^{October 13, 2025 | Edition #150}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

Pretty sure most of you (including us) are convinced, going that extra mile was the W’s story of the year. Whether it was the Aces, Fever, Lynx, Mercury, or the Valkyries, everyone had their own version of magic. And while we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the pro courts just yet, it’s time to turn the page. We’re moving on, too, but not before paying a quick tribute to what was truly a historic season.

2025 Served It All

2025 had an impossible task: live up to the historic 2024!

But if you’ve been tuned in even a little, you know…it was a success. The first full year after the WNBA truly became the main event finally comes to a close.

And, as has been the theme since last year, viewership kept breaking records. The season tipped off with the most-watched opener since 1997. Across 25 games, ESPN averaged 1.3 million viewers, up six percent from last season. The playoffs saw a 14% increase, and the Finals had 13% more viewers.

But maybe what will make 2025 unforgettable isn’t just TV numbers. This year was defined by the CBA fight.

Sure, it came down to Engelbert vs. the players, but let’s not forget the spark was lit with “Pay Us What You Owe Us” T-shirts during All-Star Weekend. Now, with the current CBA expiring October 31, the WNBPA and the league are far from a resolution, and over 100 players (half the league!) are hitting free agency, the wildest offseason in history will commence. Check out the full list of free agents here!

While that remains to be seen, whenever we talk about 2025 and history, we probably won’t be able to avoid mentioning the Golden State Valkyries. The Bay Area team re-wrote all records possible for an expansion franchise.

Meanwhile, along with viewership, another thing that seemed impossible to top was the 2024 rookie class. Well, a new standard has been set by this year’s group.

All in all, trying to capture everything 2025 gave us in words is impossible. With a new dynasty in the Aces and a new CBA upcoming, here’s hoping it’s only upwards. And that lockout stays out of the picture.

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The Soul Behind the Aces Dynasty: Becky Hammon

Don’t we almost forget how recently Becky Hammon was still in the league?

Maybe it’s because of all the greatness she’s achieved as a coach in such a short time. Or maybe it’s because “underdog” was basically her title back then. Undrafted by the WNBA, no championships despite six All-Star nods and four All-WNBA selections.

Little did anyone know she would end up creating the first dynasty of the modern WNBA. But if you watched her talking over her legendary head coach, Dan Hughes, even as a player, it was obvious: she was always meant to coach. Check this moment from 2014 out. Bonus points if you recognize Hammon’s rookie (still active in W) in the clip!

“No one ever picks me,” Becky once said. Maybe that’s why when the Spurs made her the first female NBA assistant, and years later (Dec 2021), when the Aces bet their heart (and money), it became her fuel.

Now, she’s one of four W coaches with at least three titles and the only one to win in her rookie season. Vegas will forever owe the coach who brought three titles (plus a semis trip) in just four years of her tenure. No wonder she holds a record that no WNBA or NBA coach comes close to matching. This stat will blow your mind!

More than numbers, however, what matters is that the league’s newest dynasty is a product of her creation. And still, if you ask her Aces, they won’t talk about any of this. They’ll tell you (and maybe tear up a little) about the culture she’s built.

Safe to say, the Aces are in good hands as long as Hammon is calling the shots and A’ja Wilson is taking the court for them.

Beautiful Bond! Becky Hammon and A’ja Wilson’s Embrace After Finals Win Tells the Whole Story

Welcome Back, College Basketball!

Now that the WNBA season has wrapped, you know what time it is…college hoops! With the Huskies hitting the court for the first time today (dress rehearsal vs. Boston College), SGG ranks its top five teams heading into the season:

1. UConn Huskies

The defending champs are our obvious No. 1. Sure, the post-Paige Bueckers era starts in Storrs, but Azzi Fudd steps up as the reliable leader. Add Serah Williams, fresh from the transfer portal, pairing with Sarah Strong to form a potentially lethal frontcourt. The only hiccup? The Huskies have a lot of travel. Their season opener takes them 4,180 miles away from home!

Check out where they’re headed and their full schedule.

2. UCLA Bruins

Coming in at No. 2 are the Bruins, even after losing six players in the portal. Seniors Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice anchor the team, while Sienna Betts and Gianna Kneepkens add spark. After a season that earned the program its first top seed, the expectations are sky-high, but so are the doubts.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks

Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks were runners-up last season and lost MiLaysia Fulwiley in the offseason. However, 2024 scoring leader Ta’Niya Latson joins the fold, giving the Gamecock offense a fresh, likely stronger look. Despite Chloe Kitts’ devastating ACL tear, Raven Johnson, Joyce Edwards, and freshman sensation Agot Makeer round out an exciting squad.

4. LSU Tigers

All but two of Kim Mulkey’s Tigers, who were a part of LSU’s deep postseason run, have moved on. That might not be a problem, though. Because Mulkey has a weapon that no other top team has. And this could change everything!

Plus, the Lady Tigers already have Flau’jae Johnson heading into her final season, paired with Mikaylah Williams, and the “birdie” Mulkey stole from Staley’s nest, MiLaysia Fulwiley.

5. Texas Longhorns

The SEC's top dogs made last year’s final four. But the transfer portal hit hard, taking away their 2022 recruiting class. Still, Madison Booker, Rori Harmon returning and Breya Cunningham’s arrival keep hopes alive.

These rankings are just predictions for now, and things will shift once the season starts. For now, stay tuned; we’ll be previewing teams and stars to watch in detail in every edition moving forward.

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Clark Joins her Favorites

Caitlin Clark had her second NFL outing in recent days, but this one was probably her favorite, and we get why. Clark is a lifelong Chiefs fan, so of course, watching her team play was exciting. Add in the bonus of sitting alongside her pop music idol. Here’s Clark meeting Taylor Swift and the Kelce family in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium!

Meanwhile, the Aces’ championship tour is officially underway. First stop was their NFL counterparts. A’ja Wilson & the squad had a blast as the Raiders pulled off a thrilling 10-point victory over the Titans. Catch the moment here!

1. Broadcast FINALLY Draws the Line With Swift and Clark Coverage - Full Story

2. Paige Bueckers’ All-WNBA Spot Has Fans Crying Foul Play - Full Story

3. Why It’s a Blunder For Phoenix to Build Around Alyssa Thomas - Full Story

4. All the Details on the Aces’ Championship Parade - Full Story

5. Mercury HC Drops Hint of Major Offseason Overhaul After Sweep - 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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