage made history again in the game.
The Aces edged the Mercury, 85-82. Kayla McBride led the way with 27 points.
So Las Vegas is closing in on eighth place and a playoff spot. The current No. 8 - the Sun - plays No. 1 Seattle tomorrow. This is going to be a heck of a finish to the season.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sun
Wings at Sky
Fever at Sparks
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart is blossoming on and off the court.
In their college backyard, Terps-made Mystics carry Maryland with them.
Skylar Diggins-Smith has earned the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.
College player news:
Alabama transfer Daijia Ruffin has gone to Richmond as a graduate transfer.
Toyosi Abiola has transferred from Iona to Eastern Michigan.
Belmont's Sierra Jones survived a car wreck and a mystery illness and will now play pro ball in Europe.
College coach news:
Geno Auriemma seems to know why, but not when, he will retire.
April Phillips is the new associate head coach at Arizona.
Deairra Goss is a new assistant coach at IUPUI.
E. Todd Moore has joined Alcorn State as an assistant coach.
Alexis Pace is a new assistant coach at Austin Peay.
Samford has two coaching staff changes.
Alice De Fazio is Michigan's new director of player personnel.
High school news:
How the girl next door became a state basketball champion and a member of the national team.
Training continues in Belarus for the U17 women in USA Basketball.
The Dream stopped the Liberty, 82-68, behind Renee Montgomery's seven three-pointers - a franchise record. It's Atlanta's sixth straight win.
The Wings downed the Mystics, 90-81. Liz Cambage made history again in the game.
The Aces edged the Mercury, 85-82. Kayla McBride led the way with 27 points.
So Las Vegas is closing in on eighth place and a playoff spot. The current No. 8 - the Sun - plays No. 1 Seattle tomorrow. This is going to be a heck of a finish to the season.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sun
Wings at Sky
Fever at Sparks
WNBA player news:
Breanna Stewart is blossoming on and off the court.
In their college backyard, Terps-made Mystics carry Maryland with them.
Skylar Diggins-Smith has earned the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award.
College player news:
Alabama transfer Daijia Ruffin has gone to Richmond as a graduate transfer.
Toyosi Abiola has transferred from Iona to Eastern Michigan.
Belmont's Sierra Jones survived a car wreck and a mystery illness and will now play pro ball in Europe.
College coach news:
Geno Auriemma seems to know why, but not when, he will retire.
April Phillips is the new associate head coach at Arizona.
Deairra Goss is a new assistant coach at IUPUI.
E. Todd Moore has joined Alcorn State as an assistant coach.
Alexis Pace is a new assistant coach at Austin Peay.
Samford has two coaching staff changes.
Alice De Fazio is Michigan's new director of player personnel.
High school news:
How the girl next door became a state basketball champion and a member of the national team.
Training continues in Belarus for the U17 women in USA Basketball.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
No drama today (that might happen tomorrow, instead)
Today's game results:
The Storm took care of the Sky, 101-83. Breanna Stewart led the way for Seattle with 30 points.
The Lynx drubbed the Fever, 89-65, behind 30 points and 16 rebounds from Sylvia Fowles.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Liberty at Dream
Mystics at Wings
Aces at Mercury
All-Star news:
The All-Star uniforms have been unveiled.
Maya Moore said she had too many other commitments to fulfill All-Star captain duties.
Allie Quigley's sustained excellence lead to an All-Star nod.
An All-Star invite is an unexpected bonus during Chiney Ogwumike's comeback year.
Remember that teams will be announced tomorrow prior to the Mystics-Wings game at 5 p.m. PT.
WNBA team news:
The Aces are combating the challenges of commercial travel.
Fever attendance is better than their record indicates.
WNBA player news:
How Liz Cambage broke the single-game scoring record.
Cambage says league officials are "trying to make the game more ladylike."
A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are the real deal for the Aces.
Lindsay Whalen "isn't feeling the best" after colliding with an opponent today.
Kayla Thornton is a full time leader for Dallas.
