^{August 07, 2025 | Edition #121}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

You know how old stories from past generations usually carry that warm feeling? Like a cozy throwback to “simpler times?” Well, not always, at least not for women. Because more often than not, those stories reek of patriarchy. The WNBA’s story isn’t all that different. While the league’s been busy with trades and playoff talk, one veteran’s words brought us crashing back to a truth we’ve heard before: salaries. But this time, it hit different. It was a reminder that it’s high time for change.

Diana Taurasi Speaks for Every Player Who Stayed Quiet

There are a few players who define the WNBA. Diana Taurasi is at the top of that list. A career so legendary that Prime Video is releasing a three-part, self-titled docuseries on her. While it was supposed to be a celebration of the White Mamba, the moment the teaser dropped, DT, in a way, made it all about advocating for the league.

Through everything she lived, the legend kept it real. Yes, she has been the face of greatness, but she’s also been the face of underpaid excellence. “The f–king janitor at the arena made more than me,” she said in the teaser. And this is coming from the fifth-highest-paid player in WNBA history. Check out who has earned more than her.

Back in her prime, Taurasi had to spend offseasons playing overseas to chase paychecks that matched her worth. “I’m the best player in the world and I have to go to a communist country to get paid like a capitalist,” she said. She even spoke about the toll it took, coming home one day and realizing how much she missed, how much her parents had aged. Maybe that was the moment she stopped. No more offseasons abroad after 2017.

However, most players still go overseas. Until Unrivaled, foreign leagues paid way more than the W. And if you think it’s an exaggeration, you need to know this: Back in 2022, Taurasi made $228K in a season as the highest-paid player of the W.

Safe to say, “Pay Us What You Owe Us” is more than just a T-shirt slogan All-Stars wore. DT might not benefit from what comes next in the new CBA. However, if this league ever gets what it deserves, it'll be because vets like her kept it brutally, beautifully real.

Style in Full for Half

Seen the sideline fits this season? The W’s bringing both game and style! And if you need an upgrade to keep up with it, this is your sign. Ray-Bans are up to 50% off!

Maybe you’re running errands. Maybe just back-to-back matchups on the weekend. Either way, these classics do what they’ve always done and keep things cool… and a little iconic.

Why they’re worth it:

• Styles that work anywhere without trying too hard

• Full UV protection (because squinting isn’t chic)

• Light, comfortable fit for all-day wear

Look your best for half the price.

One Trade Down… What’s DC Cooking Next?

The trade deadline day is here. As of 3 p.m. ET, WNBA teams can no longer make trades this season. And while the trade window has been relatively quiet, the Washington Mystics made one move that shocked us just before the clock ran out.

In a move no one saw coming, DC traded All-Star Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm. In return, they got Alysha Clark, Zia Cooke, and Seattle’s 2026 first-round draft pick. To finalize the deal, the Mystics also waived Sika Koné and Cooke. Naturally, fans were left wondering: Why would DC part ways with Sykes, their leader all season? Well, Sykes might’ve been the one who asked for it. Her post was subtle but revealing.

In the big picture, it could be a win-win. The Mystics are clearly rebuilding around a young, promising core, and Sykes deserves the opportunity to shine in a more competitive window. Still, it’s hard to wrap our heads around the move after watching her carry this team night after night. Looks like the team’s feeling it, too. Kiki Iriafen put it as her “Welcome to the WNBA moment.”

But don’t get too comfortable, as Sykes might not be the only player on the move. Rumors are swirling about one more potential Mystics trade before the deadline hits, with two major destinations floating for one of their rising stars, Aaliyah Edwards. And looking at these highlights, you’ll understand why Mystics fans aren’t happy about it.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Wings waived Karlie Samuelson, who recently underwent season-ending surgery on her left foot. The team will oversee her rehab into the offseason. So, with the WNBA’s hard salary cap leaving little room to maneuver, trades have been limited. Let’s see if any team pulls off a last-minute move!

