^{June 14, 2025 | Edition #98}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

20% of the season is already behind us. Some teams are making an early case for top draft picks, while others have wasted no time giving us some seriously good basketball. But just as we were hit with the exciting news that we would finally see Caitlin Clark play against the Liberty on Saturday, it came with a gut punch: the waiving that was inevitable but still broke hearts.

And yes, it’s the same issue we talked about last time. Turns out, you feel the same and your responses hit home. So here we are again, unpacking more of a story and discussing something that clearly matters - to us, and to you.

Voices for the W: A Fan-Led Case for a WNBA G-League

As a fan and storyteller of the game we all love, sharing the NWBL story with you was honestly the best feeling. And to top it off? 71% of you voted YES—the WNBA should absolutely have a G-League. Along with that came a flood of responses. While all of them were spot-on in their own way, one really hit the core.

“Makes sense to have players readily available and game ready to fill in for injured players.” We’ve said it before…this season’s injuries have been brutal. Almost a third of the league’s rosters have looked like revolving doors. And when someone’s out, the next call-up hasn’t played in months. That’s just not fair - to the players or the teams. Just listen to Cameron Brink’s solution to the injury issue.

Most of you also pointed out the value of a developmental pathway. On a broader level, it’s great for representation. But practically, think injury prevention, increased earning potential, reduced burnout, confidence boosts, and just being able to stay ready.

Then comes the obvious, the elephant in the room and exactly WHY we need this. “There’s so much talent in and out of the WNBA,” read one comment and we couldn’t agree more. Just look at Indiana letting go of Aari McDonald after she put on an absolute show across three games. But because of contract constraints, the Fever had no choice. Though (fun fact) Aari could still make her way back to Indy. Find out how here!

But for now, the case is the same with vets like Crystal Bradford and rookies like Deja Kelly, Harmoni Turner - talent that shouldn’t have to sit just because there wasn’t a spot.

Doesn't it almost feel like we're back to square one? The NWBL was created to keep women hoopers hooping - off-season reps, year-round pay, and a space to grow. Again, we’re watching that same need resurface. And if NWBL was a fix that didn’t unfortunately work out, maybe Unrivaled is a preview. A league, led by players, born from frustration but built on vision.

But all in all, if the need is loud, the talent is deep - what’s the W waiting for?

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Hope Isn’t Enough! Chicago and Dallas Hit Rock Bottom

It has been a new kind of low for the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings. One has the 2025 No. 1 Draft pick. The other has some of the most talented young guns in recent years. But for both, the slide just won’t stop.

Chicago faced a very good Atlanta squad, and for a second, it felt different. In the second quarter, the Sky accomplished something they hadn’t done in three straight games: they held a lead! But then…back to bad habits. Atlanta took over, and the game slipped away fast. Final score: 88-70.

For a Chicago squad that came in with playoff hopes, 2-7 is... bizarre. On the other hand, it was a historic night for the Dream. Brittney Griner officially moved into second place all-time in blocks, passing Lisa Leslie. Who’s at No.1? Not someone you would expect. Check it out yourself.

Meanwhile, Dallas looked like they might just pull it off. The game opened with a battle of former Fighting Irish - Jewell Loyd and Arike Ogunbowale trading buckets in the first half. By the third, the Wings were rolling: a 22-2 run, a 13-point lead as they forced nine straight turnovers. It felt like their game.

Even A’ja Wilson - sidelined and seated courtside next to her someone special - looked like the tension was radiating off her. But in the fourth, things changed. The collapse was inevitable.

After the Aces took control with a couple of FTs, Dallas went without a field goal in the final minute. Despite four of five starters hitting double digits, they lost 88-84. Now they’re a brutal 1-11. It just can’t get worse, can it?

‘Death Glare’ Down the Stretch! DiJonai in Heated Moment With Head Coach as Wings Collapse

Buckets That Deserved the Win

Threes and things. While it was a big night for Brittney Griner in Atlanta, the real showstopper at State Farm Arena was Rhyne Howard. The Dream guard tied the WNBA record for most threes in a game with nine en-route to a season-high 36 points. There was one stretch where she was so locked in, it felt like every shot was going in.

In the fourth, she went off in a span of a minute. After blowing by her defender for a tough layup to put the Dream up double digits, Howard bounced in a three off the rim. That was followed by this brilliant heat check moment, which had the fans losing it in Atlanta.

‘Point Gawd’ Magic. Chelsea Gray does something crazy almost every night - something that might make most coaches lose it. But not Becky Hammon. She trusts Gray’s creativity. And lucky us, we get reminded of what Magic Johnson used to do on the court.

In the very first quarter, she was barely past half-court, with Paige Bueckers guarding her tight. Then, out of nowhere, with zero hesitation, Gray just flung a smooth behind-the-back pass - from THAT distance! It landed right near the rim, where Jackie Young snatched it and immediately swung it to Loyd in the corner for three. Just look at this ridiculous pass!

And that was just the first quarter. Gray finished with 13 points and 5 assists, and when the Aces needed a closer, she also hit both free throws in crunch time.

Clark Gears Up For Her Return: Caitlin Makes a Stunning Half-Court Three And Let’s Everyone Hear It

✨ She Got Glam! ✨

Is Angel Reese finally getting back to her best? She has dropped 29 points on 53% shooting and grabbed 20 boards in her last two games! But Chicago Sky GM, Jeff Pagliocca, still expects more from his franchise star. His statement even managed to irk the Chi-Town Barbie’s fans. But what did he say that has caused outrage? Check out his comments.

WNBA Watchlist: Storm Warning in San Francisco & Bottom-Battle in the East

Another weekend, another round of “Wait, who’s gonna shock us this time?” We all have our favorites. But, at the end of the day, we’re all here for the good hoops, right? And lately, two teams have been serving that up: the Golden State Valkyries and the Seattle Storm. Now, they’re set to face off, with the Valkyries (4-5) hosting the Storm (6-4) on Saturday.

The Storm are riding high after snapping Minnesota’s undefeated streak, which puts them in control of their Commissioner’s Cup destiny. But a loss here? That could change everything. Surely the Storm’s vet core won’t let the newbies play spoiler. Then again, the three-happy Valks have consistently punched above their weight. Plus, Valks have a new addition. You’ve probably never seen a locker room welcome this hilarious!

Over in the East, we’ve got a good old battle at the bottom. The Sun and the Sky are both sitting at 2-7 and scrambling to find their footing. Both teams are coming off losses, and Sunday’s matchup could decide who sinks deeper.

Next up are the two squads that handed both the Sun and Sky their Ls. It’s Mystics vs Dream round two. These two opened the season with a 94-90 thriller that went to D.C. This time, Atlanta’s out for revenge. But don’t count out the Mystics just yet. Their young core plays with heart. Even a WNBA vet recently called their rookie a “unicorn.”

Most of the predictions lie in the Dream’s court. However, if we’ve learned anything this season… never sleep on the shockers.

WNBA x NBA Comparisons: Who’s Your Favorite WNBA Star’s NBA Twin?

📝 More Stories to Check Out

1. All-Star Voting Turns Ugly As Caitlin Clark Fans Accused of Hacking Media Votes - Full Story

2. DiJonai Carrington’s Costly Foul Sparks Fan Outrage After Chaotic Finish Hands Aces the Win - Full Story

3. Tyrese Haliburton Drops Caitlin Clark Truth Bomb Amid Finals Heat - Full Story

4. As Angel Reese Struggled, Chicago’s Missing Piece Watched Sky Fall From the Sidelines - Full Story

5. Azzi Fudd’s Parents Share Bold Take on Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark Debate - Full Story

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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