Gabby Williams rookie diary: the Sky haven't yet put together 40 minutes.
USA Basketball news:
The Women's National Team fall game schedule will include domestic and international exhibition games.
NCAA Division I news:
Regional sites for 2021 and 2022 have been named.
College team news:
UConn will form a national "C" club, and Jamelle Elliott will head it.
College player news:
Tennessee has a commitment from Tamari Key, a center from North Carolina.
College coach news:
Geno Auriemma on the state of basketball and his future with UConn.
Janie Mitchell is the new head coach at the University of Bridgeport.
Karleen Thompson is Virginia's new associate head coach.
Milwaukee has two new assistant coaches: Jaime Gluesing and Stacy Cantley.
The Storm took care of the Sky, 101-83. Breanna Stewart led the way for Seattle with 30 points.
The Lynx drubbed the Fever, 89-65, behind 30 points and 16 rebounds from Sylvia Fowles.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Liberty at Dream
Mystics at Wings
Aces at Mercury
All-Star news:
The All-Star uniforms have been unveiled.
Maya Moore said she had too many other commitments to fulfill All-Star captain duties.
Allie Quigley's sustained excellence lead to an All-Star nod.
An All-Star invite is an unexpected bonus during Chiney Ogwumike's comeback year.
Remember that teams will be announced tomorrow prior to the Mystics-Wings game at 5 p.m. PT.
WNBA team news:
The Aces are combating the challenges of commercial travel.
Fever attendance is better than their record indicates.
WNBA player news:
How Liz Cambage broke the single-game scoring record.
Cambage says league officials are "trying to make the game more ladylike."
A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are the real deal for the Aces.
Lindsay Whalen "isn't feeling the best" after colliding with an opponent today.
Kayla Thornton is a full time leader for Dallas.
Gabby Williams rookie diary: the Sky haven't yet put together 40 minutes.
USA Basketball news:
The Women's National Team fall game schedule will include domestic and international exhibition games.
NCAA Division I news:
Regional sites for 2021 and 2022 have been named.
College team news:
UConn will form a national "C" club, and Jamelle Elliott will head it.
College player news:
Tennessee has a commitment from Tamari Key, a center from North Carolina.
College coach news:
Geno Auriemma on the state of basketball and his future with UConn.
Janie Mitchell is the new head coach at the University of Bridgeport.
Karleen Thompson is Virginia's new associate head coach.
Milwaukee has two new assistant coaches: Jaime Gluesing and Stacy Cantley.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
All-Stars announced
The All-Stars were announced tonight on ESPN’s SportsCenter. Under the new All-Star Game format that replaces the traditional matchup between conferences, Delle Donne and Parker will select their respective teams from the pool of remaining All-Stars to form two 11-player rosters. Delle Donne will make the first pick and Parker will have the second pick. The two captains will then alternate picks until all players have been selected.
The rosters for Team Delle Donne and Team Parker will be revealed on Thursday, July 19 at the start of ESPN2’s telecast of a game between Washington and the Dallas Wings (8 p.m. ET tip-off). On Friday, July 27, the All-Star team captains and head coaches will meet to determine the starting lineups. The starters will be revealed that night on ESPN2 (7 p.m. ET) during a live telecast of the WNBA All-Star Welcome Reception in Minnesota. Seattle head coach Dan Hughes will lead Team Delle Donne, while Phoenix head coach Sandy Brondello will guide Team Parker.
Full story.
More:
Roster breakdown.
The All-Star Game enters Minneapolis with a twist.
How will the new All-Star format play out?
Maya Moore was chosen as a captain, but declined.
Sue Bird has set a WNBA league record with her 11th All-Star selection.
Another big day in the WNBA
Today's results:
The Wings took it to the Liberty, 104-87.
Tiffany Hayes' half-court buzzer-beater lifted the Dream over the Sun, 86-83.
Milestone:
Today Dallas post Liz Cambage set a WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points on 17-22 shooting.