2026 D.C. Takeover! The One Reason the Mystics Could Haunt the League Next Season

The Valkyries Walk the Razor's Edge

The Golden State Valkyries are flirting with history. You know the kind of dream you almost don’t want to talk about too loudly in case you jinx it. One game in, one game out; they’re hanging right on the edge of becoming the first expansion team to ever make the playoffs in their inaugural season. For now, though, that dream took another hit.

On Sunday, they got run out of the building, with the Aces delivering one of their most lopsided losses of the season. Thankfully, GSV didn’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption. By Wednesday, the fire was back. They pushed harder, fought tougher, and the fourth quarter got chippy. Carla Leite looked like she was almost about to throw hands before ending up tumbling courtside. Could this be the start of a new cold war?

Despite the grit, the Valks fell just short. Vegas took the game 78–72. That loss pushed the Valkyries below .500 again, just as the playoff door was creaking open. Meanwhile, in Chicago, it finally happened.

The Sky snapped their longest losing streak in a decade with a 78–64 win over Washington. Kamilla Cardoso and Elizabeth Williams combined for 34 points and 23 rebounds, handing the Mystics their sixth loss in eight games! Out in L.A., Cameron Brink was busy hosting a “block” party, highlighted by one flashy, volleyball-style rejection that reminded us she’s got both games in her bag. You have to see this!

The Sparks rode that energy to end Indiana’s five-game win streak, topping them 100–91 with 25 each from Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum. Also, LA might be outside the playoff picture for now, but they’ve beaten the Fever every single time this season (3-0). Just something to keep in mind.

Sydney Colson’s Gift? The Fever Squad Pulled Off the Most Iconic (Hilarious) Birthday Surprise

✨ She Got Glam! ✨

Want to hear something wild? Cameron Brink is already second in the league in stocks (steals + blocks) and she’s only played three games since coming back! That too on limited minutes. It’s insane but also kind of expected. Cam just owns everything she does. And don’t even get us started on her fits. Actually, it’s not just her; the Sparks are now straight-up ruling tunnel walks. See for yourself!

Top 3 Flex as Playoff Picture Gets Clearer

The top three are starting to make it look easy. Whether it’s New York, Minnesota, or Phoenix, the message is the same: we’re built for the postseason.

For the Liberty, Tuesday was about redemption. After getting embarrassed by Dallas on national TV, this was a get-back game. Even without Stewie, Kennedy Burke, and Nyara Sabally, they walked in as deserving favorites, and they showed it. Jonquel Jones led the Libs with 15 in the 85–76 victory.

The night still belonged to Paige Bueckers, though. The rookie lit up the Barclays Center with 21 points and handles so smooth they had us spiraling, especially this move that had the defender dancing.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, DiJonai Carrington made her Lynx debut with a quick 13. However, with Napheesa Collier out, the team felt just a little different. In the wire-to-wire game, there were 9 ties (!!) in just the second quarter. But Courtney Williams took over with a 9-0 run late that finally gave the Lynx breathing room and eventually a 91-87 win.

Then came Phoenix. As has been the case for a while, Alyssa Thomas brought the fire, and the trash talk…maybe a bit too much. Marina Mabrey literally had to cover AT’s mouth mid-argument. Check out the hilarious moment.

Nobody could shut her down on the court, though. The vet dropped another triple-double (13-12-12) as Phoenix sealed their 18th win of the season, 82-66. That’s now back-to-back triple-doubles for Thomas, and it has only been done three times in league history. More shocking…all three times by her! Scary hours for the league.

Caught in 4K?! Storm Recreate Coldplay Meme to Hilariously Expose ‘Cheater’ Sue Bird

📝 More Stories to Check Out

1. Fever Star Calls Out the Dark Side of Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese - Full Story

2. Candace Parker Rips Into the Wings After DiJonai Carrington Shines in Minnesota - Full Story

3. Caitlin Clark Not the Key to WNBA's Investment Boom, Says Insider - Full Story

4. Stephanie White’s Explosive Ref Clash Has WNBA Fans Talking - Full Story

5. Sophie Cunningham’s ROTY Verdict: Why She Thinks It’s Already Paige’s Award - 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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