Cambage said she was feeling it.
WNBA team news:
The Lynx are excelling on the boards, despite their inconsistent play.
The league's power rankings for the week.
WNBA player news:
Alex Bentley has returned to Atlanta and is happy for the change of scenery.
Candace Parker's versatility shined this past week with a pair of first-ever performances.
The Maya Moore billboard has returned, in White Bear Lake.
Get to know Wings rookie Azura' Stevens.
Bonus:
Five feel-good stories in the WNBA.
One columnist says the WNBA missed another opportunity to promote the game tonight.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sky
Fever at Lynx
College player news:
Incoming ASU freshman Iris Mbulito lead Spain to the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship.
College coach news:
Q&A with Illinois coach Nancy Fahey.
Angel Elderkin's remarkable story, coaching through cancer.
Velaida Harris is the new head coach at Weber State, and the first African-American to hold a Division I head coach post in the state.
Patosha Jeffery is a new assistant coach at Southern Mississippi.
The Wings took it to the Liberty, 104-87.
Tiffany Hayes' half-court buzzer-beater lifted the Dream over the Sun, 86-83.
Milestone:
Today Dallas post Liz Cambage set a WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points on 17-22 shooting.
Cambage said she was feeling it.
WNBA team news:
The Lynx are excelling on the boards, despite their inconsistent play.
The league's power rankings for the week.
WNBA player news:
Alex Bentley has returned to Atlanta and is happy for the change of scenery.
Candace Parker's versatility shined this past week with a pair of first-ever performances.
The Maya Moore billboard has returned, in White Bear Lake.
Get to know Wings rookie Azura' Stevens.
Bonus:
Five feel-good stories in the WNBA.
One columnist says the WNBA missed another opportunity to promote the game tonight.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sky
Fever at Lynx
College player news:
Incoming ASU freshman Iris Mbulito lead Spain to the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship.
College coach news:
Q&A with Illinois coach Nancy Fahey.
Angel Elderkin's remarkable story, coaching through cancer.
Velaida Harris is the new head coach at Weber State, and the first African-American to hold a Division I head coach post in the state.
Patosha Jeffery is a new assistant coach at Southern Mississippi.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Monday pause
WNBA team news:
CBS power rankings.
WNBA player news:
Chiney Ogwumike is a trailblazer of indomitable will and spirit.
Ogwumike is doing double duty as a player and sportscaster.
Diana Taurasi says WNBA players need to be willing to strike for higher pay.
DeWanna Bonner surpassed 4,000 career points yesterday.
Interview with Kiah Stokes.
Candace Parker and Jessica Breland are the Western and Eastern Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve says her team needs to find its will.
Aces coach Bill Laimbeer says his team needs more from A'ja Wilson.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Liberty at Wings
Dream at Sun
Bonus:
Women Hoop Too is a movement for players and fans.
College player news:
Hoosier sophomore Bendu Yeany is serving up smiles by helping kids.
Kansas State center Mary Lakes and a roommate were arrested early this morning and charged with domestic battery.
Purdue transfer Dani Lawson has gone to Virginia.
Bre Wickware will transfer from Indiana.
College coach news:
LSU has added Michaela Mabrey as director of recruiting.
USA Basketball news:
The U17's beat Canada to close their exhibition schedule unbeaten.
CBS power rankings.
WNBA player news:
Chiney Ogwumike is a trailblazer of indomitable will and spirit.
Ogwumike is doing double duty as a player and sportscaster.
Diana Taurasi says WNBA players need to be willing to strike for higher pay.
DeWanna Bonner surpassed 4,000 career points yesterday.
Interview with Kiah Stokes.
Candace Parker and Jessica Breland are the Western and Eastern Conference players of the week.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve says her team needs to find its will.
Aces coach Bill Laimbeer says his team needs more from A'ja Wilson.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Liberty at Wings
Dream at Sun
Bonus:
Women Hoop Too is a movement for players and fans.
College player news:
Hoosier sophomore Bendu Yeany is serving up smiles by helping kids.
Kansas State center Mary Lakes and a roommate were arrested early this morning and charged with domestic battery.
Purdue transfer Dani Lawson has gone to Virginia.
Bre Wickware will transfer from Indiana.
College coach news:
LSU has added Michaela Mabrey as director of recruiting.
USA Basketball news:
The U17's beat Canada to close their exhibition schedule unbeaten.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Some keeping it hot, others are not
Today's results:
Brittney Sykes' 12 fourth-quarter points propelled the Dream past the Mystics, 80-77. That's four in a row for Atlanta.
The Liberty routed the Sky, 107-84.
The Mercury handled the Fever, 101-82.
Candace Parker scored a season-high 34 points to lead the Sparks over the Aces, 99-78.
The Sun trounced the Lynx, 83-64.
Standings:
1. Storm
2. Mercury
3. Sparks
4. Mystics
5. Wings
6. Dream
7. Sun
8. Lynx
9. Aces
10. Liberty
11. Sky
12. Fever
WNBA team news:
Sancho Lyttle's injury has left a gaping hole in the Mercury's defense.
WNBA player news:
Today Elena Delle Donne became the WNBA player fastest to reach 3,000 points.
The Sun have their MVP back in Alyssa Thomas.
Tina Charles is raising awareness for sudden cardiac arrest.
Chiney Ogwumike and Diana Taurasi talk salary issues.
Get together with the Mystics' Tianna Hawkins.
Kia Nurse interview.
WNBA coach news:
Coach Cheryl Reeve says the Lynx need more mental toughness.
Brittney Sykes' 12 fourth-quarter points propelled the Dream past the Mystics, 80-77. That's four in a row for Atlanta.
The Liberty routed the Sky, 107-84.
The Mercury handled the Fever, 101-82.
Candace Parker scored a season-high 34 points to lead the Sparks over the Aces, 99-78.
The Sun trounced the Lynx, 83-64.
Standings:
1. Storm
2. Mercury
3. Sparks
4. Mystics
5. Wings
6. Dream
7. Sun
8. Lynx
9. Aces
10. Liberty
11. Sky
12. Fever
WNBA team news:
Sancho Lyttle's injury has left a gaping hole in the Mercury's defense.
WNBA player news:
Today Elena Delle Donne became the WNBA player fastest to reach 3,000 points.
The Sun have their MVP back in Alyssa Thomas.
Tina Charles is raising awareness for sudden cardiac arrest.
Chiney Ogwumike and Diana Taurasi talk salary issues.
Get together with the Mystics' Tianna Hawkins.
Kia Nurse interview.
WNBA coach news:
Coach Cheryl Reeve says the Lynx need more mental toughness.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Storm win gives them a two-game lead for first place
Today's game results:
Breanna Stewart's season-high 35 points paced the Storm past the Wings, 91-84.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Dream
Sky at Liberty
Mercury at Fever
Sparks at Aces
Sun at Lynx
WNBA player news:
Diana Taurasi is still putting on shows in Connecticut.
Storm guard Alysha Clark has a mission off the court.
A deeper look at former league standout Tangela Smith.
WNBA coach news:
As Mystics coach Mike Thibault keeps building, he takes a moment to reflect.
The league:
Is the WNBA heat index surging?
College team news:
Expectations for Iowa this season are sky-high.
College player news:
Cameron Swartz feels at home with the Colorado Buffs.
Breanna Stewart's season-high 35 points paced the Storm past the Wings, 91-84.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Mystics at Dream
Sky at Liberty
Mercury at Fever
Sparks at Aces
Sun at Lynx
WNBA player news:
Diana Taurasi is still putting on shows in Connecticut.
Storm guard Alysha Clark has a mission off the court.
A deeper look at former league standout Tangela Smith.
WNBA coach news:
As Mystics coach Mike Thibault keeps building, he takes a moment to reflect.
The league:
Is the WNBA heat index surging?
College team news:
Expectations for Iowa this season are sky-high.
College player news:
Cameron Swartz feels at home with the Colorado Buffs.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Dream, Aces continue hot streaks
Today's game results:
The Dream continued their hot streak and downed the Fever, 98-74.
Courtney Williams powered the Sun past the Mercury, 91-87.
Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins led the Mystics over the Sky, 88-72.
The Aces held off the Lynx, 85-77, for their fourth straight win.
Current standings feature no ties.
Tomorrow's game preview:
Dallas looks to extend the league's longest winning streak against the Storm.
WNBA player news:
A'ja Wilson's father is also adjusting to the WNBA.
Even time can't beat Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi has been ripped off, being underpaid.
Former WNBA star Betty Lennox calls the Minnesota Lynx her first home.
WNBA coach news:
Sun coach Curt Miller has learned you don't have to be perfect to be a role model.
College team news:
Auburn women's hoops rules the "In my feelings" challenge.
Twenty-five years later, Texas is still a shining light for Title IX.
UMaine players are getting valuable experience at the European Championships.
College player news:
Iowa State's Morgan Kane has a non-profit that helps children pay for service dogs.
College coach news:
Tomekia Reed left Jackson, Miss. because the pain was too much. Now she's back coaching at Jackson State.
The Dream continued their hot streak and downed the Fever, 98-74.
Courtney Williams powered the Sun past the Mercury, 91-87.
Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins led the Mystics over the Sky, 88-72.
The Aces held off the Lynx, 85-77, for their fourth straight win.
Current standings feature no ties.
Tomorrow's game preview:
Dallas looks to extend the league's longest winning streak against the Storm.
WNBA player news:
A'ja Wilson's father is also adjusting to the WNBA.
Even time can't beat Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi has been ripped off, being underpaid.
Former WNBA star Betty Lennox calls the Minnesota Lynx her first home.
WNBA coach news:
Sun coach Curt Miller has learned you don't have to be perfect to be a role model.
College team news:
Auburn women's hoops rules the "In my feelings" challenge.
Twenty-five years later, Texas is still a shining light for Title IX.
UMaine players are getting valuable experience at the European Championships.
College player news:
Iowa State's Morgan Kane has a non-profit that helps children pay for service dogs.
College coach news:
Tomekia Reed left Jackson, Miss. because the pain was too much. Now she's back coaching at Jackson State.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Best season ever? Survey says yes
The season:
The WNBA is halfway to its best season ever.
Oh yeah.
Today's result:
A big fourth quarter propelled the Wings past the Sparks, 92-77. Dallas has won five straight.
Tomorrow's games:
Fever at Dream.
Mercury at Sun.
Sky at Mystics.
Aces at Lynx 1, and Aces at Lynx 2.
WNBA All-Star game:
Dan Hughes and Sandy Brondello are the All-Star game coaches.
WNBA team news:
There's no place like home for the road-weary Lynx.
The devil is in the details as Minnesota seeks more consistent play.
WNBA player news:
Diana Taurasi is having the time of her life.
Kia Nurse is adjusting to life in the WNBA.
Nurse's rookie diary.
Which players are taking the most open shots.
Maya Moore has won the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Bonus:
WNBA mothers are banding together to generate interest.
College player news:
Marquette's Tori McCoy is still seeking a kidney donation.
College coach news:
Clark Atlanta University coach Yolanda Moore says that the school's athletic director has created a toxic environment for female employees and female athletics.
Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman has signed a contract good through 2023-2024.
The contract of Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico has been extended through 2022-2023.
Toledo coach Tricia Cullop has been elected vice president of the WBCA.
High school news:
Diamond Johnson's controversial and moving story.
The WNBA is halfway to its best season ever.
Oh yeah.
Today's result:
A big fourth quarter propelled the Wings past the Sparks, 92-77. Dallas has won five straight.
Tomorrow's games:
Fever at Dream.
Mercury at Sun.
Sky at Mystics.
Aces at Lynx 1, and Aces at Lynx 2.
WNBA All-Star game:
Dan Hughes and Sandy Brondello are the All-Star game coaches.
WNBA team news:
There's no place like home for the road-weary Lynx.
The devil is in the details as Minnesota seeks more consistent play.
WNBA player news:
Diana Taurasi is having the time of her life.
Kia Nurse is adjusting to life in the WNBA.
Nurse's rookie diary.
Which players are taking the most open shots.
Maya Moore has won the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Bonus:
WNBA mothers are banding together to generate interest.
College player news:
Marquette's Tori McCoy is still seeking a kidney donation.
College coach news:
Clark Atlanta University coach Yolanda Moore says that the school's athletic director has created a toxic environment for female employees and female athletics.
Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman has signed a contract good through 2023-2024.
The contract of Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico has been extended through 2022-2023.
Toledo coach Tricia Cullop has been elected vice president of the WBCA.
High school news:
Diamond Johnson's controversial and moving story.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Thoughts on: "Why does women’s basketball trigger so much fragile masculinity?"
Great piece.
But she believes — as do many other players I’ve talked with — that it isn’t just sexism that provokes the anger about women’s basketball. It’s the fact that the majority of the league is women of color, and many are openly queer. That exacerbates the hate.
“We’re women that are independent, college educated, most of us are women of color, most of us identify as [LGBTQ], so we have all of that, and we’re proud to be that!” McGee-Stafford said. It is, in essence, an amplification for where we are as a society....
You simply can’t talk about the hatred women’s basketball receives without talking about homophobia and racism, too. Black, queer women and nonbinary people are some of the most marginalized people in our society. And yet, women’s basketball — and the WNBA in particular — gives these women power, visibility, and a platform. These women both avail themselves of that platform, and have the tenacity to continue to demand more recognition. They’re not just satisfied with what they have.
No wonder the fragile men are angry.
I've wondered for years why the WNBA, much more so than other women's professional leagues, is maligned and disrespected. I think this just may be the answer. Men are threatened when they don't feel needed, and a powerful group of female athletes doesn't seem to need them. So a backlash isn't surprising.
And I have an observation of my own, piggybacking on this piece: white lesbians in the league seem to be more generally accepted than lesbians of color. Thank about it......was there any backlash when Elena Delle Donne came out, and then got married? I didn't hear any. Ditto for Sue Bird coming out, and being in ESPN's "the body" issue with her girlfriend recently. Didn't hear negative statements last year, either, when Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor got married.
The women of the WNBA are a phenomenal bunch. Straight, gay or bisexual, they support each other on and off the court. By and large, they don't seem to care about the sexuality of their teammates, which is a far cry for the stories of homophobia that have come out of the NBA. It is impressive. Men can take so many lessons from women.
The best part of this story is the ending:
“Our league is growing every year. So as much as people want to troll, at the end of the day we’re growing and we’re getting bigger and better,” Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams told ThinkProgress.
“I mean, we’re not going away,” Currie said. “Our league is here to stay.”
Hell yeah it is.
But she believes — as do many other players I’ve talked with — that it isn’t just sexism that provokes the anger about women’s basketball. It’s the fact that the majority of the league is women of color, and many are openly queer. That exacerbates the hate.
“We’re women that are independent, college educated, most of us are women of color, most of us identify as [LGBTQ], so we have all of that, and we’re proud to be that!” McGee-Stafford said. It is, in essence, an amplification for where we are as a society....
You simply can’t talk about the hatred women’s basketball receives without talking about homophobia and racism, too. Black, queer women and nonbinary people are some of the most marginalized people in our society. And yet, women’s basketball — and the WNBA in particular — gives these women power, visibility, and a platform. These women both avail themselves of that platform, and have the tenacity to continue to demand more recognition. They’re not just satisfied with what they have.
No wonder the fragile men are angry.
I've wondered for years why the WNBA, much more so than other women's professional leagues, is maligned and disrespected. I think this just may be the answer. Men are threatened when they don't feel needed, and a powerful group of female athletes doesn't seem to need them. So a backlash isn't surprising.
And I have an observation of my own, piggybacking on this piece: white lesbians in the league seem to be more generally accepted than lesbians of color. Thank about it......was there any backlash when Elena Delle Donne came out, and then got married? I didn't hear any. Ditto for Sue Bird coming out, and being in ESPN's "the body" issue with her girlfriend recently. Didn't hear negative statements last year, either, when Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor got married.
The women of the WNBA are a phenomenal bunch. Straight, gay or bisexual, they support each other on and off the court. By and large, they don't seem to care about the sexuality of their teammates, which is a far cry for the stories of homophobia that have come out of the NBA. It is impressive. Men can take so many lessons from women.
The best part of this story is the ending:
“Our league is growing every year. So as much as people want to troll, at the end of the day we’re growing and we’re getting bigger and better,” Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams told ThinkProgress.
“I mean, we’re not going away,” Currie said. “Our league is here to stay.”
Hell yeah it is.
Another unpredictable day in the WNBA
Today's results:
The Liberty beat the Sun on a last-second shot by Shavonte Zellous, 79-76.
The Dream shot down the Mystics, 106-89.
The Lynx routed the Fever, 87-65.
Transactions:
The Sky have signed Linnae Harper and Amber Harris to seven-day contracts, and the Dream did the same with Alexis Prince.
The Lynx have signed Erlanna Larkins to a seven-day contract.
Link.
Tomorrow's game:
Wings at Sparks.
WNBA team news:
In the WNBA, LGBTQ pride shines brighter and brighter.
What happened to the Von Trapp Family atmosphere of the Connecticut Sun?
The Sparks say yesterday's win helped then turn a corner.
WNBA player news:
Angel McCoughtry is playing a new role, but has the same goal.
Chelsea Gray is confidently coming into her own.
Danielle Robinson hit the first three-pointer of her career today.
Tina Charles has won the 2018 Mannie Jackson Basketball Human Spirit Award.
Bria Hartley is looking forward and giving back.
Skylar Diggins-Smith and Cappie Pondexter are among SI's 50 most stylish athletes.
Sylvia Fowles is on the rise on the league's race to the MVP list this week.
Yardbarker also has a list.
College player news:
Green Bay's Alex Leuhring has transferred to Wisconsin to be closer to her ill father.
College coach news:
Sasha Palmer is a new assistant coach at Georgia Tech.
International news:
Canada is taking aim at a world basketball medal.
The Liberty beat the Sun on a last-second shot by Shavonte Zellous, 79-76.
The Dream shot down the Mystics, 106-89.
The Lynx routed the Fever, 87-65.
Transactions:
The Sky have signed Linnae Harper and Amber Harris to seven-day contracts, and the Dream did the same with Alexis Prince.
The Lynx have signed Erlanna Larkins to a seven-day contract.
Link.
Tomorrow's game:
Wings at Sparks.
WNBA team news:
In the WNBA, LGBTQ pride shines brighter and brighter.
What happened to the Von Trapp Family atmosphere of the Connecticut Sun?
The Sparks say yesterday's win helped then turn a corner.
WNBA player news:
Angel McCoughtry is playing a new role, but has the same goal.
Chelsea Gray is confidently coming into her own.
Danielle Robinson hit the first three-pointer of her career today.
Tina Charles has won the 2018 Mannie Jackson Basketball Human Spirit Award.
Bria Hartley is looking forward and giving back.
Skylar Diggins-Smith and Cappie Pondexter are among SI's 50 most stylish athletes.
Sylvia Fowles is on the rise on the league's race to the MVP list this week.
Yardbarker also has a list.
College player news:
Green Bay's Alex Leuhring has transferred to Wisconsin to be closer to her ill father.
College coach news:
Sasha Palmer is a new assistant coach at Georgia Tech.
International news:
Canada is taking aim at a world basketball medal.
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